Garmin inReach Messenger Offers Off-Grid Emergency Connectivity

According to Garmin, the inReach Messenger Plus goes beyond cell service as the two-way satellite communicator has a lithium-ion battery that can last for 600 hours. The device can be used as a stand-alone tool or paired with a smartphone app, allowing the sharing of group texts, photos, and voice messages along with location information. 

The device has the ability to send an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response, an emergency assistance coordination center that is staffed 24/7. According to Garmin, inReach has contributed to more than 14,500 SOS activations.

“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," Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales of enhanced messaging and navigation, said in a statement. "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.”

In addition to the long-lasting battery, Garmin notes that when out of cell service range, the Messenger app will automatically switch to satellite technology. The device can send 30-second voice messages or texts with up to 1,600 characters, as well as emojis.

The inReach Messenger Plus can also be used to check weather and operate as a fully functional, stand-alone, palm-sized device. When paired with the Garmin Explore app on a compatible smartphone, inReach can be used to plan a trip, seek the route, and view a course showing the remaining distance to your destination.

The unit is temperature resistant and able to withstand incidental water exposure of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, according to Garmin.

The inReach Messenger Plus has a suggested retail price of $499.99. An active satellite subscription ($14.99 per month) is required to communicate using the device.

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