Garmin InReach Messenger

Same but different - The Garmin Messenger is very much like the inReach mini but strips off the navigation features in exchange for something more like a mini modem. And that's the point - this device is reliant on your phone to do all the heavy lifting. In fact, it can reverse charge your phone so you can get out that last important message if your phone happens to die. There's a new messenger app that helps organize group texts for trips and the app will seamlessly transfer your existing InReach account over to the messenger device. Most importantly, you can get twice the battery life out of…

This device comes in $100 less than the mini and it's clear the target audience would less likely be backpackers and more likely car campers. It's about the same size, a tiny bit heavier. There are some great features here that will be spilling over to the mini with an upcoming firmware update. With no obvious antennae, it will be interesting to see how well this device will lock into satellites in a pack pocket. There is no lanyard included with the messenger but there is an attachment point.

The new messenger app makes it easy to share your track and customize the device but there is no mapview within the app.

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