Any use the Garmin InReach?

Jerry Daschofsky

Jerry Daschofsky

The fishing camp cook
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With my current medicals, I am looking into those satellite GPS and SOS. I don't want one of a big satellite phone (i know they aren't as big as the old ones I had years ago). I talked to a couple of my buddies who were guides in remote AK and all of them had them from the lodge they worked for. I can find the Garmin InReach 2 pretty cheap. They have the 3 version a little more. I know Garmin as the inReach Explorer+, but don't need that much.

So anyone use them. Other to look into? I'm still another couple months before I'll be able to fish, so time to look into it. Plus I'll be putting a couple rods up to buy in the Garmin. Screenshot_20251227_204850_Facebook.jpgScreenshot_20251227_204958_Amazon Shopping.jpg
 
I'm curious about the Garmin InReach. I don't have that or any kind of personal rescue beacon.

I think the next time I upgrade my cell phone, it will have the ability to connect to a satellite. If I could send texts or call 911 from anywhere, that would be enough for me.
 
Zak said:
I'm curious about the Garmin InReach. I don't have that or any kind of personal rescue beacon.

I think the next time I upgrade my cell phone, it will have the ability to connect to a satellite. If I could send texts or call 911 from anywhere, that would be enough for me.
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They have a Garmin that acts direct to your phone. The Garmin inReach® Messenger Plus. As of right now that messenger is $100 more that needs the phone working with it.
 
Jerry Daschofsky said:
They have a Garmin that acts direct to your phone. The Garmin inReach® Messenger Plus. As of right now that messenger is $100 more that needs the phone working with it.
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The inreach mini 2 uses Bluetooth to work with my phone via a free app on my phone. It makes typing the messages much, much easier than the tiny little T9 text display on the Garmin unit. But doing it straight from the Garmin can be done. It’s just annoyingly clunky to type any custom message. You can also send pre-programmed messages like, “I’m fine but will be late.”
 
Matt B said:
The inreach mini 2 uses Bluetooth to work with my phone via a free app on my phone. It makes typing the messages much, much easier than the tiny little T9 text display on the Garmin unit. But doing it straight from the Garmin can be done. It’s just annoyingly clunky to type any custom message. You can also send pre-programmed messages like, “I’m fine but will be late.”
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Thank for that info.
 
Zak said:
I think the newest Pixel phones and IPhones can communicate via satellite, no Garmin required. I'm like 4 generations of phone behind.
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From my understanding, those built-in ones aren't nearly as reliable as the Garmin and Zoleo dedicated systems.

I personally have a Zoleo and have been very happy with it. I use it to text while offshore. I personally haven't used the InReach but went with the Zoleo based on a lot of reading up on both and the Zoleo being the easier of the two go do basic texting with.

I think both options would do an awesome job though. Probably not wrong to go with either.
 
Evan B said:
From my understanding, those built-in ones aren't nearly as reliable as the Garmin and Zoleo dedicated systems.

I personally have a Zoleo and have been very happy with it. I use it to text while offshore. I personally haven't used the InReach but went with the Zoleo based on a lot of reading up on both and the Zoleo being the easier of the two go do basic texting with.

I think both options would do an awesome job though. Probably not wrong to go with either.
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I just started looking into them. Just started looking into the Zoleo. Figured i have a look. But they are just driving prices way down on the Garmin.
 
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The entire landscape of 'off-grid' communications is changing very rapidly right now. ASTS is deploying a low-altitude mesh satellite system that supports 5g internet, calling, texting, from anywhere on any current phone without any additional hardware. Supposed to happen in 2026, if not already available depending on location and carrier. From what I gather, SpaceX is trying to catch up in this space with high-altitude satellites.

I believe @Josh has some familiarity.
 
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Its decent for an Internet-Based-Solution (I-B-S). But ain't holding up to a Real Deal way to go when its push come to shove!!! Things start going Hayward it's you never know. Suddenly you're in a situation where its going HAYWOARD and its you never know!!!

I've just always had a hard time trusting the Internet-Based-Solutions in those type of situations. Prefer to go on GUT FEEL.
 
jaredoconnor said:
I have one of the original inReach Mini connected to my fishing pack at all times. I recall @J Watrous having one too.

I'm happy with mine. Beyond the occasional test message, though, I haven't actually used it.
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The good news is you have not needed it! When you need it, it has to work, for sure!

Apple has some limited capability currently for satellite communications. SpaceX had some limited capability when the hurricanes hit the East Coast HARD a couple of years ago. Ukraine has been using SpaceX for some time now. I have read some info where Russia is now developing technology to reduce/eliminate that capability.

It is only a matter of time, when there is technology where there is no longer a need for wired/wifi access, aka towers, for internet connectivity.

Think AI is changing the world? The internet providers, including cell phone communication providers, must be shaking in their boots!

I am a die hard, old school, wires are best, soul. Times are changing, I just can not keep up!
 
jaredoconnor said:
I have one of the original inReach Mini connected to my fishing pack at all times. I recall @J Watrous having one too.

I'm happy with mine. Beyond the occasional test message, though, I haven't actually used it.
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I'm hoping to not mine ever by used. I just don't want to have that one emergency moment and no cell cover.

I'm trying to add safety things not just for me but for my wife too. She's been my angel in all of what happened to me and she's worried more now, especially as I'm doing more stuff by myself.
 
RCF said:
The good news is you have not needed it! When you need it, it has to work, for sure!

Apple has some limited capability currently for satellite communications. SpaceX had some limited capability when the hurricanes hit the East Coast HARD a couple of years ago. Ukraine has been using SpaceX for some time now. I have read some info where Russia is now developing technology to reduce/eliminate that capability.

It is only a matter of time, when there is technology where there is no longer a need for wired/wifi access, aka towers, for internet connectivity.

Think AI is changing the world? The internet providers, including cell phone communication providers, must be shaking in their boots!

I am a die hard, old school, wires are best, soul. Times are changing, I just can not keep up!
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I want to start doing more stuff now, so will have to by them then wait for better cell covered. When it happens it'll just be something on the side.
 
My wife and I each have one for our own backcountry adventures. She used hers to save a life when a friend went into a diabetic coma up above Harts Pass a few years ago and had to be taken out by helicopter. I posted about that back on the site that will no longer be named.
Well worth the peace of mind. Could save your life, or someone else's.
 
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I’ve had the inreach mini for about 6 years. On the cheapest monthly plan ~$13/month.

Between fishing, dual sport motorcycle riding, hunting and camping, I’m frequently in areas without cell service and have a young family at home. It’s great piece of mind being able to check in with my wife and know I have an emergency button to hit if something ever goes south. Buddies frequently use my unit to do the same when we are out on trips.

You can run the Garmin unit by itself if needed- clunky texting or pre-set messages but it’s really easy to use it paired to the garmin Earthmate app. Full texting dashboard, basic map interface, route tracking, etc.


Yes my iPhone on a Verizon plan has basic satellite messaging but it’s intermittent and relies on a working cell battery. The garmin unit stays charged for multiple days and just works.

I’ll continue to pay the garmin service fee until something changes in the cell world. I am curious about T-Mobile and the included satellite service. As mentioned by someone above, it seems like we are on the verge of big changes coming due to Starlink, Kuiper and the others.
 
I bought a Garmin InReach earlier this year to keep my wife uptakes when I was out of cell service. As others have said it’s great peace of mind. I appreciate the phone apps that connect the device to the phone to allow text messaging.

I also like the weather forecast feature too.

What one has to decide is if the ongoing monthly cost is worth it. I pay 15 bucks a month.

Sam
 
Sam Roffe said:
I bought a Garmin InReach earlier this year to keep my wife uptakes when I was out of cell service. As others have said it’s great peace of mind. I appreciate the phone apps that connect the device to the phone to allow text messaging.

I also like the weather forecast feature too.

What one has to decide is if the ongoing monthly cost is worth it. I pay 15 bucks a month.

Sam
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One of the deciding factors for me to go the Zoleo route was I could pause the subscription when not using it. I haven't paid the monthly since October and probably won't again until May or June when I choose to reactivate it.

Without going back to research and digging, my recollection is that you can't pause the garmin sub.
 
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