inReach Messenger
Warning: California Proposition 65
Why We Like The Garmin inReach Messenger
We venture far beyond the reaches of cell service with Garmin's inReach Messenger offering us seamless connection with family and friends to give them peace of mind while we're out clearing our own. We preset messages and check-in times, so we can spend more time exploring and less time staring at a screen. This little device does more than text, it gives us weather updates and TracBack routing to keep us prepared and on course.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator to stay in touch when out of range
- Durable housing is impact resistant and submersible up to 1 meter
- Preset messages and send confirmations for quick, reliable check-ins
- Long battery life gives up to 46 days of use between charges
- TracBack feature to retrace your steps if you get turned around
- Interactive SOS to quickly get in-touch with emergency center
- Includes inReach Messenger, Type A to Type C USB cable, and documentation
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRMF065
- Digital Compass
- yes, GPS compass while moving
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Garmin Messenger app, Bluetooth, ANT+
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium ion
- Battery Life
- [message/location sent every 30min] (full sky view) 46 days, (moderate tree cover) 23 days, [message/location sent every 10min] (full sky view) 28 days, (moderate tree cover) 14 days, [message/location sent every 2min] (full sky view) 6 days, (moderate tree cover) 3 days, [powered off] 1 year
- Dimensions
- 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9in
- Claimed Weight
- 4oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backpacking, backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding, backcountry snowshoeing, backcountry riding, cross country, nordic touring, mountaineering, climbing
- Submersible
- IPX7 (submersible up to 1m for 30min)
- Face Size
- 1 x 0.43in, 1.08in diagonal
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 216 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The device is a reliable and useful tool for remote communication and tracking. Users praised its excellent battery life, easy-to-use app, and effective messaging and SOS features. While some noted a learning curve, the device worked well for outdoor activities in areas without cell service. Positive features include the ability to reverse charge a phone and integrate with other devices. Some users wished for more customization options. Overall, the device appears to be a valuable tool for remote communication and emergency preparedness.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 17, 2025
Tough to navigate
Not very easy to use. Tutorials are a challenge they have a number of apts that work with a number of devices not straight forward to pin point what is required. Biggest challenge with sharing tracking information. Small buttons to toggle back and forth. Yes used in conjunction with phone is helpful. Not totally pleased.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 15, 2025
Great for keeping in touch and/or getting help
I had no intention of needing to use this but after going camping without any cell reception, we got a message about a family member who had been hospitalized. Although it wasn't great news, it was better to know than not know. Originally purchased for my 19 year old's solo road trip, which she is currently on, to make me feel better about her hiking alone in unknown areas without cell reception. So far, so good!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 6, 2025
Great for off the grid
I bought this a month ago and just set it up and subscribed to the apps. Still trying to figure it all out but seems fairly simple
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 27, 2025
Great Product
inReach Messenger is a great little tool to keep in your bag at all times! Works great in all areas; Ive used mine in deep backcountry and still able to send/receive messages. Sleek design, lightweight, and holds a long charge. Easy to use, especially if you link it to your phone.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
June 19, 2025
Just what I was looking for
For my use cases, this unit is perfect. It's better than my ACR PLB because I can text with the "rescuers". And it performs well enough standalone without a phone should my phone die. Tested with communicating with Apple and Android devices and it works. Battery life is good. NOTE: tell your contacts to watch for texts from numbers they are not familiar with.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 17, 2025
Inreach Messenger
I sold my Messenger, seems like every time I went to use it I had to re-connect it to my phone. I replaced it with 67i
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 16, 2025
Battery life sucks
I bought this for mission trips into Haiti. The advertised battery life of 28 days was never, there. My unit lost 15_20% per day. Because of the unrest I had to charge it every other day.,
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 13, 2025
No problems.
I purchased the inReach just before a Canada fishing trip where we're out of connectivity range. The setup is straightforward. Once I dotted the I's and crossed the T's, the device worked perfectly. Evenings at fish camp I turned on the inReach and turned on the phone and the connections just sort of happened. In no time I was texting with my wife. Wait times were barely noticeable. Everything worked as described by Garmin. The unit is easy to use and affordable. Five stars.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 12, 2025
Works like a dream
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Bought this for my husband and I to use in the backcountry. It is intuitive and reliable. Note, you will need to get a subscription to Garmin's services to send messages. It can be pricey if you send several comms each trip.
May 20, 2025
Still getting used to it
It’s taking me some practice to learn the features like track back. My quick messages didn’t go through, but probably something I did wrong in setup. I like being able to see my route & milage on my URL.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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