Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Average customer rating
4.3
(204 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 204 reviews
5 Stars
127
4 Stars
41
3 Stars
15
2 Stars
14
1 Star
7
Customer Reviews for Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Customer Rating
5
Ease of use
on December 3, 2023
Posted by: Clinton H
This is a great devices to add some addition safety when in the backcountry. The device is extremely easy to use and the overall experience has been great. I have used it while climbing in areas where there is no service and have felt great with the ability to contact loved ones and let people know that I am safe. Having the added ability to call for help gives everyone a better piece of mind.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
on November 26, 2023
Posted by: Jennifer J
I bought this as I was going to be doing some solo hiking in Scotland and I wanted something with global connectivity. I haven't utilized all of its functions yet, but so far I think it works well. The phone app is a good addition as it's hard to text on the actual unit. Battery seems to last long. Wish Garmin made an actual holder for it though. It's difficult to attach it to your bag or person though, so most of the time I just kept it in my coat pocket.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Compact necessity
on November 17, 2023
Posted by: Anonymous
I've been looking at the various competition along with the messenger for a while now. Glad that I settled on the Garmin InReach Messenger. Compact, tough, easy to use especially with the app. Like other reviewers, I do wish plan subscriptions were cheaper, but it's still cheap insurance to me. Hopefully better plans & deals on the device itself become available in the future. No doubt when Apple allow satellite messaging on their latest iPhones...
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Peace of Mind
on October 30, 2023
Posted by: Eric A
The setup was easy, the plans are flexible, and the coverage has been flawless when I have used it. My family appreciates the peace of mind knowing that I can be rescued when I am way off the grid on my own either hiking, climbing, or hunting. I appreciate that they can reach me in case of an emergency at home. Peace of mind.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Device is great, plans are not.
on October 10, 2023
Posted by: Christopher K
from Ocean Beach, CA, US
I have used the Garmin Inreach on 5 trips so far and have loved the ability to communicate with the family when in the backcountry. It also gives my wife and the parents of the Scouts I go with piece of mind. That being said, I do not love the Usage Plans. I am either not using it at all and paying for it or I am using it alot and paying more for it. Oh well...
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Good stuff
on October 4, 2023
Posted by: brent W
Great tool. Simple. Works great. I wish I could change the quick texts (the unlimited ones). They are not customizable on the messenger.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Works great and is really small and light!
on September 20, 2023
Posted by: Dylan A
from Livermore Falls, ME, US
It does exactly what it is advertised to do! Ot pairs with my Fenix 7x Saphire. My only complaint is that the messaging plans should be much cheaper, but I knew that before I bought it, and I still pay for the plans!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
InReach Messenger works great!
on September 20, 2023
Posted by: Anonymous
Bought InReach Messenger August 2023 to use flying and remote hikes. I have used it in house, car, airplane, and pocket. It transmits without issue even in my pocket with multiple layers of clothes over top. Orientation of unit doesn't seem to matter either... sideways, upside down, whatever. In sub freezing temps or flying I keep it in my pocket. Above freezing it lives in my backpack pocket, just stuff it in a side pocket and no issues. Screen on unit works well for starting tracking without turning on phone. The tracking feature allows me to deviate from my flight plan and not worry. On a borrowed InReach Mini battery would go down 10% a day for my use. The messenger seems to be about 3% a day for my use. Very happy with battery life.
Minor negatives that i've noticed so far are that if the unit is on and then you turn your phone on you have to turn messenger off and on again to get phone to connect. Also the texts remaining is not accurate when on satellite system. Also cannot upgrade to unlimited texts while on satellite system.
Overall I love it. Texting is prompt. Wife is able to pull up map and see exactly where i'm at... no more trying to interpret maps and notes.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin