Garmin InReach Messenger Review

Bikepacking often takes us to remote areas with limited cell coverage. If something unfortunate happens to you or a group member, knowing you can communicate to get help is reassuring. Satellite messengers are nothing new, but they've gone through many refinements over the years. In our latest video review, Neil digs into the new Garmin InReach Messenger and discusses why he likes it over the InReach Mini.
This video was supported by Teravail Tires. Lean more about the Teravail Rutland here: www.teravail.com/product/tera...
Outline
Intro: 0:00
Specs: 0:51
GPS: 2:12
Battery: 3:36
App: 5:29
Messeges: 6:52
Tracking: 8:23
Weather: 9:16
Navigation: 10:07
Pricing/Plans: 10:52
Related Links:
BIKEPACKING WITH A SATELLITE MESSENGER - bikepacking.com/plan/garmin-i...
BUY INREACH MESSENGER - bit.ly/3KAJ9Bo
Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: bikepacking.com/stories/annou...
#bikepacking #pedalfurther #InReach
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::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko ( / neil_beltchenko )
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam

[@jimswms]

Great, concise review. I love that you used a well used device. Shows that it's actually, well, used, unlike most "reviews".

[@backcountryFLcyclist]

Thanks for the great detailed review. I have the inReach Mini 2 and I love it. I live near a state forest where there isn't cell signal so I take my inReach with me on every ride in the event I break down or have a medical issue. I do wish Garmin would allow the middle plan to send tracks in shorter intervals than 10 mins though. I always pair it with my iPhone and that is how my wife and I communicate on day long rides.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Agreed, I wish they had a tracking heavy plan, where the messages are more limited. Thanks for watching.

[@aobrien529919]

Appreciate the review, thorough but not dragged out. Recently purchased the InReach Messenger and this video really helped explain it's features. Definitely not crazy about the subscription price/activation fee but the device will give my SO piece of mind when travel to remote locations.

[@joshhicks8874]

in-depth.. tells me what I need to know.. no wasteful yapping.. nerdy. 10/10 again. great vid!

[@ottoschwandt6527]

Just bought messenger, heading out to Montana, family trip to Glacier. Stay tuned.....Update - device works great! Great tracking as we drove to Big Sky Montana. Today, will use while hiking.

[@samcampbell850]

I like how your hat says S O S for this episode! Lol. Cheers.

[@dbgfwbe1497]

Got a Messenger, very happy with that. Very fast and reliable. Great connection with Fenix7X. Amazing battery. Thank you for your review.

[@alexsheehan4617]

Great video, Neil! I'm still using an InReach Explorer. Wish it had better battery life and was lighter and smaller (in that order), but since it works fine otherwise I'm not yet ready to purchase something new. Thanks again for these helpful reviews and hope you have a great 2023. Cheers,

[@marcellopacifici]

Another excellent review, thank you Neil

[@sagehiker]

Satellite network does make a difference. Iridium is superior. I have a Zoleo since their launch. Like it but the Garmin messenger has some advantages except the Zoleo app is a better in messaging via the phone. Great review. I have an iPhone 14 and the sat SOS is not anywhere near as capable as a full on sat messenger. Yet.

[@reeceholmes8546]

cool piece of tech, could be a life saver, thanks Neil

[@KevinKeys]

Great devices for piece of mine on those way back bike exploration routes.

[@wildwindjersey]

That was very helpful. Thanks

[@jonwattsmusic]

Thanks for the helpful video! I've looked everywhere for an answer to this question, and still can't find anyone talking about it! Sometimes I trek with my wife, and sometimes one of us goes backpackin solo. Is there a way to unpair the inreach messenger from my phone and pair it with her phone instead so she can take it out when I'm not with her? Thanks in advance!

[@spencergiles72]

I am using the original Garmin InReach Mini. Why? Because it works perfectly fine and always has for years. I don't use the tracking features ever so I just keep it off in my bag no matter the activity (skiing, backcountry touring, bikepacking, gravel rides, hiking, backpacking, road trips, etc). When I want to send a check-in, I just power it on, let it get connected and send my message. Works great!

[@crevasse5396]

OK so let's say you go out on a trip and die. How would anybody know where you are if tracking is not on? Not that it matters much, you're dead, but tracking would likely pinpoint your carcass for disposal vs consumption by wild animals. Seems like you should be using the #2 feature the device provides, after SOS which you wouldn't be able to use.

[@fatbikejamie]

I'm still using my Delorme InReach. Why? It still works (great, too) and it was on a crazy sale because it was in stock somewhere long after Garmin bought them and had their own version. Fortunately thenold Delorme units are still supported... and working great! 😎

[@barrybogart5436]

Garmin said my original InReach could NOT be fixed. So I got a SPOT. But my original SPOT still does work.

[@daianeluise3808]

Thank you so much!!!

[@JoeWierenga]

How do you carry it on your bike? It looks like it doesn't have any attachment or mounting points. Are you able to give it a clear eyeline to the sky? Or do you have to keep it in a bag?

[@crevasse5396]

I do wish there was some sort of pouch or clip like Mini have to keep it on my person. If I got thrown off my bike and am unable to move, how do I get over to the Messenger on my bike to hit the SOS button?

[@malHHkenny]

A star chart navigation feature in the app would be great entertainment around the campfire.

[@benhikescamps]

Great video and review. Clear and honest! Definitely thinking of getting one. Can the little Messenger screen get basic text weather updates or do you have to have the Garmin app for that? Thanks from the UK - Ben 👍🇬🇧

[@alliwonn]

Dumb question - when tracking my location, does that send to everyone in your contact list? How can I share my tracking intervals to others in my contact list? I want to provide my location when touring but I’m not sure who is getting the notifications when I hit “start tracking” - thanks!

[@TroyOnTrails]

So where do you carry it? The lack of any mount or loops for a strap make it challenging on a bike. Otherwise, it's very compelling.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Troy, good question. I should have mentioned that I almost always carry it in my hip pack, which means it usually is on its side, and works. It also has a little spot for a lanyard in the corner, but I doubt that would help much. For ultra racing, this thing is a game changer.

[@russelljelly]

Hello, could you please elaborate on how this is a game changer for ultras?

[@ebhkkc1]

I will still take my InReach Explorer..Way too many options for me...Love Garmin for always coming out with new products that enable like minded friends many choices to fit their needs.

[@imrankz7527]

Do the receiver have to pay for messages replied and do they need to download the app as well? Thanks!

[@SetszawA]

Where does it states that there is an upfront cost of 30USD to activate the device? I'm deciding to buy this or the inReach mini 2 but that cost is not mention for neither of those at their web page. Does any one who have use any of these can confirm this?

[@robertnowak949]

Can I pair it with phone and also connect with Foretrex 801 via Ant+ So I can have it kimd off on both?

[@mhuggi]

I do not have a satellite device but I have a new iPhone that has a Satellite function. The function can be used in an emergency and you can be tracked via the Find My app (Haven’t done this yet). This seems to me to be a potential replacement for these separate devices. Am I missing something?

[@calledtoserveinpanama]

You’re missing the ability to send/receive messages when there is no cell coverage. Maybe the iPhone will offer this feature in the future.

[@gwmtnbiker]

Is there a way to secure this to the outside of my bags.? The mini has a reliable clip.

[@benhikescamps]

I was wondering this too

[@nendinosaurus]

looking forward to a motorola defy satellite link review/comparison with this one

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I’m waiting from them to become available! I’ll buy one asap.

[@du3223]

⁠@@BIKEPACKINGcomI’m waiting to see if they still work after the parent company’s bankruptcy!

[@TimR123]

Nice review. Too bad Garmin is refusing to let the Messenger app support anything other than next gen devices contrary to their launch announcement. GPSMAP 66i? Nope. But the nearly identical 67i, sure. :-( Bad Garmin. Oh, and they will have to use something other than Dark Sky. Apple is shutting it down. API access shut down end of March if I recall correctly

[@outbackwack368]

I like the Messenger, but I'm still using the original In-Reach and have no intention of dropping another $300

[@malHHkenny]

Looks like it wants to live in a zipper sandwich bag when you're not using it. (Or maybe nick-name the thing "Sandy") Invasion of the covered ports.

[@user-zp9eb8yz3s]

in reach messenger...never worked and now I'm on the hook to pay $25 monthly for a year! No help from garmin, but they want their monthly payment! garbage!

[@OhadELM]

First comment! Woo hoo Garmin sucks

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

hahaha true that xD

[@OhadELM]

But Neil, you're awesome

[@dublplus3332]

Is there a monthly or weekly service plan? I would only use this thing like twice a year.

[@SetszawA]

According to its webpage there are various options for monthly subscription.