Satellite Phone vs Garmin inReach: Which should you take on a UK walk or expedition?
When you’re heading into the hills, the remote glens of Scotland, or anywhere with patchy mobile reception, having a reliable way to communicate could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious incident. Two technologies dominate the conversation: satellite phones and Garmin inReach satellite communicators.
On paper, they sound similar. In reality, they’re built for very different needs. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you choose the right tool for UK walking, backpacking, and overseas expeditions.
What Each Device Actually Does
Satellite Phones: Voice Calls Anywhere (In Theory)
Satellite phones behave like old-school mobile phones, but instead of relying on masts, they communicate via satellites. Their main strength is simple:
You can make real voice calls from remote areas.
This makes them appealing for complex logistics, guiding groups, or situations where you genuinely need a conversation — not a text.
However:
- They’re bulky
- They require a clear sky-view
- They have higher airtime costs
- Battery life is limited
- Many UK walkers find them excessive for typical mountain use
Garmin inReach: Two-Way Messaging, SOS & Tracking
Garmin inReach devices use the Iridium network, giving true global coverage via satellite. They don’t do voice calls, but they excel at:
- Two-way text messaging
- SOS via GEOS/IERCC
- Live tracking
- Weather forecasts
- Integration with phones and Outdoor GPS units
- Multi-day battery life
They’re lighter, simpler to use, and designed specifically for walking, mountaineering and expedition travel.
Which Is More Reliable in the UK?
There’s a misconception that satellite phones are automatically “better” because they can make calls. In practice:
Garmin inReach is more reliable for UK hillwalking.
Why?
- It works even in poor visibility, deep valleys, or wooded terrain
- Antenna position is less fussy
- The Iridium constellation gives more consistent coverage at UK latitudes
- Messages are sent quickly even in challenging weather
- No need to hold a handset awkwardly to “find" the signal
Satellite phones can be superb in wide open, high-latitude terrain, but in the Lake District, the Cairngorms, Snowdonia or the Pennines, the inReach simply performs better more of the time.
What About Emergency Situations?
Satellite Phone Pros
- You can explain injuries or conditions verbally
- You can relay complex information to Mountain Rescue Teams or emergency services
- You can receive live instructions
Garmin inReach Pros
- SOS goes directly to a specialist coordination centre
- Two-way text is surprisingly effective for emergencies
- Automatic location sharing means teams know your exact position
- More robust battery life for long rescues
- Easier to operate when cold, wet or stressed
In a UK walking context, the accuracy and reliability of the SOS function often outweigh the benefits of voice calls.
Cost Comparison
Satellite Phones
- High upfront cost
- Expensive monthly airtime
- Voice calls are charged per minute
- Requires specific charging cables and often external batteries
Garmin inReach
- Lower device cost
- Messaging is cheaper than voice
- Ideal for seasonal users (pause plans in winter/summer)
InReach wins by a wide margin on value.
Which Should You Take on a UK Walk or Expedition?
If you mostly walk in the UK, even in remote areas such as Knoydart, the Cairngorms or the Far North of Scotland, the answer is simple:
Garmin inReach is the better choice for 99% of UK walkers and hikers.
It’s:
- Lighter
- Cheaper
- More reliable in hill terrain
- Made for outdoor travel
- Easier to use during emergencies
- Supported by a global rescue network
When a Satellite Phone Does Make Sense
Consider a satellite phone only if you are:
- Leading an expedition in Greenland, Patagonia, Mongolia, Alaska or other extremely remote regions
- Coordinating vehicle or group logistics
- Requiring real-time voice communication with a base team
- Working in countries with limited satellite messenger support
For almost everything else — including multi-day UK walks, long-distance trails, winter outings, ultrarunning adventures, and most overseas trekking — an inReach is the more appropriate tool.
Which InReach Should You Choose?
Best all-rounder: Garmin inReach Mini 2
Light, reliable and long-lasting.
Best for messaging: Garmin inReach Messenger plus
Great battery life and phone integration and the ability to send voice memos and pictures.
Final Thoughts
For UK walkers, hillgoers and expedition travellers, a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach proves far more practical than a traditional satellite phone. You get reliable coverage, accurate SOS, long battery life and a lighter pack - all at a fraction of the running cost.
FAQ: Satellite Phone vs Garmin inReach
1. Do I need a satellite phone for walking in the UK?
For almost all UK walking, hillwalking and long-distance trails, no. Satellite phones are bulky, expensive and often struggle in valleys, steep corries and woodland. A Garmin inReach or similar satellite communicator is usually more reliable for UK terrain and weather conditions.
2. Is Garmin inReach more reliable than a satellite phone?
Often, yes. Garmin inReach devices use the Iridium satellite network, which offers consistent coverage across the UK. Satellite phones need a clearer sky view and can drop signal more easily in narrow glens or wooded areas.
3. Can Garmin inReach send photos or voice messages?
Yes - the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus can send pictures and voice memos.
This is a newer capability unique to the Messenger Plus, giving users a richer way to communicate from remote areas. Traditional inReach models (Mini 2, Explorer+, Messenger) support text only.
4. Can you make voice calls with an inReach?
No. Garmin inReach devices do not support live voice calls. If two-way voice communication is essential for your expedition, a satellite phone may still be required. Most UK and European walkers rarely need voice calls, which is why the inReach is typically the better choice.
5. Which is safer in an emergency: Satellite phone or inReach?
Both can be effective, but inReach has several safety advantages in the UK:
- Accurate GPS location is automatically sent with SOS
- Two-way text with emergency services works even in poor visibility
- Longer battery life for prolonged rescues
- The device is easier to operate in bad weather
A satellite phone allows voice calls, but relies more heavily on perfect signal conditions.
6. Does Garmin inReach work anywhere in the world?
Yes. All inReach models use the global Iridium satellite network. This covers every part of the UK, Ireland, Europe, and almost every overseas destination you might walk or trek in.
7. How much does it cost to use an inReach compared with a satellite phone?
InReach subscription plans are significantly cheaper.
Satellite phones require:
- Higher monthly contracts
- Per-minute call charges
- Expensive prepaid top-ups
InReach devices offer flexible month-by-month plans, making them more cost-effective for seasonal walkers.
8. Can I use my smartphone with an inReach?
Yes. Pairing via Bluetooth allows you to type messages more easily, view tracking, download weather and manage contacts. The Messenger and Messenger Plus are specifically designed for strong smartphone integration.
9. Is inReach suitable for solo walkers?
Absolutely. Solo walkers often choose inReach because it provides:
- Reliable SOS
- Live tracking for family
- Small, lightweight form factor
- Excellent battery life
For solo users in UK mountains, it’s arguably the most practical satellite-based safety tool available.
Next steps -
1. Garmin inReach - Cost calculator - more here
2. Walk and talk (video) - Garmin inReach mini 2 - more here
3. Walk and talk (video) Garmin Messenger - more here