This tiny satellite messenger lets me send texts even when I'm camping off the grid

ZDNET's key takeaways

The Garmin InReach Messenger Plus is available now for $499.99 with a $14.99/month subscription.It has a very long battery life, can charge your phone, and supports text, photo, and voice messaging.The price point is a bit steep, and unlocking full messaging functionality requires others to install the Garmin Messenger.

I grew up in the foothills of the Cascades in Washington state, and my brother and I spent more time out exploring the woods than in the house. As an adult, I still love spending time outside fly fishing, hiking, biking, and camping. Now that my oldest daughter lives in Colorado, I've expanded the areas of the country I can explore, and it's been wonderful.

Also: Garmin inReach Mini 2 review: Life-saving, ultra-compact satellite tech for your next adventure

With all the outdoor exploration, however, comes obvious safety concerns. A couple of years ago I tried out a Garmin InReach Mini 2 and felt secure knowing my family could find me if I ran into any problems while off the grid. Now, Garmin just launched its newest device, the InReach Messenger Plus, adding photo and voice messaging along with text messaging and additional features.

As we've seen with recent natural disasters, staying connected even when cellular networks are down can be critical to survival. That's why satellite phones have surged in popularity recently. Apple and Google both integrated satellite connectivity in recent devices, and Samsung will likely follow suit in 2025.

The InReach Messenger Plus is built for connectivity during emergencies, but its features go beyond that. With the new photo messaging features, you can share your experiences with family and friends in real time. These forms may not be critical to survival, but it does keep you in touch with the civilized world when you're out in remote areas. 

It can also be valuable for groups out hunting together when they need help to pack out an animal, searching for the elusive chanterelle mushroom, or just wanting to share pictures of the field of yellow you discovered in the old growth timber.

The InReach Messenger Plus is a small, red and black device that's designed to be rugged in order to protect it from the elements. You can use the Messenger Plus without a connected phone to share quick messages using the buttons on the device, but the real power is unlocked when you connect your phone and open up the Garmin Messenger app. 

The Garmin Messenger app serves as a messaging hub for text, photo, or voice communications and it features seamless connectivity. If you start out your adventure with WiFi and/or cellular connectivity and then send messages through Garmin Messenger then those networks will be used to send and receive the messages. Once those services drop out, the satellite connection will be used to continue the conversations.  

There are three consumer service plans available, starting at $14.99 per month and going up to $49.99 per month. The plans are billed monthly so you can activate a plan for seasonal use without being locked into an annual plan you may only use for three months. Unfortunately, there is an activation fee when you start a plan, so that can add up over time with regular cancellations.

Also: Give your phone satellite messaging powers with this handy device

I've taken the InReach Messenger Plus out hiking and fishing so far, and note that when I first send a message to someone, they are prompted to install the Garmin Messenger app. The message they receive doesn't come from my cell phone number, but from the Messenger Plus account.

The recipient can communicate via text without the Garmin Messenger app, but the app supports photo and voice messaging capability, so that is the preferred approach if you're planning on using it with any regularity. 

Regarding the physical device, the small display and three control buttons on the front of the 4-ounce Messenger Plus are surprisingly easy to read and use without your phone. A protected SOS button is positioned on the right side of the Messenger Plus, but I did not activate it for my review. 

USB-C is used to charge up the device, and Garmin advertises 600 hours of battery life with 10-minute tracking or messaging mode. You can even use the Messenger Plus in reverse charging mode to top up a dead cell phone so pack along a cable in case of an emergency.

ZDNET's buying advice

Garmin's InReach Messenger Plus device is an essential accessory if you spend time exploring off the grid, and want to ensure you have connectivity. The improvements to the messaging platform, such as the addition of photo and voice memo functions add valuable context to an emergency situation. The device is rugged, built to perform for long expeditions, and works reliably when switching between various modes of connectivity.