With it’s upgraded LiFePO4 battery technology and array of output ports, the Yeti 700 aims to be the ultimate off-grid power solution for camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency backup power at home.
This provides enough juice to run power tools, portable fridges, and even pellet grills. The 600W AC inverter can handle most small appliances and electronics, with a 1000W surge capacity for devices with higher startup power needs.
In real-world use, the Yeti 700 delivers on it’s promised performance. It can easily keep smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices charged for days on end during camping trips.
The ability to run a CPAP machine overnight while also charging other devices is a major plus for those who need powered medical equipment.
For home backup use, the Yeti 700 can keep essential electronics and small appliances running during short power outages. While it won’t power your entire home, it provides peace of mind for keeping phones charged and running critical devices.
Charging Speed and Options
One of the standout features of the Yeti 700 is it’s fast charging capability. Using the included AC adapter, it can go from 0-100% charge in about 2 hours when using the high-speed charging mode.
This is a significant improvement over older power station models that could take 8+ hours to fully charge.
For off-grid use, the Yeti 700 is compatible with Goal Zero’s portable solar panels, allowing you to recharge using clean solar energy. The 8mm solar input port can handle up to 200W of solar input, though actual charging times will vary based on sunlight conditions.
Durability and Build Quality
Goal Zero has clearly prioritized durability with the Yeti 700’s design. The rugged plastic housing feels solid and well-built.
With an IPX4 water resistance rating, it can withstand splashes and light rain without issue.
The unit also meets UL2743 safety standards for portable power banks.
At 21 pounds, the Yeti 700 strikes a good balance between power capacity and portability. It’s hefty enough to feel substantial, but not so heavy that it’s a burden to transport to a campsite or move around the house during a power outage.
Ports and Connectivity
The Yeti 700 offers an impressive array of output ports to power and charge various devices:
| Port Type | Quantity | Max Output |
|---|---|---|
| AC Outlets | 2 | 600W (1000W surge) |
| USB-A | 2 | 18W each |
| USB-C PD | 1 | 100W |
| USB-C | 1 | 30W |
| 12V Car Port | 1 | 120W |
| 12V 6mm Port | 1 | 120W |
This versatile selection of ports allows you to power or charge many devices simultaneously. The inclusion of a 100W USB-C PD port is especially useful for fast-charging compatible laptops and tablets.
Battery Life and Longevity
Goal Zero claims the LiFePO4 battery in the Yeti 700 can handle 4,000 charge cycles before dropping to 80% of it’s original capacity. This translates to over 10 years of daily use, significantly outperforming older lithium-ion based power stations.
In practice, users report the Yeti 700 holds it’s charge extremely well when not in use. Unlike some competitors that can lose significant charge over a few months of storage, the Yeti 700 only needs to be topped up every 12-18 months when not in regular use.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The Yeti 700 features a clear, backlit LCD display that shows battery percentage, input/output wattage, and estimated runtime based on current power draw. The intuitive interface makes it easy to watch power usage and remaining capacity at a glance.
Physical buttons allow you to turn on/off different output ports as needed, helping conserve battery when certain ports aren’t in use. The ability to switch between standard and high-speed charging modes is also a welcome feature for when you need to quickly top up the battery.
Value and Competition
While not the cheapest option on the market, the Yeti 700 offers a compelling mix of power capacity, fast charging, and build quality that justifies it’s price point for many users. The long-lasting LiFePO4 battery technology and Goal Zero’s reputation for reliability add to the overall value proposition.
Compared to competitors like Jackery or Bluetti, the Yeti 700 stands out for it’s faster AC charging times and more durable construction. However, some choices do offer higher overall capacity or more AC outlets for a similar price, so it’s worth comparing specs if you have specific power needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast 2-hour charging time
- Durable, water-resistant construction
- Long-lasting LiFePO4 battery technology
- Versatile array of output ports
- Clear, informative display
Cons:
- Relatively heavy at 21 pounds
- Only two AC outlets
- Premium pricing compared to some competitors
Who Should Buy the Yeti 700?
The Goal Zero Yeti 700 is an excellent choice for:
- Frequent campers and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable off-grid power
- Those who need backup power for essential devices during outages
- Users of CPAP machines or other medical devices while traveling
- Anyone looking for a long-lasting, well-built portable power station
It’s combination of power capacity, fast charging, and durability make it a versatile solution for a wide range of portable power needs. While it may be overkill for those who only need to charge a phone occasionally, the Yeti 700 really shines when powering many devices or more power-hungry equipment.
The Goal Zero Yeti 700 delivers on it’s promises, offering a reliable and powerful portable energy solution. It’s fast charging, durable design, and long-lasting battery technology make it a top contender in the portable power station market.
For those willing to invest in a premium product, the Yeti 700 provides peace of mind and consistent performance for years of off-grid power needs.
Powering Your Adventures: Essential Tips for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Whether you’re an avid camper, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who loves spending time in nature, having reliable power sources can greatly enhance your outdoor experiences. From keeping your devices charged to powering essential equipment, proper power management is crucial for comfort and safety in the wilderness.
Here are some key tips and strategies to keep you powered up on your next adventure.
Plan Your Power Needs
Before embarking on any outdoor trip, it’s essential to assess your power requirements. Make a list of all the devices and equipment you plan to bring that will need electricity.
This might include:
- Smartphones
- Tablets or e-readers
- GPS devices
- Cameras
- Portable lights or lanterns
- Cooking equipment (electric stoves, coffee makers)
- Medical devices (CPAP machines, etc.)
Once you have your list, estimate how much power each item consumes and how often you’ll need to use it. This will help you decide the capacity of the power source you’ll need to bring along.
Choose the Right Power Solution
There are several options for portable power in the outdoors, each with it’s own advantages:
- Portable power stations
- Solar panels
- Power banks
- Rechargeable batteries
- Hand-crank generators
Portable power stations like the Goal Zero Yeti 700 offer the most versatility and capacity, able to charge many devices and even power small appliances. They’re ideal for longer trips or when you need to run higher-wattage devices.
Solar panels are great for extended off-grid use, allowing you to harness the sun’s energy to keep your devices charged. They work well in combination with a power station or battery pack.
Power banks are perfect for shorter trips or when you only need to charge small devices like phones or tablets. They’re lightweight and easy to carry.
Rechargeable batteries are a must-have for devices like headlamps, GPS units, and cameras. Invest in high-quality rechargeable batteries to reduce waste and save money in the long run.
Hand-crank generators can provide emergency power when all else fails, though they need significant effort to generate usable electricity.
Maximize Battery Life
To make the most of your available power, follow these tips to extend battery life:
- Turn off devices when not in use
- Use airplane mode on smartphones to reduce battery drain
- Dim screens and disable unnecessary features
- Keep devices warm in cold weather to prevent battery drain
- Use power-saving modes when available
Protect Your Power Sources
The outdoors can be harsh on electronics. Protect your power sources and devices with these precautions:
- Use waterproof cases or dry bags to keep equipment dry
- Avoid extreme temperatures when possible
- Clean solar panels regularly to maintain efficiency
- Use surge protectors when connecting to unknown power sources
Emergency Power Preparedness
Always have a backup plan for power in case of emergencies. This might include:
- Extra batteries or a small backup power bank
- A hand-crank radio with USB charging capability
- Emergency flares or light sticks
- A map and compass as non-electronic backups
Educate Yourself on Power Usage
Understanding how different devices consume power can help you make informed decisions about energy use in the outdoors. Here’s a quick reference for common devices:
| Device | Approximate Power Consumption |
|---|---|
| Smartphone | 2-6 Wh per charge |
| Tablet | 25-42 Wh per charge |
| Laptop | 50-100 Wh per charge |
| DSLR Camera | 5-10 Wh per charge |
| Portable LED Light | 0.5-2 W per hour |
| Small Electric Cooler | 40-60 W per hour |
Consider a Portable Power Station
For serious outdoor enthusiasts or those embarking on extended trips, a portable power station like the Goal Zero Yeti 700 can be a game-changer.
As an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve always struggled with keeping my devices charged and powered during extended trips. That’s why I decided to invest in the Goal Zero Yeti 700 portable power station.
I was initially skeptical about it’s claims of fast charging and long-lasting battery life, but after several months of use, I can confidently say it’s been a game-changer for my outdoor adventures.
Real-World Performance
On my first camping trip with the Yeti 700, I was impressed by it’s ability to keep many devices charged throughout the weekend. I easily powered my smartphone, tablet, and even a small portable fridge without any issues.
The 600W AC inverter handled my laptop and camera battery charger with ease, and I appreciated the peace of mind knowing I had plenty of power in reserve.
One of the standout features for me has been the fast charging capability. Being able to fully charge the Yeti 700 in about 2 hours using the AC adapter is incredibly convenient, especially when I’m preparing for a trip on short notice.
This quick charging time has saved me more than once when I realized I forgot to charge it the night before heading out.
Durability in the Outdoors
I’ve taken the Yeti 700 on several camping trips now, and it’s held up remarkably well to the rigors of outdoor use. The rugged plastic housing has withstood a few accidental bumps and scrapes without issue.
During one particularly rainy weekend, I was grateful for the IPX4 water resistance rating as it kept working flawlessly despite some light rain exposure.
Versatility for Various Needs
While camping has been my primary use case, I’ve also found the Yeti 700 invaluable during power outages at home. It’s reassuring to know I can keep essential devices running and maintain communication during emergencies.
The variety of output ports means I can charge or power just about any device I own, from my smartphone to my laptop and even small appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Goal Zero Yeti 700 battery last?
The Yeti 700 can power most smartphones for over 50 charges, laptops for 10-14 charges, or run a portable fridge for 15-20 hours. Actual runtime depends on the specific devices and usage patterns.
Can the Goal Zero Yeti 700 be used while charging?
Yes, the Yeti 700 supports pass-through charging, allowing you to use it as a power source while it’s being recharged.
Is the Goal Zero Yeti 700 safe to use indoors?
Absolutely. The Yeti 700 is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, with no emissions or fumes to worry about.
How noisy is the Goal Zero Yeti 700?
The Yeti 700 is virtually silent during operation. The only noise you might hear is a slight fan sound when it’s working hard or in high temperatures.
Long-Term Reliability
After several months of regular use, I’m impressed with how well the Yeti 700 has maintained it’s performance. The battery still holds a charge exceptionally well, and I haven’t noticed any degradation in it’s capacity or charging speed. The LiFePO4 battery technology seems to live up to it’s promise of longevity, which gives me confidence that this investment will serve me well for years to come.
Room for Improvement
While I’m generally thrilled with the Yeti 700, there are a few areas where I think it could be improved. The weight, at 21 pounds, can be a bit cumbersome when hiking to remote campsites. Additionally, having only two AC outlets can sometimes feel limiting, especially when trying to power many devices simultaneously.
My Recommendation
For outdoor enthusiasts, frequent campers, or anyone who values reliable portable power, the Goal Zero Yeti 700 is an excellent choice. It’s combination of fast charging, durable construction, and versatile output options make it a standout in the portable power station market.
While it’s not the cheapest option available, the quality and performance justify the investment for those who will make regular use of it’s capabilities.
That said, if you only need to charge small devices occasionally or are on a tight budget, there might be more suitable choices. However, for those who demand reliable, high-capacity portable power, the Yeti 700 is hard to beat.
Powering Your Adventures: Essential Tips for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Before you head out on your next outdoor trip, it’s crucial to assess your power requirements. Make a detailed list of all the devices and equipment you’ll bring that need electricity.
This includes smartphones, tablets, GPS devices, cameras, portable lights, cooking equipment, and any medical devices you rely on.
For each item, estimate it’s power consumption and how often you’ll use it. This thorough planning helps you decide the exact capacity of the power source you’ll need to pack.
Portable power stations like the Goal Zero Yeti 700 offer the most versatility and capacity for longer trips or when you need to run higher-wattage devices. They can charge many devices and even power small appliances.
For extended off-grid use, solar panels are an excellent choice.
They harness the sun’s energy to keep your devices charged and work well in combination with a power station or battery pack.
For shorter trips or when you only need to charge small devices, power banks are ideal. They’re lightweight and easy to carry.
Always invest in high-quality rechargeable batteries for devices like headlamps, GPS units, and cameras.
This reduces waste and saves you money in the long run. In emergency situations, hand-crank generators can provide power when all else fails, though they need significant physical effort to generate usable electricity.
To maximize battery life, turn off devices when not in use and use airplane mode on smartphones to reduce battery drain. Dim screens and disable unnecessary features. In cold weather, keep devices warm to prevent battery drain. Whenever possible, use power-saving modes on your devices.
The outdoors can be harsh on electronics, so it’s essential to protect your power sources and devices. Use waterproof cases or dry bags to keep equipment dry.
Avoid exposing your devices to extreme temperatures when possible.
If you’re using solar panels, clean them regularly to maintain their efficiency. When connecting to unknown power sources, always use surge protectors to safeguard your devices.
Always have a backup plan for power in case of emergencies. This might include extra batteries, a small backup power bank, a hand-crank radio with USB charging capability, emergency flares or light sticks, and a map and compass as non-electronic backups.
Understanding how different devices consume power helps you make informed decisions about energy use in the outdoors. For example, a smartphone typically uses 2-6 Wh per charge, while a laptop can consume 50-100 Wh per charge.
A small electric cooler might use 40-60 W per hour of operation.
Knowing these figures allows you to plan your power usage more effectively.
For serious outdoor enthusiasts or those embarking on extended trips, a portable power station like the Goal Zero Yeti 700 can be incredibly useful. It offers fast charging capabilities, typically going from 0-100% in about 2 hours when using the high-speed charging mode.
This is a significant improvement over older models that could take 8+ hours to fully charge.
The Yeti 700 is compatible with Goal Zero’s portable solar panels, allowing you to recharge using clean solar energy when you’re off-grid. The 8mm solar input port can handle up to 200W of solar input, though actual charging times will vary based on sunlight conditions.
Durability is a key feature of the Yeti 700. It’s rugged plastic housing feels solid and well-built, with an IPX4 water resistance rating that can withstand splashes and light rain. At 21 pounds, it strikes a good balance between power capacity and portability.
It’s substantial enough to feel durable, but not so heavy that it’s a burden to transport to a campsite or move around during a power outage.
The Yeti 700 offers an impressive array of output ports to power and charge various devices. It includes two 600W AC outlets (with a 1000W surge capacity), two 18W USB-A ports, a 100W USB-C PD port, a 30W USB-C port, a 120W 12V car port, and a 120W 12V 6mm port.
This versatile selection allows you to power or charge many devices simultaneously.
Goal Zero claims the LiFePO4 battery in the Yeti 700 can handle 4,000 charge cycles before dropping to 80% of it’s original capacity.