Assessment of Garmin's inReach Messenger for Communication Purposes
In the world of outdoor adventure, the Garmin inReach Messenger stands out as a compact, lightweight, and affordable satellite communication device. Designed for hikers, backpackers, solo adventurers, and remote travelers, this device offers reliable two-way satellite communication when cell coverage is unavailable.
Priced around $199, the Garmin inReach Messenger is more accessible than many satellite communication devices, though users must also budget for a mandatory subscription plan for satellite service, which can be costly over time and may deter casual or seasonal users.
The device is designed to be paired with a smartphone to leverage its more limited screen and typing interface. This pairing enhances navigation, messaging, and map viewing, compensating for the device’s small basic display and cumbersome direct typing functionality.
One of the key features of the Garmin inReach Messenger is its impressive battery life. With up to 14 days of battery life at typical usage, the device supports extended trips without frequent recharging, making it suitable for long-duration backcountry activities.
The Messenger supports GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, which helps with satellite lock in tough environments. It also uses the Iridium satellite network, providing global coverage. This combination ensures reliable satellite messaging, SOS emergency response, location tracking, and weather reporting with improved accuracy.
However, it's important to note that the Messenger does not support voice communication and is more minimalist in its capabilities than advanced satellite phones. Its navigation capabilities are also basic, making it best suited for emergency situations rather than extensive navigation.
The internal tracking on the Messenger is not the same as location tracking, which shares your location via satellite to your MapShare page. The Messenger's internal tracking automatically records its location every 10 minutes on the device, and backtracking can be accessed through the device’s menu.
Messages sent from the Messenger typically go out faster than from other Garmin inReach devices. The Messenger also boasts a more powerful transmitter and path antenna compared to other Garmin inReach devices.
In a 5-day trip with check-ins and tracking, the Messenger used less than 30% total battery. The device charges with USB-C, making it convenient for charging on the go.
In conclusion, the Garmin inReach Messenger targets serious outdoor adventurers who want a lightweight, affordable, and dependable satellite messaging device paired with a phone for enhanced usability. It is best for those who value emergency safety and communication rather than a full suite of GPS navigation or voice features and are comfortable maintaining a subscription plan for satellite connectivity.
- The Garmin inReach Messenger is a device designed for hikers, backpackers, and solo adventurers, offering reliable satellite communication when cell coverage is unavailable, priced around $199.
- This device, though requiring a mandatory subscription plan for satellite service, enhances navigation, messaging, and map viewing when paired with a smartphone.
- The Messenger supports GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and uses the Iridium satellite network, ensuring global coverage and improved accuracy in satellite messaging, SOS emergency response, location tracking, and weather reporting.
- With an impressive battery life of up to 14 days at typical usage, the Messenger supports extended trips without frequent recharging, making it suitable for long-duration backcountry activities.
- The Messenger targets serious outdoor adventurers who prioritize emergency safety and communication, providing a lightweight, affordable, and dependable satellite messaging device, although it is more minimalist in its capabilities compared to advanced satellite phones.
