Which inReach Device is Right for You?
Note: The following recommendations are suggestions only. Each inReach® device can suite a variety of uses and the best match might depend on other criteria not covered in this article. The following are some of the top survey-reported subscriber activities, but this is not a comprehensive list.
The Garmin inReach product line is growing. Find out which device is right for you based on your favorite activities.
Hiking, Backpacking & Climbing
Are you focused on packing light for fast-paced trips or on navigation features?
Photo & Voice Messaging
inReach® Messenger Plus
- Exchange text, photo and voice messages when out of cellular range
- Navigate back to where you started with Tracback® routing plus mapping and navigation when connected to the Garmin Explore™ app
- Battery life up to 25 days (10-minute tracking)
Light and Compact
inReach® Mini 2
- On-device breadcrumb map and TracBack® routing for standalone navigation
- View detailed maps on Garmin Explore™ app
- Digital compass
- Battery life up to 14 days (10-minute tracking)
On-Device Maps
GPSMAP® 67i
- On-device maps (TopoActive & satellite imagery) and automatic routes for outdoor activities
- Altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass
- Rugged, water-rated, standalone use
Interested in pairing with a compatible Garmin adventure watch?
Choose Instinct® 2 or fēnix® 8
- View message notifications from your wrist without taking out your inReach device
- Control inReach features from your watch with the inReach remote widget
Trail Running
inReach® Mini 2
- Lightweight at only 3.5 oz
- GPS and compass navigation and live tracking
- Pairs to compatible Garmin watches to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS from your wrist
Interested in additional fitness data or navigation features?
fēnix® 8 Series
- GPS watch combining the best features of our fitness and outdoor watches
Enduro™ 3
- GPS watch with up to 150 hours of battery life and built-in maps
Instinct® 2
- Rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments
Cycling
Say, show, share
inReach® Messenger Plus
- Exchange text, photo and voice messages when out of cellular range
- Battery life up to 25 days (10-minute tracking)
- Pairs with Edge cycling computers
Limited Mapping
inReach® Mini 2
- Lightweight & easy to fit in jersey pocket or clip to pack
- Pairs to compatible Garmin Edge® cycling computers to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS from your Edge device
Interested in additional cycling features and mapping?
Edge® 1050
- The ultimate GPS bike computer with enhanced features and solar charging
Edge® 840 Solar
- Performance GPS cycling computer with mapping, insights and touchscreen and solar charging
Edge® 540 Solar
- Performance GPS cycling computer with mapping and insights and solar charging
Hunting & Fishing
What types of weather conditions will you be hunting or fishing in? Do you need on-device maps?
Mild Conditions/Limited Mapping
inReach® Mini 2
- Basic breadcrumb map only on device
- View detailed maps on Garmin Explore app
- Accurate digital compass, even when you’re not moving
Harsh Conditions/Detailed Mapping
GPSMAP® 67i
- TopoActive and Birdseye maps and can add maps and charts
- Sun/Moon & Hunt/Fish calendar
- Standalone, button-push, one-handed use while wearing gloves
Hunting with dogs? Check out Alpha® 300i or Montana 700 series for dog tracking features.
Off-roading & Snowmobiling
Do you have external power? Do you need overlanding features?
External Power/Overlanding Features
Tread® Series
- Dual orientation touchscreen
- 8〞and 10〞models available
- Off-roading specific features
- Customizable navigation (select models)
- Backup camera compatible
Longer Battery Life/Multipurpose Use
Montana® 700i or 750i
- Dual orientation for multipurpose use
- Up to 18 hours standalone battery life, 300 hours in power-saving mode
- Hunt/Fish specific features
- TopoActive and City Navigator maps for trail and road navigation
- Powered mounting options available
Skiing, Snowboarding & Snowshoeing
Will you need to navigate or message while wearing gloves?
Ideal for Messaging with App
inReach® Mini 2
- Up, down and enter buttons
- Quick replies from list of pre-formatted responses
Easier, On-Device Messaging
GPSMAP® 67i
- Larger screen and buttons for easier text entry
- Virtual QWERTY keyboard
Looking for additional ski features?
Flying
Both are supported devices for the Leidos Flight Services Adverse Condition Alerting Service (ACAS), Surveillance-Enhanced Search and Rescue (SE-SAR) and Enhanced Special Reporting Services (eSRS)
inReach® Messenger Plus
- Exchange text, photo and voice messages when out of cellular range
- Use as a smartphone charger by connecting your phone to the Messenger Plus device
inReach® Mini 2
- Get detailed weather updates on inReach Mini 2 or a paired compatible device
- Connect to the Garmin Messenger app on your smartphone for fast, easy messaging
Boating & Sailing
What type of vessel do you have? Do you have other Garmin marine products?
Say, show, share
inReach® Messenger Plus
- Exchange text, photo and voice messages when out of cellular range
- inReach Messenger Plus also pairs with compatible chartplotters
- Compatible with flotation lanyard
Paired with Other Products
inReach® Mini 2 Marine Bundle
- Bundle with mount and power cable
- Pairs with compatible Garmin chartplotters
- inReach Mini 2 dive case available
Standalone or Paired
GPSMAP® 86i/86sci
- Water-resistant, floating design
- Stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments
- Supports preloaded BlueChart® g3 charts (optional on GPSMAP 86i)
Kayaking, Canoeing & Rafting
Where will you be paddling? Do you need on-device mapping or navigation features?
Limited Navigation
inReach® Mini 2
- Only 3.5 oz
- GPS & compass
- Dive case available
Inland Navigation
GPSMAP® 67i
- TopoActive & Birdseye maps
- Ability to add maps
- Searchable points of interests
Coastal Navigation
GPSMAP® 86i/86sci
- Water-resistant, floating design
- Supports optional BlueChart® g3 charts (preloaded on GPSMAP 86sci)
Driving & Motorcycling
What type of vehicle will you be using?
Car/Truck
inReach® Messenger
- Exchange text messages when out of cellular range
- Pair with the Garmin Messenger™ app for group messaging and more
Car/Truck/Motorcycle
Montana® 700i/750i
- inReach technology built-in
- Dual orientation for multipurpose use
- Searchable points of interest
- Preloaded City Navigator Maps with turn-by-turn directions
Motorcycle
inReach® Messenger &
zumo® XT2
- Motorcycling specific features & maps
- Handsfree calling (with Garmin Drive™ app)
- Incident notifications
- Also pairs with other inReach devices including inReach Mini 2
Traveling/Camping/Remote Living
Affordable Off-Grid Solution
inReach® Messenger
- Seamlessly switch between cellular and 100% global Iridium® satellite network
- Compact, durable design withstands extreme temperatures
- Exchange text messages or pair with Garmin Messenger app for group messaging without cellular service
- Up to 28 days of battery life
Advanced Capabilities
inReach® Messenger Plus
- All the features of the Messenger
- Adds enhanced messaging capabilities including photo and voice messaging over satellite
- Sends longer text messages up to 1,600 characters directly on the device
- Up to 25 days of battery life
Do you use MapShare™?
- A web-based map page to allow friends and family to see your trip progress
- Set parameters on what is shown on the map
- Allows map viewers to message your inReach device directly
NOTICE: To access the Iridium satellite network for live tracking and messaging, including SOS capabilities, an active satellite subscription is required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
