Garmin just released a serious upgrade to their line of satellite communicators with the inReach Messenger Plus. This latest release from Garmin has some interesting new features designed to keep you connected with more than just basic text messages. It will allow photos, voice messages, and long form texts to be sent enabling a call for help or to send an update when you’re away from any signal.
Any seasoned hunter or outdoors enthusiast knows that peace can turn to panic in seconds if things go sideways. That’s where the inReach series from Garmin come in. The original Garmin inReach was already a must have for me, offering 160 character satellite messages and SOS capabilities. Now, Garmin has taken it further by letting you send images, longer texts, and even voice messages, so rescuers or family know exactly what’s going on.
I have used the older inReach model on several hunting trips in New Zealand. There’s no phone service in the mountains and a slip or fall could be deadly without being able to call help. I find the ability to message family members back home in Australia that I’m ok and to check everything’s ok with them while I’m away priceless. Being able to send your exact location, condition, and the kind of terrain rescuers will face getting to you is a neat feature to have. With the Messenger Plus, that’s exactly what you are able to communicate by sending an actual picture of your injury or a quick voice message if the situation’s complex.
Adding voice and photo capabilities is a pretty big step up with this satellite tech. With the Messenger Plus an imagine accompanying an SOS would show the condition and surrounding landscape you are in, which is a lot better than just coordinates on a map. And while new iPhone’s now offer limited satellite texting, Garmin’s already reliable and durable system has stepped up. A fully charged Messenger Plus, even in low power mode, can last up to 600 hours and handle 250 messages before needing a recharge, perfect for multi day trips where charging options are limited. I carry a small portable battery pack with gear so I always have the option to recharge my inReach if needed.
At $500 for the Garmin Messenger Plus and a subscription that starts at $15 a month, it’s not exactly a cheap setup. But these devices are an investment in safety. After all, reliable satellite communication can be invaluable.
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