Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging

Ok, this great – but before you get to the review, know this. Both the user and receiver of messages MUST try it all out and simulate the scenarios you want to test. For example. Put you your phone into airplane mode, turn bluetooth on, and try and send and receive messages. Anytime you test this device, make sure your phone is in airplane mode. The garmin messenger WILL use cell service your phone if it is available. This is great as it will save you charges from garmin. The testing is important as you will learn the noises it make when you send and receive messages. You will also learn how much coverage you need, and where the device needs to be to communicate with satellites. The last thing you need to work out is what message mean. For example, when I send a “check in” message, it means I have good cell service now. If I send a “starting” message after my first one of the day it means that I am taking a break. My second “Stop of the day means I am going to sleep.OK the review. You do not need a phone to use it, but it is HIGHLY recommend. I only turn the device on and off, and start and stop tracking on the device. Everything else is done on my phone.You need a pretty good view of the sky to use, but some tree cover is acceptable. It works within in less than 10 seconds with a clear view. The people you want to communicate with will have choice. Garmin messenger OR email and text. Once a person registers with the garmin messenger app, text message will go there, rather than their phone.The battery life is good. I recommend less than 10 min ute tracking, as the battery lasts longer. I keep the device charged every night.The device can be used as a power source for a small amount of power in an emergency. I do not recommend that except in a very critical emergency.Lastly, I have never pressed the SOS button, but I did use it in a serious situation to help me get out safely. It works.

The phone app works well, and really makes this device easy to use. I took it on a 2-week trip to some very remote areas of Colorado and everything – messaging, tracking, backtrack – worked flawlessly. Be aware there is a 160 character limit per text (either incoming or outgoing). If you exceed this limit, the text will be split into as many messages as it takes. I asked my GF to send me some driving directions, rather than type them out, she simply cut and pasted them into her messenger app and sent them to me. This came in as 5-6 messages on my inReach. That was half my allowed messages for the month based on my subscription plan.

Easy to set up. Worked right off the bat. Intuitive interface. Provides peace of mind to both me and my family when my fishing ventures take me out of cell phone coverage. With the investment

Working as it should

After purchasing the Garmin, I set it up and did some basic communication tests. Everything seems to work as advertised. I will update the review after using in the wilds (hopefully just to communicate with home, and not an emergency).I wanted a belt pouch to protect the Garmin, and keep it handy for emergencies. The carabiner carry method provides no protection and allows it to annoyingly swing around from my belt hoop.I searched for days looking for a suitable pouch. Everything was too little or too big, till I found this nice pouch by USA Gear.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0711J11YQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1The fit is perfect. The Garmin easily slides in and out as needed. It provides basic protection for minor bumps and scuffs. It is the perfect pouch for the Garmin.Hopefully this will save others some time if they are shopping for a carry option