For those that question if this device is worth it. 100 percent yes. Lucky my buddy had one of these when i had a major accident in the middle of nowhere. Garmin sent a lifeflight to pick me up. They stated had we called 911, they would have sent the sherriffs office and local closest medical rescue, which would have taken hours to get to us. Helicopter took an hour as they had another call they were on. It was a 15 minute helicopter ride to the er vs hours waiting then hours getting out of the wilderness. This device will save your life when needed.

I see the iPhone satellite feature as a great addition to the iPhone, but it’s a bit like the torch. You are very happy to have it when you didn’t expect to need it, but if you are planning an activity that needs a torch, you are still going to pack a dedicated torch.

We use Garmin In Reach devices for search and rescue operations in wilderness areas. Each person picks one up at base camp and tests it before setting out to their designated area of responsibility. Additionally, We set up cellular repeaters (provided by the cell companies) throughout the search area, but even that may fail in wildfire smoke or in valleys below the repeater. Crews can send updates over the In Reach device if they find the missing person or if anyone sustained injuries. Then when everyone returns to base camp we upload their GPS data (from the In Reach devices) onto a map database to help organize and track areas that were searched.

Love the inreach device.. I do a lot of outdoor recreation activities here in Colorado and it definitely puts me in areas where I have absolutely zero cell service no coverage whatsoever. Also with my job I'm also in areas without service throughout the week so to be able to have the ability to reach out to family or friends for me is a must and that's where the Garmin really shines.. I have had to use it a few times while out elk hunting and also had to use it once to call in on an emergency situation that I came across out in the middle of nowhere on the highway during work hours. Also like the fact that the inreach unit is its own individual device which means I don't have to rely on my cell phone I could easily send messages from the Garmin unit itself. Every time I'm out in the backcountry my phone pretty much stays in the pack protected from falls or any kind of mishaps. The Garmin device is usually clipped on the backpack somewhere near their shoulder strap or on a strap inside of the pack at the top so it can send a clear signal if needed while it's stowed away. I understand that the Garmin isn't for everyone not everybody wants to pay an additional price for subscriptions or separate units to me can't put a price on life. Now I know that may seem a little dramatic for some but I would hate to rely on something that really hasn't been tested globally or rely on a device that also doubles as ones main line of communication..cell phone... Maybe iPhone services do work well but then again I will never know because I am not an iPhone user.

You are the best resource for all things tech outside. And some things inside. Amazing content as usual!

This is one of the best information/review videos I’ve ever seen on KZfaq, excellent job with speed and brevity

This summer I was using my iPhone for navigating in the mountains and deserts of Spain and Portugal. Once the temperature raised above 40 degrees Celsius, the iPhone stopped working.... For that reason, the iPhone is not reliable enough for emergency reasons in all kind of situations. Luckily we had our TomTom as backup ☺️.... In my opinion, dedicated devices are the choice to go for if reliability is important.

Just bought. Thanks for the review!

I wonder if Apple will have a way to test their system. I believe Garmin does, where you fill in a request on their website and are then able to test the SOS feature. I personally wouldn’t trust a system I couldn’t test. Could be worth mentioning in future videos.

Garmin has an additional annual cost for insurance to cover evacuation expenses. It’s like $20/yr. I read some horror stories about $50,000 bills for helicopter evac that made it a no brainer. Not sure how apple has that part covered.

Great review. Everyone should have a primary and secondary option - never rely on one solution. People who rely on that one item to keep them safe, odds are that item will fail.

Given the lousy cell coverage here in Germany outside the cities, Garmin might be the better alternative. Lol. Thanks for your great explanations on both devices.

Nice work Dr. Rainmaker!

Never going to use this but still interesting to see how this works. Thnx

Very good overview of the new Messenger and the discussion of Apple. I think that Apple has much bigger plans as they contracted for 85% of Globalstar's bandwidth. You don't need that for the occasional lost family that hits the SOS.

Very cool and informative comparison. Also direct and too the point. Great video. Other product "reviewers" that insist on a 2:00 opening with their theme song/promo video, integrated story of their pets, photo montage of random internet photos, etc. could learn something from this review. The point that there is two different, viable markets with two different purposes/use is a really good point as I think that a lot of people may falsely assume that the Garmin and iPhone products/services have more overlap than they do.

Good video. I think showing how the back-track on the device works and even coordinating with Garmin to demonstrate the SOS functionality would make it even better.

Interesting video. I am looking for something smaller for my 2023 AT thru hike. I have the Garmin Montana 700i and while awesome, it's big and has options I don't think I'll need on my hike. I like this new in Reach messenger but curious how the weather updates look on the iphone? Besides tracking and SOS, getting detailed weather forecasts/updates would be critical to me. Any chance you could get a screen shot of a weather forecast?

Cool device, I'm in the market for an inreach type device for backpacking. There are alot of options out there and Apple has there new satellite connectivity communication with the Ultra watch. I heard T-mobile might enable phones for satellite communication. I'm hoping for some news soon. I was also wondering what gear you brought backpacking if you are willing to share your adventure that would be awesome or just a gear load out, lol. Thank You

As a Newfoundlander, great info on what works best for localized adventures like your Father In-law.

Very helpful - thanks! Seems like Inreach Mini 2 plus the messenger app is the best solution here in Oz; we'd heard about the iPhone 14, but not that service was only available in parts of North America. (I think the number of spurious callouts will increase exponentially once that's out.) Agree totally that the Garmin plans and options are a nightmare - just like cell phone plans. :-(

“Quick text: urgent need more beer!” This is a must!!!!!

I decided to go for a PLB instead, because I am only interested in a 2nd chance in an emergency situation. No subscription fee, works all over the planet.

Great review thanks Ray.👍🏼

Apple don’t offer the satellite SOS in Australia so I think the Garmin Messenger may be the way to go. Was looking at the Bivy Stick but I’m definitely a Garmin fan so might have to choose the Messenger instead. Thanks for the info.

The reassuring part of the inReach is that if you loose or break your phone, you still have the inReach. I also have my inReach and phone tethered to me to hopefully minimize the risk of loosing them while out backpacking.

Super helpful. Excellent explanation.

Thanks for the excellent review.

I like the comment on the inReach -- It just works.

With Hurricane Ian rolling across Florida right now, I bet there's a lot of people down there would love to have either one of those devices right about now.

Great explanation, thank you

Great device. Amazing you can charge up phone if necessary to revive it.

i Got an old working Inreach using AA-batteries, a bit clumsy but no problem in my Running vest

I would always choose the dedicated device if I want to trust on it. Sadly there is no option for a one time fee in case of an emergency. I do have cell reception in almost all cases, so the chance I would benefit from an inReach device is almost zero. For me the Apple solutions seems to be more of a gimmick that will mostly help people who are lost because of being completely unprepared, not injured. Try to hold a phone in a certain direction for a while just to send an sos message when you are injured..

At firs I thought it's a bathroom scale 😂🤣.

Hey It's a great video I really love it

Probably the only thing which I would like to get incorporated into this amazing device is a torch ...to be activated when I need to find the Messenger in my backpack. 🙂Jokes aside, is an amazing device, super fast and very reliable, amazing battery. Always with me. Great

I ended up going with a more traditional PLB for events that require them but these more consumer friendly ones with messenger like functionality are appealing.

Thanks! What would be the difference between Inreach Messenger and Inreach Mini? Especially when you can't use your phone at all.

Garmin designer 1: Let's make it look like drug dealing weighing scales. Garmin Designer 2: Great idea, let's do it!

Thanks for the helpful video! I've looked everywhere for an answer to this question, and still can't find anyone talking about it! Sometimes I trek with my wife, and sometimes one of us goes backpackin solo. Is there a way to unpair the inreach messenger from my phone and pair it with her phone instead so she can take it out when I'm not with her? Thanks in advance!

Do you happen to know which is the best mapping option (Earthmate or Explore) if I don't need the advantages of the mini? (i.e. battery life, weight)

Does the new Garmin messenger allow you to see your current position lat/long on screen from the unit itself? It didn't seem to from your video walkthrough? On the inreach this is found under the "location" menu item but this seems to be missing (unless it is under "settings" now?)

Are people asking that question? Apple is a good ICE system but if you think you might need it use a specific emergency device. I would mainly wonder if this or the mini 2 is the better choice.

I swapped my old Spot for an InReach so I could get feedback that the message went through and if clarification was needed. I can see I case where a party member is lost and you are calling in S&R. Ray - do you know if the Apple service will give two way comms?

I didn't really understand the difference between the Inrach Mini and the Messenger. I also have a foretrex 601 and forerunner so not too sure what my best SOS option is ?

Just want to know the Messenger can also send message to e-mail address or only to cell phone number and iridium device?

I still don’t understand what the big difference is between this and the Inreach mini?

I use the in reach off shore on a boat. Garmin subscription is pennies compared to a Satellite Phone.

I've heard some concerns about third-party access to messages sent through the Iridium satellite network. What steps does Garmin take to ensure the security and privacy of customer messages?garmin can read my conversation or no ?

Ray, when are you joining us for a parkrun at the bos...?

Thanks, I better reactivate my inReach Mini.

The tracking feature is the deal-maker on the garmin, I'm not worried nearly about using SOS if I'm still conscious. Having someone able to see that I've not moved for the last 4 hours is much more of the use case I'm looking for

Are the messages from the inreach app sent directly to an iPhone message or does the receiver need to have the app as well? Also when someone texts the Garmin inreach do they text a specific contact or as I mentioned is this all through the app?

Interesting video and thanks for the heads-up. I’ve just downloaded the messenger app and when I try to pair my GPSMap 66i, I get a message to say that the 66i is not compatible.

Was there any mention of how others can track you when you use Messenger? e.g. Mapshare or similar This is critical for my application as I may not be able to send an sos message.

How does it differ from the Inreach mini

Any word if incident detection will finally be able to get connected to the inreach (like how the 945lte will connect to Garmin to ask for help)

Only downside (a little) is lack of Multiband GNSS as in new Fenix 7 Pro line and GPS Map 67 and above. Gives way better accuracy and quick fix

How does compare to the SPOT then?

Would you have also some more comparison about how is this Inreach messenger different than inreach mini2? Thanks

Can you clarify the differences between the mini 2 and the messenger?

Wow I love this

Garmin Messenger app is incompatible with Inreach Mini 2 in Australia at time of writing.

Question! Can I have it paired with my phone and also connested with Foretrex 801 on my wrist? Or only one of those devices? Need to know as deciding point for me

Hi, If I want to send a message with the InReach Messenger, does the recipient need to have the Messenger app installed and a Garmin account? Because if I open the Messenger app and go on "New message", there is only me and an invite option. "Invite" basicly does send the recipient a link to the App Store for the app.

Seems primarily geared towards (group) expeditions and communications beyond emergencies. The seemless transition of this device between WiFi/Cellular and Iridium means that in case Wifi and cellular connection though smartphone are unavailable, both outbound and inbound messages will fall back to a required inreach satellite plan. Possibly expensive unless you're on a Expedition plan. I'll stick to my Inreach Mini (1) with Safety plan for personal emergencies during bike trips.

The Garmin product sounds like a very good product that will serve almost anybody's needs. Apple not so much.

Is it bluetooth paired to Phone when you put the phone Airplane mode? Edit: I saw the bluetooth was on

As someone in a country with 95+% cell coverage, I was surprised how many people use inReach. Then I looked at the cell coverage of the US. So anyway, if I were to be in a situation where I wander off to non-covered places a lot, I'd definitely buy a trusted inReach and pay that few bucks for my ease of mind. I'm not against Apple or anything, but even down the road, I'd consider the iPhone only as a backup (which is AWESOME to have, kudos to Apple). My reason for this is a) battery life (I know, I can turn off the device to save energy, as Dave said in His video, but turning off an SOS device seems crazy), and b) sturdiness. If something happens, a device on me likely gets a hit. if the big screen dies, there are no buttons to press. I'm surprised, how underemphasized this is in the reviews. But maybe it is just me.

@9:00 - Wait, if that same service fee covers them figuring out what your problem is, this is much better value as you can cut your therapist session costs.

Does the Messenger have the same gps chipset as the Inreach versions? Great presentation, I really enjoyed it.

I'd like to know more about the comparison to the inReach Mini 2? We bought one this past summer for my son to use on the Colorado Trail and it worked great. But it's $100 more than the Messenger. It looks like the Messenger does virtually the exact same thing, other than the Mini 2 having a bit larger display. He didn't use it for navigation as he had the Far Out app and a map. It seems the Mini 2 has a much smaller use case now when compared to the cheaper Messenger. Thoughts?

Complete shot in the dark. With the IPhone 14 being capable of emergency satellite communication, could Garmin leverage this and just create a separate subscription for this? If not, hopefully, Apple could see potential in this as well. It would be great to even have a limited (texts per month) subscription service.

Great to see Quechua clothes getting interest with their great value / price

Are the inReach Messenger plans the same as with the Mini?

You mention on the video you were listing the devices compatible with messenger app but it’s nowhere to be found..

Thank you

Need to go Tom hanks in Cast Away to make use of that longer battery life.

So if you're exchanging texts using the in reach messenger with the app on your phone, when a responce comes back to you, will it come through on your phone through the app and not as a standard text message? Meaning you would have to stay on the app for the duration of the conversation. Very good video and very interested in this device

How does it work for recipients of messages? Do they need to have the Messenger app installed or do does it work some other way (i.e. the message is delivered via SMS or they get a link that they can use to access the information)?

I just tried to use the Messenger app with my inReach Mini2 and got a messages that the device was not supported.

I spoke to Garmin this morning, first DC has more information than they do, basically if you want a connection to mapping of any kind you need the mini 2 or up. This is made to compete with Zoleo or Bivy stick and they want to give you mapping. He had no time line on firmware updates. So for my money the Mini 2 for 100 dollars more is the better decision as we will get mapping connections(explorer app) and messenger connections.(once firmware) I love the extra battery on the Messenger but not enough to give up mapping. I asked about the now I think 3 year old 66i replacement. Of course no information maybe DC has heard rumors of that being replaced?

Can someone text you without you texting them first. In other words, does the Messenger have a SMS number? The Delorme (now Garmin) inReach devices required you to text first in order for someone to reach you. For instance, the Zoleo has a phone number so that anyone can text you as if you had a phone.

Does the inReach Messenger provide the same detail satellite weather on both the device itself and its dedicated app, plus which one is superior? The inReach mini or inReach messenger? I'm getting one for my expedition in the Karakoram's in Pakistan.

Interesting: on the official Garmin intro video for Messenger, in the fine print it says "Unless you send a message via satellite communication, the recipient must have the Garmin Messenger on their phone to receive your message." This "seamless" communication matrix between cellular and satellite modes on one axis, and between phone numbers (SMS), email/mapshare, and inReach accounts on the other, might all end up being fairly complex.

Great video, could you confirm exactly which InReach devices are supported with the new Garmin Messenger app?

inReach Mini 2 not supported by the new message app. This sucks, it just came out a year ago or so.

Just tried with my Mini 2... "inReach Mini 2 is not supported" when I tried pairing to the iOS app

Which iPhones are compatible with the Messenger?

"You do not have a subscription, would you like to subscribe?" "Fill out your credit card information" "Cannot send SOS".

So why would I pick the messenger over the Inreach mini 2?

Dude, it would have been better to do a comparrison between the messenger and the Zoleo.

Mini 2 vs the messenger, if you could only have one which would it be?

Missed the key point: Messenger cannot send emails directly (can ONLY send emails [well, not via your usual email address, but one created by Inreach] to devices with the Garmin Messenger app loaded, e.g., recipients have to accept an invitation and load software , whereas the rest of the Inreach devices send emails in the usual manner (e.g., don't require recipient to download an app.) Just got my Messenger today, sending it back this afternoon.

Are there maps available for your phone that sync with the messenger device ?

Ray, did I miss your inReach mini 2 review? I can’t find it but you are reviewing the equivalent of an inReach mini2 Enduro.

How does Garmin handle inactive subscriptions if SOS is pressed? I’m wondering how Apple will handle the same thing after the 2 years are up. Do they charge you a steep penalty once used, or do they just let the feature not work and deal with the bad PR issues?

Does it work with the Fenix 6?

Daft question. Does the messenger app work with the inteach mini 2 to give same functionality?