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
Great way to keep family up to date
on May 24, 2023
Posted by: Anonymous
from Woodstock, GA, US
Works great, I wish the subscription wasn't quite so high but it worked great in the North Georgia mountains where I had no cell signal. I didn't need the SOS function thankfully but I did use the messaging to keep in touch with my wife and the weather function to get the weather for the days I was out there.
I currently just got the month to month subscription since I will not be needing it often but there's videos on YouTube that break down the subscription options and can help you determine where the break even point is for you.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Great as a single satelite communications device.
on May 8, 2023
Posted by: Doug D
I have an InReach Mini, and a Mini 2, which have advantages as navigation aids, but are not nearly as solid with the communication side of things. With the new messenger app, I can communicate more easily, and the battery life on this device is long enough that I'll feel comfortable for weeks in the backcountry without the ability to recharge.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Backcountry Insurance
on April 21, 2023
Posted by: Ryan K
I need the means to communicate with family and resources when im off grid in the backcountry. It's especially reassuring having kids with me. I did some research on available producks and chose the garmin messenger. It had extended battery life, don't ever have to worry about a charge on a week long hunting trip. I lime the features of SOS, weather and tagging my location on messages. I already use my iphone for mapping and pairing the device to my phone was easy, didnt even use instructions. The Garmin Messenger app is easy to use and sign up for. The sunscription ans are also reasonable and offer different plans to best suit your needs. I look forward to putting it to use in a few months.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
on February 16, 2023
Posted by: Robert G
It's expensive for sure, especially tacking on the subscription costs and SAR insurance, but having been severely injured previously without an SOS button, I'm very happy to have this device, especially in the US where cell reception isn't guaranteed. Fortunately haven't used the SOS feature yet, but the messaging system, pairing it with a smartphone works quite well and satellite connection has been established always in under five minutes. Good piece of kit to have.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
The Perfect Hunting Companion
on February 1, 2023
Posted by: Dylan P
from Winnipeg, MB, CA
I really like the extended battery life on this unit, don't ever have to worry about a charge on a week long hunting trip. This is perfect if you already use your phone for mapping and don't have a need for the extra weight of a full GPSMAP unit. The Garmin Messenger app was easy to use and sign up for. Overall I like the idea of a global communication device and while satellite communicators are still emerging Garmin seems to be the best implementation so far.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Could be a lifesaver
on December 23, 2022
Posted by: Howard T
Great product with incredible features. I feel safer out hunting knowing I can send people my location, let them know I'm ok and if worst comes to worst call for help anywhere in the world
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
A Must Have for Backcountry Safety.
on October 11, 2022
Posted by: Cheyenne W
from Bozeman, MT, US
Finally got my hands on the new Garmin InReach Messenger this weekend for a last minute hunting trip. Safe to say that I will never travel without an SOS device again. This thing gave me such a sense of security and safety while in the backcountry and allowed me to sty in touch with my friends and family 24/7. Best past is that I only went though 4% of the battery life in a single day. Could not recommend enough.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Always on Me
on March 27, 2025
Posted by: Manuel C
I chose the InReach Messenger because it is more compact and has a more streamlined shape than the Mini. I found the reverse charging feature a nice bonus in case of emergencies.
I have now taken the Messenger on adventures across desert trails, canyons, and open waters, usually on my harness or vest, and it has seamlessly tracked my whereabouts accurately, kept me in touch with loved ones thousands of miles away, and gave me a safety line always one button away.
The basic plan costs about what you'd pay for a sixpack of beer, and it integrates perfectly with my Fenix and the iPhone. I have never used its limited screen since it's very cumbersome.
The Garmin Explore website must be used for some administrative and browsing features. It uses a very dated user interface and it is extremely slow.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
