Practical Advice and Clever Hacks for Maximizing Your Garmin inReach Device Functionality
Heya adventurous soul! Here's the dirt on making the most outta your Garmin inReach device, 'cause let's face it - these bad boys can do more than just send simple messages and share your location. So, whether you're a newbie or just want to level up your usage game, this guide's got ya covered!
Messaging & Communication
- Location-Based Linking: Enable the "Include a link to an online map with the location of my message" feature on Garmin Explore, so your friends and family see a map with your exact location every time you send a message. It's free, too! (Check the Settings to toggle it on.)
- Voice Messages: Newer models like the Messenger Plus let you record voice messages in the Messenger app, but you can hack it on any inReach paired with iPhone or Android by enabling voice-to-text and sending voice messages using the microphone icon on your keyboard.
- Stuck Messages: If your message isn't getting through, it might be due to your device not getting a GPS fix. Drop a waypoint, power cycle, and send again (trust us, it works!).
- IPOV Issues: Remember that VOIP numbers, like Google Voice, don’t work from setup as virtual numbers, and some countries (like Mexico, Romania, and Saudi Arabia) have restrictions. Check out the Garmin page for the latest on which countries might have issues. Also, check the inReach System status before you hit the trail.
- Stay Updated: Know when you get a message by enabling "Ring Until Read" in your settings. The device will continue to listen for replies for 10 minutes after you send a message. After that, it checks for new messages every hour.
- Send & Receive: Want to message another inReach device out in the wild? Have everyone share their inReach address beforehand and add it to your contacts.
- Group Messaging: Group messaging only works with phone numbers (not emails) through the Garmin Messenger app. All recipients must be using the Messenger app with a registered cellular number for it to work.
- Save Battery: Turn your device off when indoors to save battery life.
Tracking & Weather
- Unlimited Tracking: Enable Auto Track on most devices so that you automatically start tracking when you power it on.
- Tracking Confusion: Don't get tripped up by the track types on inReach - "Internal" is for activity tracking and breadcrumb trail, while "Satellite" goes to your MapShare page. Keep Send Interval for how often your location is sent over satellite, while Activity Detail or Log Interval controls internal recording on the device.
- Weather Forecasts: Check the weather ahead for any point on your route (it's especially useful for multi-day or high-elevation trips).
- Keep Tracking On: Always leave your device on when moving since rescuers have no way to ping your device if it's off.
SOS & Emergencies
- Not Just Backcountry Emergencies: Bring your inReach in your everyday carry bag since according to Garmin, vehicle issues are one of the top reasons people trigger SOS.
- Help Someone Else: If you come across someone on the trail who needs help, use your inReach to call for assistance, just like dialing 911 to report an emergency that doesn't involve you.
- 911 vs. SOS: If you're in a spot with cell coverage, try calling 911 before using your Garmin inReach, as voice is almost always faster and clearer than typing messages over satellite.
- SOS Protocol: When using SOS, ensure you follow Garmin's protocols clearly and provide precise locations and details about the emergency.
- Rescue Insurance Awareness: Understand that rescue insurance typically only covers the device owner, not others you might assist.
- Rent, Don't Buy: Renting might make sense if you only need an inReach a few times a year. Look for "inReach rental" options online.
Setup & Plans
- Don't Pay Garmin Prices: Choose a subscription plan that fits your usage needs, but don't pay full price; consider alternative providers that offer flexible options like pay-per-day plans (like Protegear) or alternative plans (like TrackMeNZ).
- App Maintenance: Before you leave home, log into the apps paired with your inReach and make sure everything is synced and updated to avoid getting stuck without access to features when you're off the grid.
- Offline Maps: Download offline maps onto your phone, even if your inReach device doesn't have maps itself (like the Mini 2).
- Carry Correctly: Clip your inReach to your backpack strap using a carabiner, with the antenna pointing up toward the sky for the best signal.
- Remote Control: Some inReach devices can pair with your Garmin smartwatch, letting you control the unit remotely, including sending check-ins, messages, starting tracking, or even triggering SOS.
- Legal Considerations: It's illegal to possess a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach in some countries, such as India, China, or parts of the Middle East. Always check the rules before you travel internationally with your inReach.
- Use the "Location-Based Linking" feature on Garmin Explore to share an online map of your exact location with friends and family when sending messages.
- To send voice messages with older inReach models, enable voice-to-text and send messages using the microphone icon on your keyboard, paired with an iPhone or Android.
- If a message isn't getting through, drop a waypoint, power cycle, and send again to help the message go through.
- When using the inReach device, ensure you provide precise locations and details about the emergency when using the SOS feature.
- In addition to backcountry emergencies, the inReach can be useful in everyday situations, such as vehicle issues, so keep it in your everyday carry bag.
