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UOG TOP PICK: The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is a reliable and essential tool for outdoor explorers. A compact, user-friendly package combines robust satellite communication, including photos and voice messages, emergency SOS features, and excellent battery life. It offers peace of mind and even the most remote locations. A leap forward in satellite communication, a top pick.
Garmin says:
Say it. Show it. Share it.
Tell them you miss them. Show them the view. Share the experience. With an active inReach subscription, the trailblazing inReach Messenger Plus SOS satellite communicator1 lets you exchange text, photo and voice messages2 when your adventure takes you beyond mobile service range. Plus the durable design withstands extreme temperatures and the battery lasts for weeks.
Our Verdict
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is a compact yet powerful satellite communicator designed for adventurers needing reliable connectivity in remote areas where mobile signals are unavailable. It enables two-way messaging via the global Iridium satellite network, ensuring you can stay in touch even in the most isolated environments. The device works seamlessly with the Garmin Messenger app, allowing you to send and receive texts through your smartphone.
The inReach Messenger Plus has flexible subscription plans, making it ideal for multiweek trips. You can activate the subscription only when needed, though an annual fee of around £35 applies in addition to the monthly plan. Like many users, I wish there were a daily payment option instead of just monthly or yearly plans, but the cost feels justified for the security it provides.
The InReach Messenger Plus Satellite Communicator’s stand-out feature is that it can send not only text messages but also photos and 30-second voice notes. So even when you are out of signal range, you can still send pictures of your tent (sunset, nice view, whatever, we all know it will be your tent) to people back home. However, It costs additional money to send pictures or voice notes, regardless of what plan you are on
The SOS button adds an extra layer of safety, though thankfully, I’ve never had to use it. Knowing it's there provides immense reassurance for my friends and family back home and me.
A big advantage is the unlimited use of preset messages. I’ve set up regular updates like "I'm setting off," "I'm having lunch, everything is ok," and "I've arrived safely at camp" for my mum, girlfriend, and work. These updates let my family and friends know I’m safe without using my messaging quota.
Battery life is another strong point of the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus. It can last up to 110 hours in performance messaging mode. In real-world use, when I enable the tracking feature, it consumes about 15% of the battery daily, which is impressive. However, this will vary depending on how many messages you send, especially if you are sending photos.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Exchange text messages without mobile sevice
- Pair with the Garmin Messenger Smartphone App for group messaging and more
- Trigger an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response, staffed 24/7 international coordination centre
- Use the Garmin Explore smartphone app to plan your trip, track your activity and more
- Easily navigate back to where you started with Tracback Routing feature
- Use Garmin Explore app to share your GPS location with live track
- Exchange Photos - Send a selfie or share the sunset, no mobile signal required. This requires pairing with the Garmin Messenger app on your compatible smartphone.
- Exchange Voice Messages - Tell them you miss them with a 30-second voice message, no mobile phone coverage needed. This requires pairing with the Garmin Messenger app on your compatible smartphone.
- Two Way Text Messaging - Exchange text messages with up to 1,600 characters directly on the device. Connect your compatible smartphone to the Garmin Messenger app, and exchange text messages, send emojis, or start a group chat.
- Interactive SOS - Explore with peace of mind knowing you can send an interactive SOS message with your GPS coordinates to Garmin Response, a 24/7-staffed international coordination centre for help in an emergency. And, instead of relying on tower-based mobile phone coverage, your messages are sent via the 100% global iridium satellite network.
- Show Them Your Route - Share your GPS location and your route anytime with live tracking. You can also embed your GPS coordinates with your text, photo or voice messages.
- Check-In Messages - Send simple check-in messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages.
- Sync Your Contacts - Easily find your contacts with the Garmin Messenger app and your compatible smartphone.
- Seamless Connection - Use Wi-Fi wireless technology or the mobile connection of your smartphone to send messages. Once you’re beyond mobile phone service or Wi-Fi connection, the device seamlessly switches to the satellite network.
- Group Messaging - Use your smartphone and the Garmin Messenger app to send group messages.
- Control Remotely - Send and receive text messages, or trigger an interactive SOS message remotely by using select compatible Garmin products.
- On-Device Display - Use the screen to confirm that messages have been sent, send messages and read responses, even when your phone battery dies.
- GPS Accuracy - The built-in antenna automatically acquires satellites to update your latitude and longitude positions; no need to point your device directly towards the sky to find satellites
- Rugged Design - Made to operate in extreme temperatures, the compact inReach® Messenger Plus satellite communicator is tough, durable, impact-resistant and water-rated to IPX7.
- Inreach Weather - Get weather reports. You can even request forecasts for your destination.
- Tracback Routing - Use this feature to navigate back to where you started the same way you came.
- Safety Charging - Dead phone battery? Connect your phone to the device and use the device’s battery to charge it.
- Battery That Lasts - The internal, rechargeable lithium battery gives you up to 25 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode.
Specifications
- Weight: 117g
- Dimension: 7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm ( 3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″)
- Display Type: Sunlight-readable, monochrome, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
- Display Size: 2.53 x 1.1 cm 2.74 cm diagonal (1″ x 0.43″, 1.08″ diagonal)
- Display Resolution: 160 x 68 pixels
- Battery type: Rechargeable internal lithium-ion
- Sensors: GPS, GALILEO, QZSS, Beidou, Compass ,High-sensitivity receiver, GPS compass (while moving)
- Battery Life -
Up to 120 hours with a text message or location sent every 2 minutes in low power messaging mode, up to 70 hours in performance messaging mode
Up to 600 hours with a text message or location sent every 10 minutes in low power messaging mode, up to 110 hours in performance messaging mode
Up to 250 Media Messages sent on a single battery charge.
Up to 1 year when powered off
Note - Battery life estimates are with full sky view and can be significantly impacted by obstructions or tree cover.
Material & Construction
- Lens material: Chemically strengthened glass
- Water rating: IPX7
