Garmin inReach® Messenger Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging

I bought this specifically for fishing trips I take to SE Alaska where we get dropped off at old forest service dry cabins dotted around the Tongass National Forest, 20-30 miles from the nearest town so there's no cell service. This thing worked like a champ in all weather conditions - we didn't have a clear view of the sky, maybe 50% clear coverage from the North and East, the rest being tree coverage, but it was enough where we never had issues sending or receiving messages, or getting weather updates. Longest I think it ever took for a message to get out was about 10 minutes, and that was when it was raining and cloudy. The paired phone app definitely makes it really easy to utilize the device as well, so don't skip that step if you buy one of these. I very much appreciate that Garmin has two different subscription methods - yearly subscription and monthly when you need it. I use the monthly as I only need it a couple times a year, so I just suspend it between usage. Since I use the monthly subscription, it does have a yearly fee involved that the yearly subscription isn't subjected too (something like $35), but compared to $400-500 for a SIM card pre-loaded with minutes on my sat phone that barely works, and where the minutes expire in 6 months, this is a steal! My main complaint is the battery life, in reality if you're sending and receiving a couple dozen texts a day, and it's not perfectly clear skies, expect 2-3 days - this is a very minor gripe as I always come prepared with many methods to recharge my gear. Fortunately, it doesn't eat up much from my battery banks, and it charged just fine with my folding solar panels. Secondly, I haven't figured out a way to charge the device while it's turned off - as soon as I plug it in to charge, it turns on, which often defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to do. Overall, extremely pleased with this purchase, only thing that could make it better is if Garmin teamed up with one of the big satellite companies for better bandwidth so my wife can send me pictures of my dogs over the messenger!

I have had an Insight Messenger for almost two years. I used this in a remote part of Madagascar. It functioned perfectly for what it’s designed to do. It’s not for unlimited texting, but it allows essential communication. A smart phone is necessary to send texts through the Garmin InTouch, and makes it lots easier to read texts that are received. If you exceed allotted number of texts for your plan, the cost is reasonable. I did not require emergency assistance, but knowing it was available was reassuring. I use it regularly for an emergency locator when hiking in the US. The ability to directly communicate with emergency response personnel is an extremely attractive feature. Battery life is great, light weight and small. It doesn’t necessarily require a smart phone for emergencies, but the smart phone makes it much easier to use, more comforting, and generally better.

Works as advertised is perfect for if you're out on the road somewhere and you don't have cell coverage and you break down can preload your information in the garmin website, so they have all your vehicle information and tow companies, name and everything they will hope get you out of a Bind.If people have the messenger app , they can get a hold of you anytime

Yes, this did work for me while I was in the tent in the boundary water canoe area. But I can’t say that it worked perfectly or seamlessly. I would definitely practice before you get out there and make sure you understand how it will work. For example, the messages come in on a different phone number so my wife thought it was someone spamming her at first. Also, it didn’t work as easily as expected, and sometimes I had my iPhone use the passing satellite and sometimes the Garmin. So yes, it was valuable for staying in contact, but it was not a seamless experience as a new user. I did not have to use the SOS feature and that might be all someone really cares about.

Fantastic battery life, I used it for 8 days in and out of cell coverage at only used 40% of the battery. Can be used without a phone, but using a phone via Bluetooth makes things easier. Garmin has several plans to suit your needs, although you must have some plan active to use the system. Easy to set up contacts. 3 predefined messages (starting, stopping and allos well) and many customizable messages. I did not use the SOS, nor did I attempt to test it, but instructions are provided. I purchased a silicone case and that made it not slide around on my dash. The device signals when too hot or too cold, and I was pleasantly surprised that even a full day in the sun on my dash didn't cause it to complain about the heat. The devices uses your phones BT to access the Internet via it's WiFi or cellular (no Garmin fees) and only uses satellite (Garmin fees) when there is no other option for coverage. Great customer support website. Nice way to share your progress via a amp with anyone. Overall great product.

I had to replace an old InReach device (12+ years). I didn't need any features besides tracking and messaging, so I chose this one. It works very well with the mobile messenger app, and I was shocked at how well the battery lasts. At one point on a recent trip, I left it on for 4-5 days without charging it, and it was still at 91% charge.

I purchased this device for a trip to a remote island. The instructions are the most unclear I’ve ever read. It asks you to download three apps. Everything is vague. I have no idea when I am sending via satellite or through my phone number. I have no idea if I can text any number out in the middle of nowhere, and I have no idea if I have a unique number or not. None of this is spelled out, and none of the instructions are clear. I would give this negative stars if I could. Garmin needs to do better, I will never purchase another product from them. EDIT: after using this near the Canadian shield, I would rate it lower if I could. This does nothing more than an iPhone can do. No dedicated phone number, no quick messaging, no quick weather reception, a parasitic battery draw. I ended up using my iPhone to text via satellite and it also has SOS service. Save your money and don’t waste it on Garmin products.

I went on a two week trip and was alone for the most part. My family members were able to track me flawlessly wherever I went. All I did was turn on the tracking function every morning. I interfaces with the iPhone without any issues. I used the texting function a few time to try it out. What I liked about it is that it used the phone’s cellular when is was available, otherwise it would switch to satellite. I left it on for a few days and the battery still showed well over 60% charge. It doesn’t have all the functions that the Mini 2 has, but for my application, it’s more than capable and it’s $100 less. The plans are the same, so no changes there. What I also really like is the option to only get a month’s service, so I pay for when I need it, not just when it’s sitting there doing nothing. I don’t travel every month, so this works out well for me. If you’re alone out there, this is what you need. If anything happens, you have the SOS capability. The iPhone 14 and on also has this capability, but the phone is often on my motorcycle and if I’ve fallen and can’t get up (I couldn’t resist using that), the Garmin Messenger is on me at all times.

Tuve 2 mini inrech y ambos se les termina la batería en 2 o 3 hrs., uno simplemente dejó de funcionar, ya no cubría garantía desafortundadmente. Este le dura, sin problemas 78 hrs continuas, con trak de 10 mins. Esto quiere decir que si lo apagas cada noche, casi una semana sin tener que recargar... Y funciona con una app nueva que es muy facil de usar y mandar mensajes y reccibir. Otra cosa importante es que puedes enviar mensajes y en el caso que tenga Red Celular, se manda por ese medio sin gastar tus mensajes Satelitales. Automaticamente busca cualquier señal y se manda rapido.

Does exactly the job it’s meant to do. Excellent battery life and links very well with app for ease of use. Probably the best value for money of all the satellite communicators (for using in the Uk (unless you want additional features like navigation)

This is a great satellite communicator. I've taken my garmin inreach messenger on a few hikes in the mountains and never had an issue with with not being able to send and receive messages. The S.O.S feature is also an added piece of mind especially when in the mountains or out kayaking. The only downside is the initial expense with the cost of the device and the initial activation cost but the monthly plans are reasonable and can be suspended for no cost. At the end of the day my personal safety and well being was worth the expense.

Thanks - - the device arrived and it is just what I needed.

Funziona molto bene, è una sicurezza impagabile. I piani tariffari sono equi e la batteria infinita