Gear Guide: Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)

[Backpacking Light]

Companion forum thread to: Gear Guide: Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)

This gear guide summarizes the category of satellite messaging-centric devices, i.e., devices that focus on satellite messaging as its primary, rather than secondary, function. This is in contrast to navigation-centric devices (which usually offer integrated mapping on the device), such as the Garmin inReach Explorer or Garmin GPSMap.

[John S.]

Surprised you would leave out the Motorola Defy Satellite Link.

DISCLOSURE (Updated November 7, 2019)

[Terran Terran]

The disclosure itself was updated in 2019. Not the article.

[Steve Martin]

The table needs to be updated for the Garmin inReach Mini 2, specifically two fields:

1. companion app.  Garmin Messenger has been supported for several months.  I know because I recently used Garmin Messenger with my inReach Mini 2 and per the list of compatible devices listed at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/893837#devices

2. seamless messaging (network-independent)**    Should be changed to yes if the latest firmware versions have been applied.

[Arthur B]

I originally posted this review of the inReach Messenger at REI:

To me the Messenger design is somewhat like a Chromebook. It requires a cloud data link for track recording functionality. And that data stream means you would want a mid-range or high-end data plan. I’ve previously owned both the inReach Mini and the inReach Mini 2. I decided to upgrade to the inReach Messenger based on the 2x battery life. Most of my outings are day hikes, but I do an occasional weeklong backpack. A typical comment I’ve seen is that the Messenger’s longer battery life allows you to record a seven-day trek route on a single charge. That is a compelling.

I pay for the monthly ‘Safety’ plan, $12.95/month. That plan has a per track point upload fee. Fortunately, the inReach Mini 2 has a setting (Send Interval: off) to disable data upload and just save recorded track points on the device for later transfer at home. I was very surprised to find out that the Messenger does not have that option. If you record a track point, it uploads. No choice. The ‘Recreation’ $24.95/month and ‘Expedition’ $49.95/month plans do not charge for uploading track points. So, if you one of those plans the Messenger could be a very good match to your needs. But it was not a good match for me.

[Eric Kammerer]

I’m confused about your ratings. First, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is listed by itself with a Highly Recommended label and the Highly Recommended seal. Later, the Garmin inReach Messenger is labeled as Highly Recommended, but without the seal. In the highlights, the pattern repeats.

My interpretation is that both are highly recommended, but maybe the InReach 2 is more highly recommended? That would seem to align with the final description of the InReach 2.

I’m still using an old InReach SE, which offers all of the raw functions that I need, if not all that well. I could save 3-3.5 ounces by upgrading, but I also don’t like tossing working equipment in the E-Waste pile.

I would still like to see a proper test of messaging performance for these devices. That would require having all devices send and receive messages at the same time in the same location with enough test data to draw a reasonable conclusion. Satellite messengers are highly dependent upon satellite coverage at the moment. Comparisons of performance without similar/same conditions are meaningless.

[Barry B]

What is the “the hardware (button delay) issues associated with the SPOT X “? I have not ever seen it. I have used both the original SPOT and InReach, but I changed back to the SPOT X to have a proper keyboard and complete independence from a cell phone. And I saved about $200.

[Ryan Jordan]

Eric, the inReach Messenger has gone through enough testing to earn our Recommended rating, but not enough yet to earn a Highly Recommended Rating. We have one more round of tests to do with it – antenna performance at low battery levels. We’ve completed this test with the inReach Mini 2 and it performs very well at low battery levels.

We have the data on the simultaneous use of all of these devices. This is why the two inReach models and the Zoleo remain our top picks. The Spot Gen4 offers the best messaging in tree cover and in “mountain shade” of the non-Iridium devices. And these side-by-side tests are why we absolutely can’t recommend the Motorola device. We’re putting this data together and that data will appear in the gear guide in the next update.

[Ryan Jordan]

Barry – the SPOT X devices we’ve tested (one from 2018 and one of the new 2023/4 models) both have keypress delay issues (press a key but the character-on-the-screen response is not instantaneous). The older one, in addition, developed a neighbor-key error, where pressing one key caused the typing of a character from a neighboring key on the keyboard. Both of these are known issues with the SPOT X.

[Barry B]

I have my spot X in my hand and cannot detect any delay or debounce issues. Nor have I ever. I have the original, non-bluetooth version. As a technician, I can tell you that triggering an adjacent PHYSICAL  key is impossible. The keys are electronically isolated. Someone has fat fingers or finger slip. Physical keys are far more reliable than virtual ones on a phone. That’s vital in an emergency.

“Known issues”? Please state a source.  I have owned three Spot devices and still use many Garmin devices.

[Boone B]

I don’t suppose there is information coming as to why the Somewear or ACR Bivy are no longer recommended.  Simply the competition distancing themselves or some sort of problems discovered in testing?

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