After Garmin shrunk down the inReach into the inReach Mini in 2002 (and the Mini 2 in 2022), they followed it up with the inReach Messenger in 2022. Just like the Mini, It was built for those who wanted a quick and easy way to reach loved ones when they’re without cellular coverage. The inReach Messenger provided seamless satellite communication either as a standalone device or when paired to the Garmin Messenger companion app for smartphones. Today, Garmin has improved it further with the inReach Messenger Plus.

In the event of an emergency, the inReach Messenger Plus and Garmin Messenger app can send an interactive SOS text message to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7-staffed international emergency assistance coordination center. Photo and voice messages can also be shared during an SOS, giving response coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency firsthand. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of users globally for communication and peace of mind, Garmin inReach satellite technology has contributed to more than 14,500 SOS activations being responded to, resulting in many lives being saved.

“The new and enhanced messaging capabilities of the inReach Messenger Plus gives users a more personal and emotional way to communicate with friends and family when cell service isn’t available. Tell your family you’ll be home late, send a photo of the epic view to your friends or simply exchange voice messages to hear the person on the other end of the line. Plus, with a rechargeable battery that can last for weeks, safety charging to help restore a depleted phone and the ability to trigger an SOS message, the inReach Messenger Plus is an invaluable tool for any adventure.”

— Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales

Enhanced messaging and navigation

When paired with the Garmin Messenger app, users can message via Wi-Fi® or the cellular connection of their compatible smartphone when available. When out of cell service range, the Messenger app will automatically switch to satellite technology. On or off the grid, the inReach Messenger Plus offers many new and enhanced messaging and navigation capabilities to keep users connected, including:

Photo sharing: Show your adventures by sending a selfie from the summit or a photo of your view of the sunset.
Voice messages: When a text isn’t enough, use your voice to check in to tell friends and family they’re missed or reassure them that you’re safe by exchanging 30-second voice messages.
Two-way group text messaging: Send text messages with up to 1,600 characters individually on the device, or use the Garmin Messenger app to exchange text messages, send emojis, react to messages or start a group chat.
Interactive SOS: Explore with peace of mind knowing that in case of an emergency, an interactive SOS message can be triggered. Once an SOS is activated, text, photo and voice messages can be exchanged with response coordinators, who will provide updates on the status of the response effort.
Route sharing: Share your GPS location and route anytime with live tracking. GPS coordinates can also be embedded into a text, photo or voice message.
Off-grid navigation: Plan the trip, see the track, save an activity and view a course highlight showing the remaining distance to your destination when paired with the Garmin Explore™ app on a compatible smartphone.
Check the weather: Get weather reports and forecasts1 for your location or destination delivered directly to the device or to the Garmin Messenger app.

Rugged, durable and built for adventure, the inReach Messenger Plus features a compact and lightweight design that fits in the palm of your hand. Temperature resistant and water rated to IPX7, it can withstand incidental water exposure up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

The internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 600 hours of battery life with a text message or location sent every 10 minutes in low-power messaging mode, and depending on usage or tracking modes, a fully charged battery can last for weeks to months – up to a full year. Plus, with safety charging to help restore a depleted phone, simply connect the inReach Messenger Plus to a smartphone for enough charge to send custom text messages from the Messenger app.

Available now, the inReach Messenger Plus has a suggested retail price of $679.99 Canadian. An active satellite subscription is required to communicate using an inReach Messenger Plus. Monthly subscription plans are available for as little as $14.99 per month.