{{Short description|Satellite communications device brand}} {{Infobox computing device | developer = DeLorme (2011—2016)<br> Garmin (2016—) | name = inReach | image = Inreach satelliittihätälähetin (cropped).jpg | caption = inReach SE | release_date = 2011 }}
'''inReach''' is a brand of satellite communications device which is developed by Garmin. inReach devices use the Iridium satellite constellation, which forms a mesh with 100% globe coverage.
All inReach devices feature texting, remote location tracking, and SOS via satellite. Newer devices feature Weather. Some devices have offline maps or breadcrumb tracking, and some devices have the ability to send images and voice messages. Usage of all satellite features—including SOS—requires an active subscription. Usage may also incur metered pricing, depending on the tier of the subscription.
When a user hits the SOS button, the device broadcasts the user's location every minute for 10 minutes, then falls back to a 10 minute interval. A conversation is initiated between the user and the Garmin Response Team, who notifies emergency contacts, determines an appropriate course of action, and facilities communication between the user and responders. As of 2024, Garmin had handled 15,000 incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veidt |first=Emma |date=2025-02-27 |title=New Data Uncover the Top Reasons Hikers Called for Rescue in 2024 |url=https://www.backpacker.com/survival/garmin-inreach-data-2024-sos-calls/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Backpacker |language=en-US}}</ref>
== History == In 2011, DeLorme announced its first inReach, which was the first personal satellite communication device equipped for two-way text messaging using satellites.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff |first=WIRED |title=DeLorme GPS Handheld Sends SMS Via Satellite |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/06/delorme-gps-handheld-sends-sms-via-satellite/ |access-date=2025-10-05 |work=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> They released two models, with one pairing to their PN-60w GPS device, and one pairing to a Smartphone. Plans started at $12.95/m with a 12 month commitment.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Delorme inReach two-way satellite communicator |url=https://www.backcountryskiingcanada.com/Delorme%20inReach%20two-way%20satellite%20communicator-Review |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Backcountry Skiing Canada |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2013, DeLorme announced the inReach SE (Screen Edition), which was capable of usage without tethering to an additional device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=GPS World |date=2013-04-12 |title=DeLorme Launches Next-Generation inReach Satellite Communicator with GPS |url=https://www.gpsworld.com/delorme-launches-next-generation-inreach-satellite-communicator-with-gps/ |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=GPS World |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2015, they announced the inReach Explorer, which featured GPS navigation in addition to satellite texting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delorme inReach Explorer tested |url=https://www.yachtingworld.com/reviews/gear-reviews/delorme-inreach-explorer |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Yachting World |language=en-US}}</ref>
Garmin acquired DeLorme in 2016.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Legan |first=Kristen |date=2016-02-16 |title=Garmin buys DeLorme satellite texting and navigation company |url=https://velo.outsideonline.com/news/garmin-buys-delorme |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Velo |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=2016-02-11 |title=Garmin to Up Satcom Capabilities with DeLorme Acquisition |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2016/02/11/garmin-to-up-satcom-capabilities-with-delorme-acquisition/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Avionics International |language=en}}</ref> In 2017, Garmin released their first inReach devices: The inReach SE+ and Explorer+. These devices added weather over satellite.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=ADV Pulse |date=2017-01-06 |title=Garmin Announces First Devices With 2-Way Satellite Messaging |url=https://www.advpulse.com/adv-products/garmin-inreach/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=ADV Pulse}}</ref>
In 2018, Garmin announced the inReach Mini, which came in a smaller form factor than the SE and Explorer. While the Mini was capable of drawing GPS breadcrumbs, it lacked a detailed map and colored display.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-03 |title=Introducing inReach® Mini from Garmin®, a small but mighty two-way satellite communicator for any adventure |url=https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/outdoor/2018-introducing-inreach-mini-from-garmin-a-small-but-mighty-two-way-satellite-communicator-for-any-adventure/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Garmin Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2022 Garmin announced the Mini 2.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=Garmin announces inReach Mini 2 compact satellite communicator |url=https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/outdoor/new-garmin-inreach-mini-2-delivers-up-to-30-days-of-global-satellite-communication-emergency-services-and-enhanced-location-tracking/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Garmin Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref> They also announced the inReach Messenger, which came in a puck form factor which was designed to lie flat instead of vertically, and entirely lacked navigation functionality.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-27 |title=Garmin announces inReach Messenger satellite communicator. |url=https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/outdoor/garmin-inreach-messenger-easy-to-use-satellite-communicator-provides-messaging-and-security-when-outside-of-cellular-coverage/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Garmin Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2024, Garmin announced the inReach Messenger Plus. Devices with the "inReach Plus" branding feature message size limits of 1600 instead of 160, as well as support for sending images and voice messages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-18 |title=Garmin introduces inReach Messenger Plus SOS satellite communicator |url=https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/outdoor/garmin-introduces-inreach-messenger-plus-sos-satellite-communicator-with-photo-and-voice-messaging-expanding-your-ability-to-stay-in-touch-beyond-cell-service/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Garmin Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Chronological overview === Since the Explorer+, no products in the inReach product line have featured GPS navigation. Instead, other Garmin devices have featured inReach technology, often as an add-on feature for an additional cost. These include some Fenix smartwatches, as well as select GPSMAP, Montana, and Tread GPS navigators.
{|class="wikitable" |- !Legend: |{{legend2|#FFC0CB|{{abbr|Discontinued|Discontinued older device versions}}|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} |{{legend2|#d4f4b4|{{abbr|Current|Current versions of devices being sold.}}|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} |} {{sticky table start}} {| class="wikitable sortable mw-datatable plainrowheaders sticky-table-row1 sticky-table-col1" |+ ! !Release date !Max Power !Images !Weather !GPS |- |style="background:#FFC0CB;"|inReach |2011 | |rowspan=8 {{na}} |rowspan=3 {{na}} |{{na|text=Point}} |- |style="background:#FFC0CB;"|inReach SE |2013 | |{{some|Breadcrumbs}} |- |style="background:#FFC0CB;"|inReach Explorer |2015 | |{{ya|text=Map}} |- |style="background:#FFC0CB;"|inReach SE+ |2017 |31.7 dBm |rowspan=6 {{ya}} |{{some|Breadcrumbs}} |- |style="background:#FFC0CB;"|inReach Explorer+ |2017 |31.7 dBm |{{ya|text=Map}} |- |style="background:#FFC0CB;"|inReach Mini |2018 |31.7 dBm |{{some|Breadcrumbs}} |- |style="background:#d4f4b4;"|inReach Mini 2 |2022 |31.8 dBm |{{some|Breadcrumbs}} |- |style="background:#d4f4b4;"|inReach Messenger |2022 |35.9 dBm |{{na|text=Point}} |- |style="background:#d4f4b4;"|inReach Messenger Plus |2024 |39.7 dBm |{{ya}} |{{na|text=Point}} |} {{sticky table end}}
== Reception == The inReach has received positive reception from reviewers. The first three of ''Gearlab''<nowiki/>'s top satellite communicators as of 2025 are inReach devices, and ''Outdoor Life'' ranks the inReach Messenger as its 'Best Overall' choice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lancaster |first=Laura |date=2024-09-26 |title=The Best Satellite Messengers, Based on Field Testing |url=https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-satellite-messengers/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Outdoor Life |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Jediah |date=2024-11-20 |title=Best Satellite Communicators of 2025 |url=https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon}}</ref>
When Apple released its satellite messaging features, comparisons were drawn to the inReach. In general, reviewers heralded the iPhone for increasing the accessibility of satellite messaging, but found the inReach to be more reliable for its increased battery, durability, and sending speed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lancaster |first=Laura |date=2024-10-30 |title=Testing the iPhone Satellite Messenger: It's Not Ready for Life or Death Situations in the Backcountry |url=https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/testing-the-iphone-satellite-mesenger/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Outdoor Life |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Currin |first=Grayson Haver |date=2024-06-23 |title=Will Apple’s New Satellite Texting Eliminate the Need for Backcountry SOS Devices? |url=https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/apple-iphone-replace-garmin-inreach/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Outside Online |language=en-US}}</ref>
In some countries, satellite communicators are banned, leading to arrests and fines. In 2024, a Canadian and a Scottish woman were separately detained in India for possession.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=Owen |date=2024-12-31 |title=This Common Piece of Hiking Gear Landed a Canadian Runner in Legal Trouble in India |url=https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/india-garmin-inreach/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Outside Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-03 |title=Scottish hiker detained in New Delhi over use of Garmin inReach: What is this GPS device? |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/garmin-inreach-gps-device-india-13849542.html |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{Garmin}}
Category:Garmin Category:Satellite communicators