How to Use Satellite Communications on the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
If I learned one thing by listening to the entire catalog of the excellent podcast Real survival storiesit’s this: whether you’re mountain biking the trails of California or kayaking the west coast of England, the proverbial, you know, can hit the fan very quickly. When an adventure unexpectedly turns into an emergency, the only thing you need is a way to call for help, even when you’re far from cellular networks.
Until now, accessing off-grid communications meant carrying a dedicated satellite messenger. But alongside competitors like Google and Apple, Garmin, maker of the best outdoor sports watches, has made it possible to have satellite security strapped to your wrist 24/7. The new Garmin Fenix 8 Pro now includes Garmin’s intelligent inReach satellite communications features, including satellite text messaging, location recordings and Emergency SOS, a virtual rocket that greets assistance via Garmin Response. Here’s how to use it.
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What you pay for
First of all, you should know that the new Fenix 8 Pro costs $200 more than the original Fenix 8. You also need an inReach subscription plan, which starts at $8 per month and goes up to $50 per month for the top tier. Choosing the right plan depends on how many messages you want to send and how much you plan to use live tracking.
All inReach plans include emergency SOS and LTE services and require a 30-day commitment. Monthly subscriptions are available and if your tracking or communication needs change, you can also level up or down. For situations where you don’t have a phone but still have network coverage, there’s also LTE calling, voice messaging, text messaging, and live tracking without a phone.
How to configure satellite communications
From setup to upload, I tested the new satellite and LTE tools using the 51-millimeter Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED. You need:
- The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
- A smartphone with the Garmin Connect and Garmin Messenger apps installed
- A Garmin account (which you sign in to on your phone and watch)
- A Garmin Messenger account, linked to your phone number
- An inReach/satellite service plan: a free trial can be activated during setup
The initial setup is a bit complicated, involving multiple Garmin apps, creating an account on Garmin’s inReach platform, and finally deciphering the subscriptions package you need. Still, the whole process took about 15 minutes and can be done on both your phone and the watch. You will consider this time well spent if you find yourself stuck in a ravine, surrounded by predators, in need of help.
