GarmininReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging

I have had an Insight Messenger for almost two years. I used this in a remote part of Madagascar. It functioned perfectly for what it’s designed to do. It’s not for unlimited texting, but it allows essential communication. A smart phone is necessary to send texts through the Garmin InTouch, and makes it lots easier to read texts that are received. If you exceed allotted number of texts for your plan, the cost is reasonable. I did not require emergency assistance, but knowing it was available was reassuring. I use it regularly for an emergency locator when hiking in the US. The ability to directly communicate with emergency response personnel is an extremely attractive feature. Battery life is great, light weight and small. It doesn’t necessarily require a smart phone for emergencies, but the smart phone makes it much easier to use, more comforting, and generally better.

Works as expected. The screen is small but usable, you primarily use garmin messenger app from your cell phone which is super simple and easy to use. Those tracking from home can always request your location even if you’re just using it as a messenger device. Great to have communication when your in the back country.

I bought this specifically for fishing trips I take to SE Alaska where we get dropped off at old forest service dry cabins dotted around the Tongass National Forest, 20-30 miles from the nearest town so there's no cell service. This thing worked like a champ in all weather conditions - we didn't have a clear view of the sky, maybe 50% clear coverage from the North and East, the rest being tree coverage, but it was enough where we never had issues sending or receiving messages, or getting weather updates. Longest I think it ever took for a message to get out was about 10 minutes, and that was when it was raining and cloudy. The paired phone app definitely makes it really easy to utilize the device as well, so don't skip that step if you buy one of these.I very much appreciate that Garmin has two different subscription methods - yearly subscription and monthly when you need it. I use the monthly as I only need it a couple times a year, so I just suspend it between usage. Since I use the monthly subscription, it does have a yearly fee involved that the yearly subscription isn't subjected too (something like $35), but compared to $400-500 for a SIM card pre-loaded with minutes on my sat phone that barely works, and where the minutes expire in 6 months, this is a steal!My main complaint is the battery life, in reality if you're sending and receiving a couple dozen texts a day, and it's not perfectly clear skies, expect 2-3 days - this is a very minor gripe as I always come prepared with many methods to recharge my gear. Fortunately, it doesn't eat up much from my battery banks, and it charged just fine with my folding solar panels. Secondly, I haven't figured out a way to charge the device while it's turned off - as soon as I plug it in to charge, it turns on, which often defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to do.Overall, extremely pleased with this purchase, only thing that could make it better is if Garmin teamed up with one of the big satellite companies for better bandwidth so my wife can send me pictures of my dogs over the messenger!

Great to be able to text even when in the wilderness. Obviously works best in the open, but if you can get enough of a clearing in the forest, you can usually get a signal. Only complaint is the tiny screen, and the fact that to reasonably use the device for texting, you need a phone with a charge it (though you do have minimal functionality without a phone too).Garmin changed up their rate plans to make more money, which stinks - but still, I wouldn’t go into the backcountry without mine. Gives my family peace of mind..,

This little gizmo does what it says it will do, hands down. There are many contingency backups built in. As long as it has power and can see the sky, you can communicate with it no problem. As with all technology, make sure it is up to date and charged BEFORE you are on the trail. The app features are highly recommended.I've used this unit several times for basic communication and for mild emergency communication (two flat tires in the middle of nowhere); it has saved my bacon and is worth every penny.