As OtterBox is the leader in rugged phone cases and Goal Zero is the leader in off-the-grid power, it was only a matter of time until the two companies got together. At Outdoor Retailer, Goal Zero showed off some new power accessories for the OtterBox uniVERSE modular phone case as well as some new solar generators for powering larger items.
Originally, Goal Zero teamed up with OtterBox to create the Slide Battery that works in conjunction with the uniVERSE case to not only protect your phone in the wild, but also deliver extra battery life. The battery simply slides into the back of the modular design phone case and gives you 100% extra juice. The battery features an LED battery indicator, on/off button, one-touch LED light, plus a magnetic kickstand. The Slide Battery comes in two models for your iPhone 6/6S ($55) and 6 Plus/6S Plus ($60) and is available now. Note: the uniVERSE case is sold separately and will cost you $50 — but hey, you get the OtterBox certified drop protection.
In addition to the Slide Battery, you will soon be able to add the Nomad Folio (pictured top, $40 for iPhone 6/6S, $50 for 6 Plus / 6S Plus) to your uniVERSE phone case — a small solar panel that provides endless power for your iPhone (as long as you keep it in the sun, of course). The Nomad Folio will start shipping in time for the holidays.
And for those of you living the vanlife dream, those heading out on a major expedition, or for the rest of us who have to settle for car camping once in a while, Goal Zero lightened up the monster Yeti power packs by adding lithium batteries (replacing the current lead-acid or AGM batteries). The user-replaceable lithium cells have increased the lifespan and decreased the weight of the new solar generators by up to 60 percent. The Yeti 400 ($700) and Yeti 1400 ($2,000) will charge your phone between 30 to 100 times, and will also power a TV or small refrigerator. Expect to see the new solar generators out the first part of next year.