Garmin inReach Messenger Evaluation
The Garmin inReach Messenger is a satellite messaging device that caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable, affordable, and long-lasting communication solution for their adventures. With a focus on satellite communication and emergency connectivity, the Messenger offers a range of features that make it an ideal choice for casual hikers, day-trippers, and those venturing into areas with limited or no cell coverage.
One of the key strengths of the Garmin inReach Messenger is its affordability. Priced around $300, it is less expensive than the newer Messenger Plus ($500), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
The Messenger pairs with smartphones using Garmin's Messenger app, allowing global messaging, SOS, and group chats beyond cell coverage areas. The app automatically switches between internet, cellular, and satellite networks for seamless connectivity.
However, the device itself has very basic navigation with only a tiny screen and five buttons. Users typically rely on smartphone navigation apps like Gaia GPS for detailed maps and routing. This makes the Messenger an excellent choice for those who prioritise satellite communication and emergency connectivity over advanced navigation features.
The Messenger offers impressive battery life (up to 600 hours on low power), enough to send numerous text messages, photos, and voice memos, and can even reverse-charge a smartphone in a pinch. It is primarily designed for two-way satellite texting with pre-set and custom messages, plus emergency SOS functions, but lacks voice calling or a dedicated phone number.
The Messenger's performance in heavy canopy is more reliable than other devices, thanks to its more powerful transmitter and path antenna. It also supports GPS + Galileo + BeiDou + QZSS, which helps with satellite lock in tough environments.
In contrast, users requiring serious GPS navigation on-device or voice calls may prefer different models or accompanying apps. However, for those seeking an affordable, long-lasting satellite messaging device that can work alongside their smartphones, the Garmin inReach Messenger is an excellent choice.
The Messenger records its location every 10 minutes when powered on and connected to satellites, making it an essential tool for tracking your journey. It uses the Iridium satellite network, providing coverage on 100% of the globe.
In summary, the Garmin inReach Messenger is ideal for those who prioritise satellite communication and emergency connectivity over advanced navigation features, particularly casual or ultralight backpackers, hikers, hunters, or small groups who want an affordable backup communication device that can work alongside their smartphones.
- The Garmin inReach Messenger, an affordable satellite messaging device, is a suitable choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize satellite communication and emergency connectivity during their outdoor activities like camping and hiking.
- Pairing with smartphones through the Garmin Messenger app, the device offers global messaging, SOS, and group chats beyond cell coverage areas, automatically switching between internet, cellular, and satellite networks for uninterrupted connectivity.
- Although the Messenger has basic navigation features with a small screen and few buttons, users typically rely on smartphone navigation apps like Gaia GPS for detailed maps and routing.
- With impressive battery life and the ability to reverse-charge a smartphone, the Messenger is primarily designed for two-way satellite texting, pre-set and custom messages, and emergency SOS functions, but lacks voice calling or a dedicated phone number.
- The Messenger's performance in heavy canopy is more reliable than other devices due to its powerful transmitter and path antenna, and it supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS + Galileo + BeiDou + QZSS), helping with satellite lock in tough environments.
