GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus Review

When it comes to reliable communication in remote environments, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus offers a unique set of features that set it apart from other satellite communication devices. It’s not just about sending an SOS in a life-or-death situation—this device is designed to keep you connected even in the most isolated parts of the world, allowing for text, photo, and voice messaging without cell service. This comprehensive review will dig deeper into what makes the inReach Messenger Plus a standout, as well as the areas where it might fall short.

Key Features at a Glance

• Text, Photo, and Voice Messaging Without Cell Service
• Interactive SOS Function with 24/7 Global Response
• TracBack Routing Feature for Easy Navigation
• Live GPS Location Sharing via Satellite
• Durable Design Rated IPX7 for Water Resistance
• Up to 25 Days of Battery Life
• Dimensions: 3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″ ( 7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm)
• Weight: 4.1 oz (117.2 g)
• MSRP: $499.99
• URL: garmin.com

These features alone make the inReach Messenger Plus sound like a solid choice for adventurers, but there’s much more to it, especially when paired with GARMIN’s smartphone apps or other GARMIN devices.

Above: When paired with a smartphone, the free Garmin app allows you to customize messages, track your movement, access your contents, get localized weather reports and access to many other features.

First Impressions: Simple Yet Capable

At first glance, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus might seem a little too simplistic. It has just three navigation buttons, a small monochrome LCD display, and a dedicated SOS button. But don’t let that fool you. Once you pair it with the GARMIN Explore or GARMIN Messenger smartphone apps, it transforms into a remote communication powerhouse.

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What’s in the Box:

• inReach Messenger Plus device
• USB-C cable for charging
• Documentation

One noticeable omission is the lack of a lanyard. While GARMIN sells several lanyard options—like retractable, breakaway, and flotation lanyards—I found myself improvising with some tarred bank line. 550 cord is too thick to be practical here, so make sure you use some thin and tough cordage if you don’t want to buy an official accessory.

Above: The InReach’s tough casing ensures that it can stand up to harsh conditions without compromising it’s operability.

Performance and Features

Here’s where the inReach Messenger Plus shines: it’s incredibly versatile when paired with your smartphone, allowing you to send texts, photos, and even 30-second voice messages, all without needing any cell service. Here’s a breakdown of its most important features:

SOS and Safety Features:

One of the most crucial aspects of this device is the ability to send an interactive SOS message. If you’re in an emergency, your SOS will be routed through GARMIN’s 24/7-staffed Global Coordination Center. This isn’t just a one-way distress signal; you’ll have real-time communication with rescue teams, sharing your exact GPS coordinates via the Iridium satellite network.

Messaging and Communication:

You can send texts up to 1,600 characters directly from the device, but for a more user-friendly experience, pair it with the GARMIN Messenger app on your phone. The app supports:

• Group messaging for larger teams
• Emojis and reactions to simplify communication
• Text, photo, and voice messaging, allowing you to send more than just words

The ability to send a photo of your surroundings or a voice message explaining the situation can be game-changers in a survival scenario, helping search and rescue teams understand exactly what they’re dealing with before arriving on-site. This is something that traditional Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) don’t offer, even though they’re in a similar price range.

Navigation and Tracking:

The TracBack routing feature is another highlight. It lets you easily navigate back to your starting point if you need to retrace your steps, which can be essential if you’re caught in bad weather or disoriented in unfamiliar terrain. The device also allows you to share your live GPS location with others, so they can track your progress and location in real time.

• Navigation features:
  • TracBack routing for returning to your starting point
  • GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou satellite systems
  • High-sensitivity receiver for precise location tracking
  • GARMIN Explore app compatibility for trip planning and tracking

Battery Life and Durability:

For a device designed to keep you safe and connected in the wilderness, the inReach Messenger Plus holds up under extreme conditions. The IPX7 water rating means it can handle being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and it’s impact-resistant, making it ideal for navigating rugged environments without having to worry about damaging the device.

As for battery life, it’s impressive:

• Up to 25 days in 10-minute tracking mode
• Up to 120 hours in low-power messaging mode
• Can send up to 250 media messages on a single charge

Additionally, the device doubles as an emergency charger for your phone, a feature that might make all the difference if you’re in a remote area and your phone dies unexpectedly.

Above: A Garmin InReach connected to your phone will give you weather forecasts for your specific location.

inReach or PLB?

Some people point out that Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), which often have higher output wattages, can send a distress signal more reliably from beneath dense canopy cover. However, I haven’t found any solid evidence that PLBs outperform the inReach Messenger Plus in those scenarios. The benefit of the inReach lies in its ability to send custom messages, including photos of the emergency situation or even voice messages. This can be invaluable when rescue teams need to plan a specific extraction or know exactly what kind of equipment to bring.

Also, while a PLB requires battery replacements, the inReach Messenger Plus does not. You’ll need to activate a GARMIN subscription whenever you want to use it, but if you’re only going on occasional expeditions, this can still be less expensive than replacing a PLB battery. Plus, if you plan to use it as an everyday communication tool (as part of your EDC setup, for instance), the basic subscription tier is affordable.

Opinions

No product is perfect, and the inReach Messenger Plus does have a couple of minor downsides. First, the lack of a lanyard in the box seems like an oversight for a device that’s meant to be carried into rugged environments. Sure, you can buy one separately, but this feels like something that should come standard.

Additionally, while the device itself can send texts directly, the virtual keyboard on the monochrome display is cumbersome. If you want to message quickly, you’ll need to pre-prepare your messages or have your smartphone handy.

Final Thoughts

The GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus is a lightweight, reliable communication device that punches above its weight. While it may seem simplistic at first glance, its true power lies in its ability to pair with a smartphone and tap into GARMIN’s extensive suite of navigation and messaging apps. The ability to send photos, voice messages, and custom texts via satellite—coupled with its rugged build and excellent battery life—makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone venturing off the grid.

In summary:

• Pros:
  • Versatile messaging (text, voice, photo) without cell service
  • Long battery life and can serve as an emergency phone charger
  • Rugged and water-resistant
  • Interactive SOS with live communication via satellite
  • Compact and lightweight
• Cons:
  • No included lanyard
  • Typing messages on the device itself can be slow

For peace of mind, whether you’re hiking deep into the backcountry or just want a reliable communication tool for emergencies, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus delivers on its promises and is worth every penny.

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Written by Patrick Diedrich