Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Average customer rating
4.3
(255 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 255 reviews
5 Stars
160
4 Stars
50
3 Stars
20
2 Stars
15
1 Star
10
Customer Reviews for Garmin - inReach Messenger 1.08" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
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
Simple to use and works great!
on January 26, 2023
Posted by: GatorDoc
I spent alot of time researching the various other messenger devices but the simplicity of the Garmin combined with the reliability of the iridium satellite network was perfect. I gave used it offshore fishing twice and it's done everything I've asked it to do. Minimal delay in messenges. My wife is no longer angry when I return to the dock because she has been updated on our whereabouts throughout the day.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 27, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
InReach Messenger Drawbacks
on January 19, 2023
Posted by: Rubber_Duck
So far we are very disappointed with the Messenger. We transitioned from an original Inreach Mini, so we have some valid basis for comparison. The buttons are too difficult to push, the documentation is lacking, and actual "in the field" use is not very intuitive. I wish we had our Mini back.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 26, 2023
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Perfect safety blanket
on January 19, 2023
Posted by: Jeremyfishes2
This device has worked great so far the gps was dead on , and the tracking was too. It is perfect for my wife as she can see my exact location, mine is set to every two hours it sends her my location. The texting is great too the last trip my side x side broke down probably 15 miles from cell service. I was able to message her via the inreach and it saved a long walk . Messages between us also show my location. It’s definitely a game changer when out solo for multiple days to long hunting trips with zero cellphone signal ..
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 26, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great barebones SOS/GPS device
on January 17, 2023
Posted by: Mitch95
I bought this for a splitboarding/camping trip in Tahoe national forest. It was great for keeping in to touch with family, as cell service was spotty at best. I went with the messenger because I already have a fenix 7 sapphire watch, and the integration was seemless.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 17, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Great size but missing featues
on January 16, 2023
Posted by: Cody D
Used the device a few times now. Messaging is good. The weather feature has only worked on my initial attempt. It currently won't pull down a weather report. After several days I will get a notice that the weather report was unsuccessful and I am told I won't be charged. I am just used to seeing "no forecast". As much as I try, it won't fetch a weather report. The Messenger App works well for messaging and device control. I miss that it does not integrate tracking into a map application like Explore. You can view your track on the Explore website (if you are in network coverage) but no integration with the App for offline mapping/tracking. Battery life seems about as promised, based on burn rate for multiday trips. Never attempted to go out to the full 28 days yet. Reverse charging is a neat feature. If the weather worked better and if tracking would integrate with a mobile app, this would be a 5 star product. Just OK for now.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 17, 2023
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Extremely Disappointing
on January 13, 2023
Posted by: John1028
I thought the check in messages could be customized prior to a trip. It seems garmin ended this feature in September and now you can only use their 3 presets. I feel like I got robbed as I read prior to purchase you could customize your presets. Extremely disappointed in garmin for going backwards in functionality. Everything else is great about the device.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, January 13, 2023
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin