“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
My History with the Goal Zero Yeti 1000
Back in August of 2017, I purchased a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium Portable Power Station from Costo.com. You can view the first impressions video that I posted, one of my highest-viewed videos on the channel.
I’m not sponsored or affiliated with Goal Zero and purchased them with my own money. I am, however, a big fan of the Company and its products. I also own a Boulder Solar Panel 100, Sherpa 100AC, Lighthouse Lantern, and the Lite-A-Life 350 LED.
Since purchasing the Goal Zero Yeti, there are many cheaper options for portable power stations. Companies like Jackery, DBPower, Oukitel, Anker, and Ekoflo Delta. Personally, I feel the value is worth the price.
YouTube is full of people pitching the advantages of each; my advice is to do your research and find the best option for your budget. Goal Zero is going to be a the top of the price range.
Back in 2017, you could buy the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 from Yeti or other retailers. You could only get the 1000 from Costco – the 1000 was considerably less expensive ($999.00) than the 1400 but had less capacity. Otherwise, the case and functionality were the same.
Over the last five years, the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 has been an indispensable piece of equipment to power my 12-volt Engle refrigerator, recharge my electronic devices, and grind my coffee beans for my morning coffee.
The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 is still going strong with pretty regular use, and while I expect to update to a more powerful version, likely the 1500X, I’m super pleased with this product.
Game Changer – the YetiLink – Dual Battery System
In May 2019, I purchased what I believe is the real game changer for the Goal Zero Yeti family during a visit to Overland Expo in Flagstaff. It was the YetiLink Vehicle Integration Kit.
YetiLink connects your vehicle’s car battery to the Goal Zero using an EC8 12-foot extension cable. I had my local Land Rover shop make the installation for me as we needed to route the cable through the firewall of the LR4. Previous to that, I used the Yeti 12-volt charging cable plugged into the rear 12-volt outlet – this was very slow and took a long time to charge the Goal Zero Yeti.
I had considered going to a two-battery system in the LR4, but with limited space under the bonnet. One of the considerations was the National Luna 12-volt auxiliary battery box from Front Runner.
There are significant advantages to the YetiLink – you can quickly charge up a Goal Zero Yeti at a much higher rate while driving your vehicle. So on overlanding trips where you are driving, you’ll always end up with a fully charged Goal Zero Yeti. Combine this with using a solar panel in camp to top of the charge; it gives you great flexibility and options depending on your needs and weather conditions.
The YetiLink has two modes – vehicle mode and tank mode. You would most likely keep in vehicle mode to keep from draining the vehicle’s battery. Tank mode allows you to chain a Yeti Tank Expansion battery to a Yeti Lithium portable power station to increase your energy storage.
When in vehicle mode, the YetiLink pulls power from your vehicle’s alternator while running and stops pulling power when the vehicle is off. I usually disconnect the cable to the vehicle’s battery for extra protection from draining the vehicle’s battery.
The one complaint I have with the YetiLink is the connection to the back of the Goal Zero Yeti – the cable can easily disconnect while driving. I understand the updated versions have improved this. I use velcro on the back to help secure the cable, but adding gear into the Rover can easily detach the cable.
The Goal Zero Yeti is portable – not affixed to the vehicle. If you want to relocate the power station to the tent, picnic table, or camp, you can easily do so. I keep the Goal Zero Yeti plugged into the cable at the rear of the LR4 for easy access and power for the Engel refrigerator and power needs.
Another advantage is you can use the Goal Zero Yeti for a power outage at your home, power tools outdoors, or workplace.
Goal Zero Breaks – Warranty Repair Experience
On a trip to Anza-Borrego in February of 2020, I woke early in the morning and noted that the Goal Zero Yeti had some blinking lights. Of course, I was concerned, considering the Yeti was likely out of warranty, and it’s such an essential component for my adventures.
Arriving back home in San Diego, I contacted Goal Zero’s technical support. Unfortunately, nothing they suggested seemed to help, and they agreed to send me a refurbished unit at no cost. I cannot guarantee you would have the same experience, but the unit was outside the warranty period. They didn’t have to replace it. At Goal Zero’s request, I did return my unit to them.
Since then, the refurbished unit has performed without issue and continues supplying my power needs.
The Boulder Solar Panel
I use the Boulder 100 foldable solar briefcase for charging at camp. For extended stays where I am not charging using the YetiLink, the panels can keep me topped off with good sunlight.
The advantage of using a portable solar panel is the ability to move it away from the vehicle and follow the sun. On the other hand, a fixed panel means you’ll need to locate your vehicle in a sunny location – in my case, I have purchased an extension charging cable to keep the LR4 in the shade.
You’ll be surprised at how much the sun moves over the day. I’ve gotten pretty good at following the sun for maximum charging. While heavier than the Nomad versions, the bolder briefcase is nice with its legs to deploy the panel at the best angle for charging.
The longer charge cable will mean slightly less change, so I keep various lengths to keep them as short as possible.
Summary
I hope you’ve found this article helpful. I have no reason to purchase another brand for my power needs, but it’s nice to see more affordable options and comparable quality units.
I plan to update in the next year or so to the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X. Goal Zero does have 20% off sales once in a while, and REI carries them too. Goal Zero does offer the 1000X at a lower price if your power needs or budget is less.
