Question 1

Will the Messenger transmit and receive through overhead obstructions like a tent roof?

Accepted Answer

Garmin plays it safe and conservative with their messaging so you won't get a real world answer from them. I have been using InReach devices since 2018 in varied backcountry environments - mountains, river valleys, deep narrow canyons, forests, open desert. In a lightweight backpacking type tent with a clear view of the sky, with the device kept *outside* of your pack - it will send and receive messages & SOS similarly to how it would sitting outside. I commonly hang the device on loops inside my tent and it works totally fine. A layer of  silnylon, DCF material, etc. does not substantially block Iridium satellite reception. What will be a problem is if you keep the device buried in your pack and inside your tent - then you have multiple material layers and possibly metal frames and such in the way. This will make satellite reception either bad or impossible. A lot of negative reviews of this device stem from user error such as keeping it buried inside a pack. Any dense tree cover or narrow, tall canyon walls in your direct overhead vicinity will cause delays in reception, but this has never been an actual impediment to use. It's likely your messages still get across, they will just take longer time (say an hour, or two - instead of a few minutes). Ultimately my experience is these things work better than Garmin claims and the only time I've had real bonafide reception problems was in the deepest parts of a slot canyon in southern Utah. There's your answer from a real world user.

Question 2

What are the various monthly charges please?

Accepted Answer

15 a month and 12x12 if paying for a full year.

Then there's also a 30 dollar activation fee 35 dollar program fee and each message is 50 cents with 160 characters counting as one message.

Sounds super excessive unless you do Iron Man or do training in very remote areas.

Question 3

Can an external antenna be attached (like a sat phone uses) to work inside of a vehicle or building?

Accepted Answer

There is not an external antenna, must be outside with a clear view of the sky.

For more information please view our Support Center, https://support.garmin.com/en-US/. You can also contact Product Support or email us at product.support@garmin.com. Thanks Jenny

Question 4

Does it come with own cellular number or email address like in Zoleo ? That you can give it out to others to contact you ?

Accepted Answer

Your inReach® Messenger device sends and receives text messages using the Iridium® satellite network. You can send messages to an SMS phone number, an email address, or another device that uses inReach technology. Each message you send includes your location details where allowed.

For more information please view our Support Center, https://support.garmin.com/en-US/. You can also contact Product Support or email us at product.support@garmin.com. Thanks Jenny

ASIN	B0BFBZR4KW
Additional Features	Group Messaging, Interactive SOS Alerts, Location Sharing, Seamless ConnectionGroup Messaging, Two-Way Messaging
Audio Output Mode	Digital
Battery Average Life	28 days
Best Sellers Rank	#7,024 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #11 in Handheld GPS Units #62 in GPS Trackers
Brand	Garmin
Built-In Media	inReach Messenger, Type A to Type C USB cable, Documentation
Compatible Devices	Smartphone
Compatible with Vehicle Type	Any Vehicle Type
Connectivity Protocol	Wi-Fi
Connectivity Technology	ANT+, Bluetooth
Control Method	Push Button
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (432)
Display Type	Sunlight-readable, Monochrome, Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP)
Global Trade Identification Number	00753759292355
Human-Interface Input	Buttons
Item Dimensions L x W x H	2.5"L x 0.9"W x 3.1"H
Item Type Name	Handhelp GPS
Item Weight	4 ounces
Manufacturer	Garmin
Map Types	North America
Mfr Part Number	010-02672-00
Model Name	inReach Messenger
Model Number	A04354
Model Year	2022
Mounting Type	Handheld
Operating System	Garmin OS
Resolution	160 x 68
Screen Size	2.74 centimeters
Sport Type	Outdoor Lifestyle
Supported Satellite Navigation System	BeiDou, GPS, Galileo, QZSS
Touch Screen Type	Resistive
UPC	753759292355
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	1 year limited warranty

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

Details

Details

Description

Specifications

Common Questions