Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator
With the inReach Messenger satellite communicator, home is closer than you think (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices). Providing global two-way messaging and interactive SOS, it keeps you connected with friends and family even when you’re out of cell coverage. Use the device to check in with contacts, read and reply to their responses with preset messages and even share your GPS location data if you like. More detailed texting and group messaging are easy when using the Garmin Messenger smartphone app. Or send/receive messages by using compatible Garmin handhelds, wearables or other devices. Seamless switching between Wi-Fi wireless networking and cellular/satellite networks gives you superior connectivity and cost-efficiency for all your communications. And the on-device display gives you the ability to confirm that your message has been sent. You’ll even see a response that help is on the way in case of emergency. The communicator’s 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.
With the inReach Messenger satellite communicator, home is closer than you think (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices). Providing global two-way messaging and interactive SOS, it keeps you connected with friends and family even when you’re out of cell coverage. Use the device to check in with contacts, read and reply to their responses with preset messages and even share your GPS location data if you like. More detailed texting and group messaging are easy when using the Garmin Messenger smartphone app. Or send/receive messages by using compatible Garmin handhelds, wearables or other devices. Seamless switching between Wi-Fi wireless networking and cellular/satellite networks gives you superior connectivity and cost-efficiency for all your communications. And the on-device display gives you the ability to confirm that your message has been sent. You’ll even see a response that help is on the way in case of emergency. The communicator’s 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.
With the inReach Messenger satellite communicator, home is closer than you think (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices). Providing global two-way messaging and interactive SOS, it keeps you connected with friends and family even when you’re out of cell coverage. Use the device to check in with contacts, read and reply to their responses with preset messages and even share your GPS location data if you like. More detailed texting and group messaging are easy when using the Garmin Messenger smartphone app. Or send/receive messages by using compatible Garmin handhelds, wearables or other devices. Seamless switching between Wi-Fi wireless networking and cellular/satellite networks gives you superior connectivity and cost-efficiency for all your communications. And the on-device display gives you the ability to confirm that your message has been sent. You’ll even see a response that help is on the way in case of emergency. The communicator’s 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.
With the inReach Messenger satellite communicator, home is closer than you think (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices). Providing global two-way messaging and interactive SOS, it keeps you connected with friends and family even when you’re out of cell coverage. Use the device to check in with contacts, read and reply to their responses with preset messages and even share your GPS location data if you like. More detailed texting and group messaging are easy when using the Garmin Messenger smartphone app. Or send/receive messages by using compatible Garmin handhelds, wearables or other devices. Seamless switching between Wi-Fi wireless networking and cellular/satellite networks gives you superior connectivity and cost-efficiency for all your communications. And the on-device display gives you the ability to confirm that your message has been sent. You’ll even see a response that help is on the way in case of emergency. The communicator’s 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.
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The lowest price for Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator right now is $283.88 at Big Apple Buddy, compared across 30 retailers.
The all-time low was $283.88 on 14 June 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 14 June 2026.
Last updated at 14/06/2026 10:52:57
Garmin inReach Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging
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Garmin inReach Messenger 1.08in GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - 010-02672-00 - Black
Delivery $111.61
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Garmin Inreach Messenger Satellite Comm
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Inreach Messender Satellite Communicator Interactive Sos,
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
originally posted on garmin.com
I purchased the Messenger a month ago for the purpose of emergency notification for my upcoming off-road trip. I signed up for Freedom Safety Plan. It has a useful feature that you can suspend on a monthly basis. I tested the Messenger, and it sent notifications to contacts via satellite network. So, the device works very well. I have not used it in the field so I cannot comment on that. The setup is a bit cumbersome and may be complicated for some users. The advantage of the Messenger is a powerful battery, so it should last in the field. I have some concerns about the way it is set up. The way I understand it is that it will send the message to all contacts at once. Please, correct me if I am wrong, but this seems like a deficiency. I would like to send different ... MoreI purchased the Messenger a month ago for the purpose of emergency notification for my upcoming off-road trip. I signed up for Freedom Safety Plan. It has a useful feature that you can suspend on a monthly basis. I tested the Messenger, and it sent notifications to contacts via satellite network. So, the device works very well. I have not used it in the field so I cannot comment on that. The setup is a bit cumbersome and may be complicated for some users. The advantage of the Messenger is a powerful battery, so it should last in the field. I have some concerns about the way it is set up. The way I understand it is that it will send the message to all contacts at once. Please, correct me if I am wrong, but this seems like a deficiency. I would like to send different messages to selected contacts. I do not know how to setup to send an SOS message if I only need a recovery and do not know where to send it. Please, explain. For these reasons, I give it 4 stars and need more practical experience to upgrade to 5 stars.
originally posted on mec.ca
We bought this inReach in order to be able to send checkin messages between this and our other inReach explorer while on the trapline. I was aware of the messenger app as an option for writing longer messages but intended on using just the check in messages and quick texts. At our subarctic temperatures cell phones don't hold out very long anyway and this seemed an overly clunky way of sending a message. However, what I didn't anticipate was not being able to change the recipients of the checkin messages (from, unhelpfully, my own email address) and the quick text options without the actual app. Unlike the Explorer, you cannot sync the device to your computer. I have a smartphone, but it is an older model. It is virtually indestructible and I have no desire to ... MoreWe bought this inReach in order to be able to send checkin messages between this and our other inReach explorer while on the trapline. I was aware of the messenger app as an option for writing longer messages but intended on using just the check in messages and quick texts. At our subarctic temperatures cell phones don't hold out very long anyway and this seemed an overly clunky way of sending a message. However, what I didn't anticipate was not being able to change the recipients of the checkin messages (from, unhelpfully, my own email address) and the quick text options without the actual app. Unlike the Explorer, you cannot sync the device to your computer. I have a smartphone, but it is an older model. It is virtually indestructible and I have no desire to upgrade it, especially considering the wastefulness of such a thing. I cannot get the Garmin Messenger app on it, because it is too old. I contacted Garmin and they said, indeed the only way to Sync the device was through the app. So basically, the only option is to go to town and find someone that has a new smartphone, ask them to download the app and sync it with the inReach. This and every time we want to change the recipients for example. This seems absurd, and so unnecessary when there is an inReach Sync program that works with the Explorer to allow Syncing off of a computer. I'm really disappointed with my purchase.
originally posted on garmin.com
Cell phones were a game changer for cycling, and now the small, lightweight InReach devices are another game changer. I bought the InReach Messenger for cycling in remote areas. Even though I do mostly road rides some are in very remote areas with no cell reception for dozens of miles. Also for planed MTB rides in remote areas. I got the messenger because it is cheaper than the Mini 2 and seems to have all the features I wanted. The battery is also longer-lasting than the Mini models. I was using it one week after purchase on a remote gravel ride when we were clearly going to much later than planned and I was able to text home thru the Messenger App that we would be a couple hours late. I also set up the tracking so my wife could see where we were every 30 minutes ... MoreCell phones were a game changer for cycling, and now the small, lightweight InReach devices are another game changer. I bought the InReach Messenger for cycling in remote areas. Even though I do mostly road rides some are in very remote areas with no cell reception for dozens of miles. Also for planed MTB rides in remote areas. I got the messenger because it is cheaper than the Mini 2 and seems to have all the features I wanted. The battery is also longer-lasting than the Mini models. I was using it one week after purchase on a remote gravel ride when we were clearly going to much later than planned and I was able to text home thru the Messenger App that we would be a couple hours late. I also set up the tracking so my wife could see where we were every 30 minutes if necessary. It is small enough to fit in my cycling jersey pocket and barely notice it is there.(note that it needs a clear view to the sky for tracking to work well. burying it in a pack will not work). I subscribed to the basic Safety plan since I only plan to use it for rare texts, SOS and minimal tracking at this time. The cost of texts and tracking on the Safety plan is so small that it would take about 300 of them to add up the higher "unlimited" subscription plan. Overall it has worked great and gives me assurance I can reach someone if need be no matter where I am. I plan to carry this on car trips as well, just in case...
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Connectivity technologies | Wi-Fi |
| Human interface input | Buttons |
| Screen size | 2.74 Centimeters |
| Connectivity technology | Wi-Fi |
Garmin inReach Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin inReach Messenger 1.08in GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - 010-02672-00 - Black
Delivery $111.61
Garmin inReach Messenger Compact Satellite Communicator With GPS Black
Free delivery between 18–23 June
Garmin inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator Two Way Messaging Interactive SOS Alerts Up To 28 Days Battery
Delivery $7.95
inReach Messenger SOS satellite communicator
Delivery between 16–24 June $25
I purchased the Messenger a month ago for the purpose of emergency notification for my upcoming off-road trip. I signed up for Freedom Safety Plan. It has a useful feature that you can suspend on a monthly basis. I tested the Messenger, and it sent notifications to contacts via satellite network. So, the device works very well. I have not used it in the field so I cannot comment on that. The setup is a bit cumbersome and may be complicated for some users. The advantage of the Messenger is a powerful battery, so it should last in the field. I have some concerns about the way it is set up. The way I understand it is that it will send the message to all contacts at once. Please, correct me if I am wrong, but this seems like a deficiency. I would like to send different ... MoreI purchased the Messenger a month ago for the purpose of emergency notification for my upcoming off-road trip. I signed up for Freedom Safety Plan. It has a useful feature that you can suspend on a monthly basis. I tested the Messenger, and it sent notifications to contacts via satellite network. So, the device works very well. I have not used it in the field so I cannot comment on that. The setup is a bit cumbersome and may be complicated for some users. The advantage of the Messenger is a powerful battery, so it should last in the field. I have some concerns about the way it is set up. The way I understand it is that it will send the message to all contacts at once. Please, correct me if I am wrong, but this seems like a deficiency. I would like to send different messages to selected contacts. I do not know how to setup to send an SOS message if I only need a recovery and do not know where to send it. Please, explain. For these reasons, I give it 4 stars and need more practical experience to upgrade to 5 stars.
We bought this inReach in order to be able to send checkin messages between this and our other inReach explorer while on the trapline. I was aware of the messenger app as an option for writing longer messages but intended on using just the check in messages and quick texts. At our subarctic temperatures cell phones don't hold out very long anyway and this seemed an overly clunky way of sending a message. However, what I didn't anticipate was not being able to change the recipients of the checkin messages (from, unhelpfully, my own email address) and the quick text options without the actual app. Unlike the Explorer, you cannot sync the device to your computer. I have a smartphone, but it is an older model. It is virtually indestructible and I have no desire to ... MoreWe bought this inReach in order to be able to send checkin messages between this and our other inReach explorer while on the trapline. I was aware of the messenger app as an option for writing longer messages but intended on using just the check in messages and quick texts. At our subarctic temperatures cell phones don't hold out very long anyway and this seemed an overly clunky way of sending a message. However, what I didn't anticipate was not being able to change the recipients of the checkin messages (from, unhelpfully, my own email address) and the quick text options without the actual app. Unlike the Explorer, you cannot sync the device to your computer. I have a smartphone, but it is an older model. It is virtually indestructible and I have no desire to upgrade it, especially considering the wastefulness of such a thing. I cannot get the Garmin Messenger app on it, because it is too old. I contacted Garmin and they said, indeed the only way to Sync the device was through the app. So basically, the only option is to go to town and find someone that has a new smartphone, ask them to download the app and sync it with the inReach. This and every time we want to change the recipients for example. This seems absurd, and so unnecessary when there is an inReach Sync program that works with the Explorer to allow Syncing off of a computer. I'm really disappointed with my purchase.
Cell phones were a game changer for cycling, and now the small, lightweight InReach devices are another game changer. I bought the InReach Messenger for cycling in remote areas. Even though I do mostly road rides some are in very remote areas with no cell reception for dozens of miles. Also for planed MTB rides in remote areas. I got the messenger because it is cheaper than the Mini 2 and seems to have all the features I wanted. The battery is also longer-lasting than the Mini models. I was using it one week after purchase on a remote gravel ride when we were clearly going to much later than planned and I was able to text home thru the Messenger App that we would be a couple hours late. I also set up the tracking so my wife could see where we were every 30 minutes ... MoreCell phones were a game changer for cycling, and now the small, lightweight InReach devices are another game changer. I bought the InReach Messenger for cycling in remote areas. Even though I do mostly road rides some are in very remote areas with no cell reception for dozens of miles. Also for planed MTB rides in remote areas. I got the messenger because it is cheaper than the Mini 2 and seems to have all the features I wanted. The battery is also longer-lasting than the Mini models. I was using it one week after purchase on a remote gravel ride when we were clearly going to much later than planned and I was able to text home thru the Messenger App that we would be a couple hours late. I also set up the tracking so my wife could see where we were every 30 minutes if necessary. It is small enough to fit in my cycling jersey pocket and barely notice it is there.(note that it needs a clear view to the sky for tracking to work well. burying it in a pack will not work). I subscribed to the basic Safety plan since I only plan to use it for rare texts, SOS and minimal tracking at this time. The cost of texts and tracking on the Safety plan is so small that it would take about 300 of them to add up the higher "unlimited" subscription plan. Overall it has worked great and gives me assurance I can reach someone if need be no matter where I am. I plan to carry this on car trips as well, just in case...
I purchased the Garmin Inreach Messenger because I supervise a team of ecologists who work in rugged remote bushland. My team uses their phone apps for navigation, so they didn't need an Inreach GPS, and they have a PLB in case of a life threatening emergency. However, my staff need to be able to send messages when there's no phone reception, and the Garmin Inreach Messenger allows them to do this. It also sends track points to me at designated intervals which is very useful if a vehicle breaks down or gets bogged on an isolated fire trail. We field tested the messenger in a remote wildnerness area with no mobile phone reception and it worked very well. Battery life was excellent when sending track points back at 30 min intervals. This is a really useful device to ... MoreI purchased the Garmin Inreach Messenger because I supervise a team of ecologists who work in rugged remote bushland. My team uses their phone apps for navigation, so they didn't need an Inreach GPS, and they have a PLB in case of a life threatening emergency. However, my staff need to be able to send messages when there's no phone reception, and the Garmin Inreach Messenger allows them to do this. It also sends track points to me at designated intervals which is very useful if a vehicle breaks down or gets bogged on an isolated fire trail. We field tested the messenger in a remote wildnerness area with no mobile phone reception and it worked very well. Battery life was excellent when sending track points back at 30 min intervals. This is a really useful device to have in your kit if you're walking, riding, or working in areas with no phone reception. Highly recommended.
I just bought this unit and am in the process of learning to use it. It seems to be a great unit for use in an emergency situation. When coupled with the app on your smart phone you can send an SOS and text over satellite connection to communicate with rescuing parties. I gave only three stars just to call attention to the limitations to be aware of. I feel to be effective you would need to make sure you have a charged up cell phone. Yes, it can operate stand alone, but it has a tiny screen and you have to find the right menu and then scroll through entering one letter at a time to send a text. Tedious at best, especially if you are in a true stressful emergency. True, you can simply activate the SOS button and someone will come, but it would obviously be better if ... MoreI just bought this unit and am in the process of learning to use it. It seems to be a great unit for use in an emergency situation. When coupled with the app on your smart phone you can send an SOS and text over satellite connection to communicate with rescuing parties. I gave only three stars just to call attention to the limitations to be aware of. I feel to be effective you would need to make sure you have a charged up cell phone. Yes, it can operate stand alone, but it has a tiny screen and you have to find the right menu and then scroll through entering one letter at a time to send a text. Tedious at best, especially if you are in a true stressful emergency. True, you can simply activate the SOS button and someone will come, but it would obviously be better if you could communicate. True you can use the mini to charge your phone as long as you remember to pack along the proper connecting cable sold separately. True you can use it to text ordinary messages with family and friends, but be aware of extra charges if you exceed your selected plan limits. And keep an eye on your battery charge levels. Probably will want to pack along a battery pack. I would not count on the unit for navigation. It does have a "track back" feature, but it simply saves a point every 10 minutes if the unit is on, and automatically deletes them after 24 hours. to use it you scroll to that menu and the unit gives you a list of points by time the were taken and a direction and distance to that point. No path on a screen to follow. You cannot save or import a track. Could be useful to track back your most recent path, but pretty limited. If you activate the feature, you path will be displayed on the website and you friends and family who you give the access info to can follow, but those points cost a little and can add up over time. All in all I think it's a great unit and will accomplish what I bought if for which is to be able to call for help and communicate in an emergency. But maybe it would be worth stepping up to the mini 2 or full featured GPS
As a professional Guide in the Grand Canyon, I have been using the inReach Mini for several seasons and also used it during my section hike completion of the 800 mile Arizona Trail through some of the most remote country the Southwest has to offer. With the new Messenger coming out I wanted something that made messaging easier, while still having the ability to send an SOS in the case of an emergency. The Messenger is noticeably faster, the new larger antenna works great even in the deepest side canyons, switching to the new software platform is a breeze, and the ability to switch between cell service and satellites seamlessly is awesome. I have been using the new Messenger all Guide season and it's worked flawlessly. I even have a velcro mount to keep it on my dash ... MoreAs a professional Guide in the Grand Canyon, I have been using the inReach Mini for several seasons and also used it during my section hike completion of the 800 mile Arizona Trail through some of the most remote country the Southwest has to offer. With the new Messenger coming out I wanted something that made messaging easier, while still having the ability to send an SOS in the case of an emergency. The Messenger is noticeably faster, the new larger antenna works great even in the deepest side canyons, switching to the new software platform is a breeze, and the ability to switch between cell service and satellites seamlessly is awesome. I have been using the new Messenger all Guide season and it's worked flawlessly. I even have a velcro mount to keep it on my dash for any vehicle based emergencies when I do not have cell service. If you travel into the Wilderness, adding the Garmin inReach Messenger would be a necessary upgrade to your Backcountry kit to keep in touch with loved ones, handle emergencies, or simply extend the range of your mobile work life. Five stars all the way.
I was tossed between the InReach Messenger and the InReach Mini 2. Knowing the Messenger used the phone's connectivity when available instead of burning through the Iridium Satellite message time sold it for me. Upon receiving it, it appeared not to work.But after updating the Firmware (requires a PC), things started working great. I took this on a 12 day sailing trip across the Caribbean from Panama to Key West Florida. I paid the activation fee and signed up for the $65 Expedition package since I figured I'd send more than 40 messages. I charged it up fully before we left and then had it drop a pin every 30 minutes. During the 12 days, I sent/received over 140 messages through Iridium. When arriving in Key west, the battery still had over 15% left - not bad for ... MoreI was tossed between the InReach Messenger and the InReach Mini 2. Knowing the Messenger used the phone's connectivity when available instead of burning through the Iridium Satellite message time sold it for me. Upon receiving it, it appeared not to work.But after updating the Firmware (requires a PC), things started working great. I took this on a 12 day sailing trip across the Caribbean from Panama to Key West Florida. I paid the activation fee and signed up for the $65 Expedition package since I figured I'd send more than 40 messages. I charged it up fully before we left and then had it drop a pin every 30 minutes. During the 12 days, I sent/received over 140 messages through Iridium. When arriving in Key west, the battery still had over 15% left - not bad for 12 days. I only used it with my phone - I did not use the tiny interface. I would have given it 5 stars except for: 1) it seemed to send and receive duplicate messages on some occasions, 2) Sending a single message to a group of (say) 5 will cost you 5 messages - seems petty, 3) User manual is sadly inadequate - without a google search I would never have figured out how to upgrade the FW.
This is a great little device to keep you connected while out of cell range. I'm definitely more of a front-country user rather than someone who goes deep into the backcountry, but I still often find myself out of cell range. Having this with me in those situations gives me peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, I can contact a friend (or even SAR) for help.Set up was easy, though it did take overnight for the device to activate and update firmware. I'm not sure I made a mistake along the way or if that was normal, but I'm glad I didn't try to do it the morning before I needed it. Once connected to my phone, everything ran smoothly.Having the ability to send messages through the phone is great. It's super easy to set up custom preset messages, and ... MoreThis is a great little device to keep you connected while out of cell range. I'm definitely more of a front-country user rather than someone who goes deep into the backcountry, but I still often find myself out of cell range. Having this with me in those situations gives me peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, I can contact a friend (or even SAR) for help.Set up was easy, though it did take overnight for the device to activate and update firmware. I'm not sure I made a mistake along the way or if that was normal, but I'm glad I didn't try to do it the morning before I needed it. Once connected to my phone, everything ran smoothly.Having the ability to send messages through the phone is great. It's super easy to set up custom preset messages, and the interface is very straight forward. You can still send a message directly off the device, but it would be tedious writing it all out with the 2 arrow buttons and the "ok" button. I guess that's a good feature in case your phone dies. Speaking of which, you can plug your phone into the device and "reverse charge" your phone for a short time...hopefully that's enough to bang out that important message.I foresee taking this when I'm out recreating, but also in the car when travelling. Having connectivity when you're driving in dead spots would be a game changer if you happen to break down.
I’ve been a happy user of the original InReach device for the last ten years, since before the product was acquired by Garmin from DeLorme. It has proven extremely useful to me during that time, on trips ranging from day hiking trips up to multiple week wilderness backpacking excursions and ocean cruises. Although the device has worked very well for me, it was time to consider upgrading to a more modern device with better weight and battery life specifications. I had originally been thinking about the InReach Mini 2, but then I became aware of the InReach Messenger. It seemed to offer a feature set that matched my needs very closely, at a relatively attractive price point.After buying and using the Messenger device and the accompanying app, I have formed some ... MoreI’ve been a happy user of the original InReach device for the last ten years, since before the product was acquired by Garmin from DeLorme. It has proven extremely useful to me during that time, on trips ranging from day hiking trips up to multiple week wilderness backpacking excursions and ocean cruises. Although the device has worked very well for me, it was time to consider upgrading to a more modern device with better weight and battery life specifications. I had originally been thinking about the InReach Mini 2, but then I became aware of the InReach Messenger. It seemed to offer a feature set that matched my needs very closely, at a relatively attractive price point.After buying and using the Messenger device and the accompanying app, I have formed some initial impressions. I have a very positive impression of the hardware product, which is very lightweight and well constructed. I’ve had no problems with its operation during pairing with my phone and sending/receiving messages. However I am less satisfied with the quality of the Explore website support for Messenger, as well as some aspects of the documentation and support for the product.I had to inquire with Garmin support when I could not see any of my MapShare or contact messages appearing on the Explore map, and was quickly educated that I needed to toggle the map location icon before sending my message. I did eventually find this instruction in the online help, but as this was a change from the old Earthmate user interface, it was not obvious at first. Since the map location toggle has no text label to prompt a new user, it is pretty obscure and easy to overlook. A clearer interface and/or a better set of manual instructions could make this a lot easier.A somewhat more serious criticism concerns the interaction between messages and the Explore map and website. I noticed that once I got my messages to appear on the map, it lists the message recipient as “Not Available”. This is not very useful. Then, when I go to look at my messages on the Explore website, I see another problem. I can see the outgoing messages that I have sent from the Messenger, but NOT the incoming responses I have received from my contacts. Again, this is a problem.I again contacted Garmin support, but the response I got was not satisfying. (The response was sort of scripted-sounding from someone with a limited command of idiomatic English.) The support response was basically that these “features” are the way it is supposed to work! I found this incredible. The message tab on the Explore website is labeled “INBOX”, but supposedly it is normal that it contains no incoming messages, only outgoing! That’s nuts. Plus the INBOX still contains my past ten years of incoming messages received through the classic InReach/Earthmate, so it’s pretty silly to have the Messenger incapable of doing the same. In a similar vein, the Explore map gives recipient information on my older messages just fine; it is only the new Messenger messages that show “Not Available” as recipient.The impression one gets from using the Messenger is that it is a very well made piece of equipment whose software and integration with the Explore online services still needs more work. I’m looking forward to getting a lot of good use out of the Messenger, but I’m hopeful that there will be some improvements in the online segment that will bring it into line with my previous InReach experience.
First off, this is a great little device. It is light for the battery life and features it packs, and it won’t be leaving my side when mountain/trail running, back packing, mountain biking or ski touring for the foreseeable future. The soft touch is nice, the design is mostly well thought out and easy to use, and the safety features it packs are very competitive and make both me and my family and friends feel safer when I head out into the back country, especially when alone. In the currently market for this sort of device, I would buy one again (I use my Fenix 7 for GPS functionality and this only as a SOS messenger).So then why only three stars? Garmin did a lot of things right with this device but they also made me really, really mad. This device is 300$, which ... MoreFirst off, this is a great little device. It is light for the battery life and features it packs, and it won’t be leaving my side when mountain/trail running, back packing, mountain biking or ski touring for the foreseeable future. The soft touch is nice, the design is mostly well thought out and easy to use, and the safety features it packs are very competitive and make both me and my family and friends feel safer when I head out into the back country, especially when alone. In the currently market for this sort of device, I would buy one again (I use my Fenix 7 for GPS functionality and this only as a SOS messenger).So then why only three stars? Garmin did a lot of things right with this device but they also made me really, really mad. This device is 300$, which give all that I said above is in my estimate a fair price for it’s quality. However, the actually messaging and tracking features require a service, from Garmin, that costs another 15$ a month for the lowest end service. If you use this device for a full year, it will cost 180$ to operate. I find it highly predatory that Garmin markets this as a life saving device, which it can be, but then hides that functionality under a pay wall AFTER you payed the money for the device. I can however see Garmin arguing that maintaining it’s communications hardware costs more money and this is how they pass it down to the consumer. However, I think it is a cold move to include that SOS functionality in the subscription. Finally, it costs an additional 35$ to “activate” the device for the first time which is just Garmin being greedy because they know they have you between a rock and a hard place.With all that being said, as of writing this I would still recommend this device for it’s added safety features and quality. However, I hope that a competitor comes along with something equally compelling but less predatory so that Garmin is forced to changes some of the ways that they do business.
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Connectivity technologies | Wi-Fi |
| Human interface input | Buttons |
| Screen size | 2.74 Centimeters |
| Connectivity technology | Wi-Fi |
