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
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 137 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageFebruary 7, 2025
Big improvement from original inReach Mini
This is my second inReach - replaced my original Mini with this. The Mini was actually very good - I used it to evacuate a guy from the Grand Canyon last spring - but I hated the Earthmate app and was quite disappointed that the Mini was effectively orphaned by Garmin in that ancient app. It would not communicate with my Garmin watch either. This fixes both problems - the Messenger app is much better and I get notifications on my watch. Battery life is better, it is a USB-C connection (rather than micro), it is almost as small, and still has a tiny screen if your phone dies in an emergency. I do wish the lanyard hole was larger and the device was more thoughtful about how you'd connect it/mount it/tether it to something else. Common to both devices is being on Iridium rather than Globalstar. I had a pair of Spots years ago and thought they were awful and unreliable with no for-sure confirmation that a message was received and many places in the world without coverage. InReach/Iridium is just solid and reliable everywhere. So those of you that think an iPhone is the cats pajamas for this, well it is on Globalstar. Enough said.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
February 6, 2025
Priceless Peace of Mind
The Garmin inReach Messenger is hands-down the most valuable piece of gear I carry. Whether I’m hiking, hunting, fishing, or working on a fireline during an initial attack, this device provides peace of mind when out of cell service. It’s compact, easy to use, and connects seamlessly to my phone, with fantastic battery life and affordable monthly plans that are well worth the investment for safety. One of my favorite features is the ability to send a location update every 10 minutes, which reassured my family that as long as I was moving, I was okay. Of course, you can turn this off to conserve battery when needed. The only minor downside is that occasionally, when sending a message while moving or if the device is covered, it can take longer to send, but stopping in an open area without tree cover speeds it up, so it’s not a dealbreaker. If you spend any time in the backcountry—especially solo—get a satellite communication device. The inReach Messenger is my top choice, but no matter what, having something for emergency communication is a must. Just bite the bullet and get one—it could save your life.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
February 4, 2025
Excellent product!
This is another great product from Garmin. If you’re looking to stay in touch with the family when you are out of cellular range this is a must. Easy to set up and very user friendly! As far as satellite messengers go this is the best one I’ve found.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
January 21, 2025
What I learned in the field
I purchased this for emergency situations while hunting in the mountains of Nevada. I like the ability to text my wife but I found the text option on my phone doesn’t work without cell phone coverage so I need to use my glasses to use the device at 66 years old. I have not been able to pair the messenger to my Garmin gps map unit that is only three years old.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
January 16, 2025
Impressed so far
Bought this a month ago and have used it 3-4 times. Has worked perfectly even in a pretty intense storm. Was able to contact my wife and let her know where I was and I was okay without delay.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
January 14, 2025
Amazing battery
It does exactly what it says it does. The battery lasts for weeks while tracking. It's a shame it doesn't integrate with the Earthmate app, which I like more than the Messenger app, but it gets the job done.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
November 8, 2024
Not friendly
Been trying to have friends check my course but it seems that only when I initiate it they get the message. Past inreach gave friends the ability at any time to check on me. Being able to talk to "support" has been impossible
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 25, 2024
Works when nothing else does.
I bought this unit to help coordinate rescue of my parents from Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. I was able to send and receive text messages over satellite in areas where there was no remaining cellular or internet service. There were small delays in messaging due to satellite pass over times, but nothing excessive. Overall this is a great piece of tech and made my journey much easier.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 24, 2024
Love it
I bought this about a month ago because my family spends a lot of time hunting camping and hiking in the mountains of Idaho where there is no phone service and it works great. It gives me a good peace of mind knowing I can get ahold of them (my grown son has one also) or if needed get emergency services.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 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
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