Quick Answer
A Goal Zero Yeti power station cannot be charged directly from a power bank due to its high power requirements and the limitations of standard power bank output. However, some Goal Zero power banks can be used to charge a Yeti's 12V port, but only at a very slow rate.
Charging a Goal Zero Yeti with a Power Bank
The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 and other larger models have a 12V DC input port that allows you to charge the unit using a DC power source. This port is typically used for charging from a car’s 12V outlet or a Goal Zero solar panel. However, if you have a Goal Zero power bank with a USB-C output (like the Goal Zero Boulder 100), you can use it to charge the Yeti’s 12V port, but the charging rate will be very slow.
Power Bank Charging Limitations
To charge a Goal Zero Yeti using a power bank, you will need to use a Goal Zero Boulder panel or another DC power source to charge the power bank first. Then, you can use the power bank to charge the Yeti’s 12V port. However, the charging time will be lengthy due to the limited power output of the power bank. For example, the Goal Zero Boulder 100 has a 12V output of 10A, which means it can supply a maximum of 120W of power. This would take approximately 8-10 hours to charge a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 from empty, assuming the power bank is fully charged.
Practical Considerations for Overlanding and Car Camping
While using a power bank to charge a Goal Zero Yeti may be possible, it’s not a practical solution for overlanding or car camping due to the slow charging rate and limited power output. A more efficient and effective approach would be to use a Goal Zero solar panel or a 12V DC power source to charge the Yeti directly. This will save time and ensure that your power station is fully charged and ready to use when you need it.
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