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!
Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging
4.4 | 183 ratings
Price: 289.99
Last update: 07-20-2024
About this item
Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging even in areas with no cell coverage (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Send two-way messages globally; easily text back and forth directly with friends via the Garmin Messenger app, even when you’re out of cellular coverage. (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously — and have group text chats with friends and family
Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Share your GPS location (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Trigger an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC 24/7-staffed monitoring and coordination center for help in an emergency (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Optimize the way your message is sent through both cellular and satellite communication options (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Pair with select smart devices and other Garmin handhelds, wearables and marine equipment
Internal, rechargeable lithium battery gives up to 28 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode — and provides safety charging to help recover a depleted phone
Send two-way messages globally; easily text back and forth directly with friends via the Garmin Messenger app, even when you’re out of cellular coverage. (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously — and have group text chats with friends and family
Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Share your GPS location (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Trigger an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC 24/7-staffed monitoring and coordination center for help in an emergency (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Optimize the way your message is sent through both cellular and satellite communication options (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Pair with select smart devices and other Garmin handhelds, wearables and marine equipment
Internal, rechargeable lithium battery gives up to 28 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode — and provides safety charging to help recover a depleted phone
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 4 ounces |
| ASIN | B0BFBZR4KW |
| Item model number | A04354 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
182 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,962 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1 in Handheld GPS Units |
| Wireless communication technologies | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Connectivity technologies | Wireless |
| Special features | Interactive SOS Alerts, Inreach Weather Forecast Service, Two-Way Messaging, Location Sharing, Seamless ConnectionGroup Messaging, Flexible Satellite Airtime Plans, Group Messaging, Tracback Routing, Compact, Rugged Design, Safety Charging |
| Display resolution | 160 x 68 |
| Other display features | Wireless |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Color | Black |
| Whats in the box | inReach Messenger, Type A to Type C USB cable, Documentation |
| Department | mens |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Date First Available | July 20, 2022 |
Top reviews from the United States
Kyle
Worked great in Alaska
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024
M. J. Sears
This is great, but fully test it before you need it.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023Ed S.
Works when SAT phone fails
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023Amazon Customer
Very useful backpacking staple
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2023slo007
Hope it works...
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024