Why We Like The Garmin inReach Messenger
We venture far beyond the reaches of cell service with Garmin's inReach Messenger offering us seamless connection with family and friends to give them peace of mind while we're out clearing our own. We preset messages and check-in times, so we can spend more time exploring and less time staring at a screen. This little device does more than text, it gives us weather updates and TracBack routing to keep us prepared and on course.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator to stay in touch when out of range
- Durable housing is impact resistant and submersible up to 1 meter
- Preset messages and send confirmations for quick, reliable check-ins
- Long battery life gives up to 46 days of use between charges
- TracBack feature to retrace your steps if you get turned around
- Interactive SOS to quickly get in-touch with emergency center
- Includes inReach Messenger, Type A to Type C USB cable, and documentation
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRMF065
- Digital Compass
- yes, GPS compass while moving
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Garmin Messenger app, Bluetooth, ANT+
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium ion
- Battery Life
- [message/location sent every 30min] (full sky view) 46 days, (moderate tree cover) 23 days, [message/location sent every 10min] (full sky view) 28 days, (moderate tree cover) 14 days, [message/location sent every 2min] (full sky view) 6 days, (moderate tree cover) 3 days, [powered off] 1 year
- Dimensions
- 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9in
- Claimed Weight
- 4oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backpacking, backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding, backcountry snowshoeing, backcountry riding, cross country, nordic touring, mountaineering, climbing
- Submersible
- IPX7 (submersible up to 1m for 30min)
- Face Size
- 1 x 0.43in, 1.08in diagonal
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 128 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 19, 2024
Exactly what I need for Michigan's Upper Peninsula
I needed a device to be able to signal for help whether at my cabin or exploring the wilderness via hiking, truck, snowmobile, or ATV in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Service for cell phones is spotty or non-existent. This device is perfect for my needs.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 14, 2024
Didn’t know how much I’d love this…
My husband treated me to a two week plus trip out west for our 25th anniversary. We hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim then camped throughout many national park areas. A majority of those nights were dispersed camping with zero cell service. We needed the Garmin Messenger in the GC for check-ins to the kids/family/friends back home to let them know we were safe as well as when camping for the same purpose. Very thankful to have a reliable way to touch base with our loved ones (and check the weather as well when a storm rolled in while camping along a river). Also thankful for the SARS insurance offered. My husband became pretty sick in the GC and while we didn’t need the search and rescue I was so glad to have the option had we needed it. Works will with their Garmin Messenger app and with my Garmin Forerunner 965. Didn’t know how much we needed this device…it has brought loads of comfort! Garmin wins again!!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 14, 2024
Worked great
Works very well. Lil slow at times, but overall Worked great. Price lil high, but can cancel by month and use when needed.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 7, 2024
Great deal for a excellent product
I bought the Garmin In-Reach prior to my high Sierra deer hunt in D7. It worked flawlessly. The tracking feature let my loved ones know where and when I moved. The 150 texts are plenty for my five day trip. I think I used about 15 or 20 texts. Their added search and rescue insurance is a minimal expense for piece of mind.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 21, 2024
Frustrated
I had a problem with getting my device signed up. Garmin help was closed all Labor Day weekend and I headed into the bush early Tuesday. Unable to use the inReach messenger on my wilderness trip. Disappointing a company that prides itself on emergy response is closed on weekends and Holidays!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 20, 2024
Works Great
Even though I have this paired to my phone, my wife was able to use it on her day off hiking in Montana's Mission Mountains. She was able to message me several times and I was able to see her location with each message. this is the only time we've used it since purchasing it last week. Impressed so far. Have some sort of an issue with the plan I signed up for though. Supposed to have unlimited pre-set messages and 40 custom texts. App says I'm down to 18 messages and there is now way 22 messages have went through this device. Hoping to get this resolved with Garmin.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 20, 2024
the device is nice, but the app. sucks and is near
I returned it and bought a mini2 thinking that I only had to use explore app. I found out different. Still have to use messenger app. All videos that I see demonstrating the app, don't match what I can find after downloading the Messenger app.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 16, 2024
Savior in a Small Package
I plan on doing some serious hiking/backpacking this fall and the InReach Messenger really puts my family at ease and makes communication easy in remote locations. I think it a reasonable investment if you plan on being off grid.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 10, 2024
Works great
For the inial test, I put the device in a suitcase and put the suitcase inside my camper during a weekend trip. The device transmitted with no problems through the case and the surrounding vehicle. I expect it will work flawlessly out in the woods.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 8, 2024
Simple and Functional
Recently purchased the inReach Messenger and have used it once (so far) on a 7-day rafting/camping trip in a remote area of eastern UT. My initial impressions after one trip are that it's an impressive device with no frills features. I needed a device for two purposes: To receive weather updates when on extended trips in remote areas and to send an SOS in the event of an emergency and I wanted the ability to communicate with loved ones if/when needed. This device is excellent for those purposes. I had no issues receiving detailed and accurate weather updates and sending occasional trip updates via texts using the Messenger App. I decided to purchase the inReach Messenger over the InReach Mini 2 primarily because: (1) The Messenger has a better antenna and faster satellite uplink depending on your location; (2) It has longer battery life, especially when using all of the battery-saving features; (3) It has the option to reverse charge a phone or other small device if needed; and (4) I didn't need a device for navigation. I wanted a simple and robust emergency SOS and communication device. My only complaints are that the Messenger should include a lanyard, the default (free) message options should be expanded with more options (they're okay, but rather vague), and I wish there were more subscription options (e.g., month-to-month is great, but plans where you can pay for an extended period throughout the year would be preferable options too, for example, paying a reduced rate for 3 to 4 months at a time).
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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