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The inReach Messenger is an excellent choice for efficient, reliable communication.
Garmin says:
Home is closer than you think.
If you’re venturing off the grid, this small, rugged satellite communicator goes beyond the limits of mobile networks to keep friends and family in reach with two-way text messaging.
Our Verdict
The Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator is a compact, robust device that keeps you connected off-grid with seamless satellite messaging. Built with outdoor durability, it offers two-way texting, weather updates, and a critical SOS function over the Iridium satellite network. With up to 28 days of battery life and a reverse charging capability, the inReach Messenger lasts through extended trips and can also work as a battery pack to recharge your phone if it dies.
Flexible subscription plans make the inReach Messenger ideal for multi-week adventures. You can activate the subscription only as needed, although an annual access fee of around £35 is required alongside monthly plans. A daily payment option would make short trips more economical, yet the pricing feels justified for the reassurance it provides. Knowing that the SOS button is there is peace of mind for yourself and loved ones back home, and for that alone, I feel this is worth the money.
Another significant advantage is the device’s unlimited preset messaging feature. It enables quick and, most importantly, free messages to friends and family, such as"Setting off," "Lunch break," and "Safely at camp," letting them know you are safe without using your message allocation.
- 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
- On-Device display to confirm your message has been sent
- Easily navigate back to where you started with the Tracback Routing feature
- Get up to 28 days battery life
- Send simple check-in messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages
- Easily find your contacts with the Garmin Messenger app and your compatible smartphone
- Send and receive text messages, or trigger an interactive SOS message remotely by using select compatible Garmin products
- Get weather reports. You can even request forecasts for your destinations
- Use this feature to navigate back to where you started the same way you came
- This compact and lightweight device is tough, durable, impact-resistant and water-rated to IPX7
- Dead phone battery? Connect your phone to the device and use the device’s battery to charge it
Specifications
- Weight: 115g
- Dimension: 7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm (3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″)
- 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, QZSS,High-sensitivity receiver, GPS compass (while moving)
- Battery Life: Up to 28 days with a message or location sent every 10 minutes with full sky view; up to 14 days with moderate tree cover. Up to 6 days with a message or location sent every 2 minutes with full sky view; up to 3 days with moderate tree cover. Up to 46 days with a message or location sent every 30 minutes with full sky view; up to 23 days with moderate tree cover. Up to 1 year when powered off.
Material & Construction
- Lens material: Chemically strengthened glass
- Water rating: IPX7
