Getting Ready With Goal Zero Lithium and Road House Tarp

I spent the weekend in preparation for our annual Ancient Bristlecone Forest trip to the White Mountains. Since this trip is really off the grid with dry camping it was time to update some critical items.

I’ve updated both my off grid power and a shade and rain cover solution by Slumberjack.

The AGM Battery in my ArcPak battery supply needed replacement and I’ve decided to upgrade to the new Goal Zero Lithium 1000 (Costco version) and a Boulder 100 solar panel.

Advantages of using the Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 1000 include the following:

Lighter weight than AGM or Lead Batteries
Can safely discharge them lower than AGM batteries
Integrated solar panel charging while powering devices
AC inverter that allows for 1500W of pure sine-wave power (3000W surge)
4 USB outlets

Of course, the disadvantage is the price. While Lithium prices have come down they are still expensive. I was first looking to purchase the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium which retails for $1,999.00. Thankfully I discovered that Costco has a version for half the price which is more than adequate for my needs. No running blenders, power tools, or TV’s for me – I just want to be able to recharge iPhones, power the Engel 12 volt refrigerator, and occasionally grind some coffee.

I also did a test run on the new Slumberjack Roadhouse tarp for the Rover.

I will have video reviews on all of these new products soon but wanted to share a few pictures taken today.

Close up detail of Goal Zero Lithium 1000. Tested the Boulder 100 Briefcase panel and got about 70 amps into the battery. The Engel refrigerator runs around 2.5 amps – so should be able to maintain a good charge for longer trips off the grid.

Goal Zero 100 Briefcase – pictured folded in half.

Detail from box of Road House Tarp from Slumberjack.

More detail from the box. The tarp can be set up in various configurations – the real benefit is one end of the tarp is secured to the Rover making it a fast and secure setup.

Detail of poles for Roadhouse Tarp. Can be used with one or two poles when connected to
Rover.

I’m pretty pleased with how small the Roadhouse Tarp packs down. It’s pretty heavy due to the stakes and poles, but very packable.

If you want to know more about the Slumberjack Roadhouse Tarp here is a manufacturer video.