Just when we thought the market had enough personal satellite trackers, Garmin tosses the inReach Messenger in the ring. Think simple, small and fairly priced—all good things for those needing another layer of backstop when flying outside of cellular coverage.
Like the other inReach models in Garmin’s lineup, the $299 Messenger uses the subscription-based Iridium satcom network, and it’s optimized to also use a cellular connection from the paired smartphone. The device offers global two-way messenging capability, plus an interactive SOS function that pings Garmin’s IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center) that’s staffed 24/7.