Garmin

inReach Messenger

Works great. Small and compact while still being able to send messages without the app if your phone dies or gets disconnected from the device. Battery lasts a long time with regular use.

Why can't it just be easy?

It seems like garmin has gone to great lengths to make the device nearly impossible to share with your wife, son, daughter, or friend. Because they want you to purchase everyone their own device. By doing so the complexity of using it has rendered the device nearly useless. You need different apps for talking and tracking and the instructions are non-existent, unless you want to spend a couple hours searching the help site and user forums. Example- they don't tell you exactly how to use the garmin messenger app. So we assumed we both needed it on our phones to chat back and forth. Nope, that was a mistake because then the device couldn't decide which one of us it belonged to. It re-assigned itself over to my wife and when I really needed to use it in the backcountry, it was a failure. It just kept saying "assigning device to your account", or something, which it couldn't do because I had no cell service. I can't wait until satellite service for cell phones makes these expensive pieces of junk obsolete! If you are shopping for a satellite device I would recommend a different device. One that isn't so locked down by a greedy company. (Zoleo is what I'm swapping this garmin for)

Always on Me

I chose the InReach Messenger because it is more compact and has a more streamlined shape than the Mini. I found the reverse charging feature a nice bonus in case of emergencies. I have now taken the Messenger on adventures across desert trails, canyons, and open waters, usually on my harness or vest, and it has seamlessly tracked my whereabouts accurately, kept me in touch with loved ones thousands of miles away, and gave me a safety line always one button away. The basic plan costs about what you'd pay for a sixpack of beer, and it integrates perfectly with my Fenix and the iPhone. I have never used its limited screen since it's very cumbersome. The Garmin Explore website must be used for some administrative and browsing features. It uses a very dated user interface and it is extremely slow.

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.