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Gear Guide: Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)


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Home Forums Campfire Editor’s Roundtable Gear Guide: Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)

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  • #3788041
    Backpacking Light
    Admin

    @backpackinglight

    Locale: Rocky Mountains

    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.

    #3788073
    John S.
    BPL Member

    @jshann

    Surprised you would leave out the Motorola Defy Satellite Link.

    DISCLOSURE (Updated November 7, 2019)

    #3788079
    Terran Terran
    BPL Member

    @terran

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

    #3788293
    Steve Martin
    BPL Member

    @steve-martin9gmail-com

    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.

    #3792700
    Arthur B
    BPL Member

    @art-black

    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.

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