During a solo hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on Saturday, February 14, 2026, a hiker activated the SOS function on a Garmin inReach Messenger Plus satellite communicator after suffering a leg injury. The hiker, whose name has not been released, was able to communicate their location and the nature of their injury via text message, initiating a rescue operation coordinated by local authorities.
The incident highlights the growing reliance on personal satellite communication devices among outdoor enthusiasts. These devices, such as the Garmin inReach series, allow users to send and receive text messages, share location data, and trigger emergency SOS alerts when outside of cellular service range. Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus, released in late 2024, offers two-way text messaging, photo sharing, and a dedicated SOS button connected to a 24/7 emergency response center. A less expensive model, the Garmin inReach Messenger, provides similar functionality without the photo-sharing capability.
The Garmin inReach devices utilize the Iridium satellite network, providing global coverage, including the poles, according to Garmin and independent reviews. This contrasts with traditional Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), which typically rely on government-operated search and rescue satellites. The inReach system allows for direct communication with rescue coordination centers, providing more detailed information about the emergency situation than a simple distress signal. The Garmin Response coordination center is directly contacted when the SOS function is activated.
Even as Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus is currently considered a leading device in the market, other options are available. GearLab’s recent testing, updated in October 2025, identified the ACR Bivy Stick as a cost-effective option for occasional use, and the Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 as a strong choice for SOS-only functionality. The Starlink Mini, a newer entrant, offers full smartphone and laptop functionality via satellite, but at a higher price point. Even some smartphones, including iPhones and newer Android devices, now offer limited satellite messaging capabilities.
Subscription plans are required to access the satellite communication features of devices like the inReach Messenger Plus. These plans vary in price depending on the level of usage and features included. The cost of these subscriptions has been a point of consideration for potential buyers, with some opting for devices with lower subscription fees or exploring alternative solutions like iPhone Satellite Messaging, which is essentially free for iPhone owners. The Garmin inReach Mini 2, another popular model, also requires a paid subscription to access its satellite and SOS functions.
As of February 15, 2026, the hiker in New Hampshire is reported to be in stable condition after being rescued and transported to a local hospital. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the specific nature of the injury or the circumstances leading to the incident. Garmin has not yet issued a statement regarding the use of its device in the rescue.
