Goal Zero Yeti 150 Review: pros and cons!

Goal Zero Yeti 150

The Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a portable power station that can charge phones, laptops, and other small devices. The power station is a great choice for those who want a reliable power source when camping or hiking.

The machine is basically a huge battery packed in a compact, easy-to-carry box, which you can take on adventures and journeys. It's meant to be used as an emergency backup power source and a charging station.

Today, we're going to look at the Goal Zero Yeti 150 and see how it stacks up against other portable power stations on the market.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Tech Specs

  • Dimensions: 7.75 x 5.75 x 6.75 inches
  • Weight: 12.8 pounds
  • Capacity: 150 watt-hours
  • Product SKU: 22004.
  • Operating temperature: 32 to 104 F
  • Certs: CE, FCC, ROHS
  • Warranty: 12 months

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Overview

While it isn't the first gadget out there named after the abominable snowman, it's one of the best we have.

The Yeti 150 is a portable power station, manufactured by Goal Zero, one of the premier names in the industry. This particular power station has been available since 2013 and although it had a few tweaks, it has remained largely the same since.

That's actually a good thing since the original Yeti 150 was named the 2013 CES Innovations Award Honoree.

It's essentially a strong battery pack, the size of a large brick. You can easily put it under your car seat to keep it ready for your next camping trip or put it away in your storage for emergencies.

It's a reliable emergency power source that can go for long periods without being used and still provide you with the juice you need to keep your devices running.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Features

Now, we're going to take a look at some of the main features of Goal Zero Yeti 150 to see whether it's worth your hard-earned money pr not.

  • Build Quality and Size

Let's start by looking at the overall design and quality, which are well-thought-out and quite remarkable. The shape is compact and retractable; a solid handle makes the Yeti easy to grab and carry around. And the size allows you to pack it inside a camping bag alongside other essentials on your next trip.

One thing we need to note – the display isn't perfect. It doesn't have a backlight and is known for malfunctioning, preventing you from seeing whether the power station is fully charged. But, other than that little stumble, the quality is top-notch. It also comes with a warranty. So even if something unexpected happens, you can get a new Yeti 150 for free.

  • Amount of Power

The Goal Zero Yeti 150 can provide up to 7 hours of power on a single charge – which is pretty darn good. If you're only using it to charge your phone, you can get up to 15 charges from this power station.

It can also power laptops and other small electrical devices, such as USB headlamps and lanterns, which you might need on your next camping trip. While you may not be able to power a fridge or a TV, on a single, you can fully charge:

  • Your smartphone up to 15 times
  • Your tablet device up to 6 times
  • A 20-inch laptop at least two times

Do you like to park your car far away from the campsite and go for a long walk before settling down? Then, the Yeti 150 is perfect for you. Simply buy a portable Goal Zero solar panel, and you'll be able to recharge your power station at the campsite without using a car charger.

  • Portability and Weight

The Goal Zero Yeti 150 is one of the most portable power stations on the market in its power category. It only weighs 12 pounds – or 5.4 kilos for all Canadian and European readers out there – which is quite impressive for a machine that packs so much power.

The wright makes the Yeti ideal for hiking trips where you may be off-the-grid when it comes to power options. While it may fall a bit on the heavier side, the weight is evenly distributed, so it's not uncomfortable to carry around.

And when you consider how much power the Yeti 150 packs, you realize that it's well worth the little extra weight.

  • Watt-Hour Expectations

According to the Goal Zero website, the Yeti 150 has a 12V, 14Ah, or 168Wh capacity. So how many hours will it be able to run? Well, that depends on the number of devices you're bringing along for your next trip.

If you've packed multiple smartphones, USB flashlights, and GPS devices, you'll be able to use the Yeti for multiple days on a single charge.

However, if you want to bring a laptop, a few fans, and a coffee maker, it probably won't last you for more than two days. To combat this problem, purchase portable solar panels and charge the Yeti while you're out and about in the woods.

  • Recharge Time

How long do you need to charge the Yeti 150 before taking it on the road? If you're using an AC wall outlet to charge it, you can expect the power station to be fully charged in 4 to 6 hours.

On the other hand, if you're using a car charger port, it can take up to 8 hours to charge the Yeti 150.

Using solar panels depends on the brand and model you're using. For example, more expensive Goal Zero models can charge your power station over 12 hours. Cheaper models, conversely, can take over 48 hours to charge it.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Recommended Uses

What's Yeti 150 mainly built for? Like most portable power stations, it's built to be an extremely versatile tool:

  • The size allows you to carry it around during most trips
  • The easy-to-use charger features make it a perfect standby generator
  • The ability to charge multiple devices is ideal for family trips

With Yeti 150, you'll never have to worry about any dangerous fumes or loud sounds. The device is quite subtle, and you can easily use it at night – both at a campsite and in your home workshop – while everyone's sleeping. You won't have to worry about waking up anyone nearby.

Who's it best suited for? Here are a few types that can get the most out of the Goal Zero Yeti 150:

  • Outdoors enthusiasts who love to camp and hike: Since the device is so portable, you can take it on most of your adventures.
  • Preppers and survivalists: The Goal Zero Yeti 150 makes an excellent standby generator. If there's a power outage, you can use it to charge your devices and keep them running until the power comes back on.
  • Teens and students with a lot of electronics: The multiple charging ports make it easy to charge all of your devices simultaneously. You can use it to keep your phone, laptop, and tablet running during a long day of classes.
  • Professional contracts that are often on the go: If you're always on the go, the Goal Zero Yeti 150 can help your devices stay completely charged, even when there's no outlet in sight.
  • Families who like to go on picnics and road trips together: The Yeti can help keep everyone's devices charged so that you can enjoy a worry-free day out together.

Now that we've answered the question, “What is the Goal Zero Yeti 150 used for?” let's take a closer look at its features.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Pros and Cons

Everything has its pros and cons, and the Goal Zero Yeti 150 is no different. So let's take a look at some of this portable power station's key pros and cons.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Pros

Here's what we like about the Yeti:

  • It's Extremely Reliable: Like any other Goal Zero product, the Yeti doesn't disappoint. It will provide a reliable charge for multiple years.
  • Ease-of-Use: With Yeti 150, you won't have to spend a few hours reading the manual. You'll know how to use it right out of the gate. Even swapping out its battery is so simple that your kids can do it.
  • Solar Panels: As you might've assumed, Yeti 150 is compatible with most panels manufactured by Goal Zero, which comes in handy when camping for several days.
  • Perfect for Small Devices: You're going on a trip. Do you need a phone for emergencies, a tablet for the kids, and your laptop to do some work? Thank's to Yeti 150, you can charge all of those devices simultaneously.
  • Made for the Outdoors: The Yeti is sturdy, durable, and equipped with a handle that allows you to carry it around. Of course, you should try not to drop it, but the Yeti will probably come out untouched even if you do. 

Goal Zero Yeti 150 Cons

Now, here are a few things that can be improved:

  • It Falls a Bit On the Heavier Side: While 12 pounds isn't much compared to the power stations in the same power and price category, you probably won't spend a few hours carrying the Yeti around.
  • The Display Isn't Perfect: To put it simply – the display is the worst thing about the Yeti. It's small, has no backlight, and the charge meter doesn't really work, so you can't tell how fast you're charging in real-time, which is disappointing.
  • You Can Use for Charging Only: As mentioned before, this isn't the power station for you if you want to power your devices continuously. Aside from small lights and fans, the Yeti is only good for recharging devices that aren't in use.

Final Verdict

Despite having a few flaws, the Yeti 150 is still one of the best portable power stations for camping. It gives you great value for its price. Plus, you can usually find it at discount prices during the holiday season.

The Goal Zero Yeti is perfect for people who:

  • Like to go camping on a regular occasion and want to bring multiple devices
  • Prefer portable power stations over portable battery packs
  • Want something relatively compact for their camping bag
  • Don't want to spend a fortune on a power station
  • They don't need to power their devices continuously

If you fall into these categories, you should give the Yeti 150 a try.

Last but not least, if you have any questions about the Goal Zero Yeti 150 or any of its features, feel free to leave a comment in the section below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

FAQ

  • How Long Does a Yeti 150 Last?

The Yeti 150 can last you more than 50 hours per single charge, and it has a life expectancy of roughly 500 cycles. You can recharge your smartphone between 10 and 15 times on a single charge. To keep the Yeti 150 working, you’ll have to charge it every three months.

  • What Can the Goal Zero Yeti 150 Power?

You can use the Yeti 150 to run small devices like small fans, string lights, and heating pads. In addition, the power station can charge smartphones, tablets, GPS navigators, cameras, headlamps, lanterns, laptops, and other similarly-sized devices. You can also use it to charge batteries and simple power tools.

  • Who Is the Goal Zero Yeti 150 Best for?

The Yeti 150 is a great option for people that enjoy camping and want to charge multiple devices. If you don't mind the weight, you can take it backpacking. Although, due to its bulkiness, it's not recommendable for bike packing or paddling trips.

  • How to Charge Goal Zero Yeti 150?

There are a few ways of charging a Goal Zero Yeti 150 power station. First, you can charge it through a wall outlet in your home. You can also use a 12-volt outlet in your car (although you need to purchase a car charger sold separately). Lastly, you can purchase a solar panel and charge it while out in the wild.

  • Where to Buy the Goal Zero Yeti 150?

While it's currently out of stock on Amazon, you can buy the Goal Zero Yeti 150 on REI Co-op or directly from the Goal Zero website.

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