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View Full Version : Batteries; Lithium or Alkaline?



Nar Nar
05-27-2013, 21:49
Does the power, burn time, or anything else become affected if lithium batteries are used? Or are they no different and I'm just totally over thinking everything in anticipation to get back into the woods :o

Wise Old Owl
05-27-2013, 22:00
There is little need for electronics on a thru hike... but if you do Lithium

AllenIsbell
05-27-2013, 22:09
There are differences, but lithium is better than alkaline.

Malto
05-27-2013, 23:45
Lithium are longer lasting, lighter weight and better in cold. But they are more expensive. Your call. The only application that I would serious recommend lithium at any cost is GPS in the winter.

Sailing_Faith
05-28-2013, 00:23
Other then my SPOT messenger, I have not noticed any real benefit from using lithium batteries.

Don H
05-28-2013, 08:21
Lithium batteries last much longer in my headlamp. Be aware that some LED headlamps are not rated for lithium batteries.

Nar Nar
05-28-2013, 09:59
Be aware that some LED headlamps are not rated for lithium batteries.

This is why I started this forum. I wasn't sure if lithium affect all headlamps or just certain ones. I have a Princeton Tec and they recommend alkaline but I might just go with lithium for the lighter weight and longer battery life.

Nar Nar
05-28-2013, 10:01
I have a Princeton Tec Fuel headlamp.

redseal
06-02-2013, 19:37
For all you wanted to know about batteries, check out this blog below.

http://www.backpackingengineer.com/blog.php/10

Starchild
06-02-2013, 19:42
Lithium is only better in cold weather and or high drain devices. In things like headlamps in the summer heat you will see no benifit except for lighter weight. You may see lower run time on low drain devices compared to name brand alkaline.

kayak karl
06-02-2013, 20:39
you will find a difference in the two. the higher mAh will usually last longer. in the NiMH batteries this is very important depending on what you are powering.
All Alkaline batterys are not the same or are the others.

Malto
06-02-2013, 21:18
I use lithium in a PT Fuel and Remix. Have for three years. All good.

Rain Man
06-03-2013, 14:35
Lithium batteries last much longer in my headlamp. Be aware that some LED headlamps are not rated for lithium batteries.

Mine must not be, then. I've used lithiums twice in my headlamp, and both times I could swear they dimmed faster than alkalines. After my last trip two weekends ago, I decided to stop using lithiums for it.

Rain:sunMan

.

MuddyWaters
08-04-2013, 20:10
you will find a difference in the two. the higher mAh will usually last longer. in the NiMH batteries this is very important depending on what you are powering.
All Alkaline batterys are not the same or are the others.


Have to clarify what is being spoken of when people say Lithium.
Some mean Energizer Ultimate Lithium (lithium/iron disulfide) , some mean Lithium-ion. They are totally different.

The Energizer Ultimate Lithium have about 1.5 x the mah capacity in AA , and 1.6 in AAA as alkaline.
They have more capacity than the best NiMh or NiCd batteries as well.
They maintain voltage better with high loads as well. They are a 1.5V battery like alkaline, and work superb in appications where the lower voltage of rechargeables doesnt.

In practically every application intended for alkaline batteries they will be superior generally by 1.5x. They are also about 30% lighter than alkaline.

The lithium-ion batteries come in those sizes too, but they are 3.6 V rechargables with maybe 80% the capacity of alkalines.
However, they will give higher performance for a device that can take the increased voltage and higher current load. Brighter light, but shorter life, etc.

They will also damage a device not intended for their higher voltage.

For hiking, I use energizer ultimate lithium in lights, gps, etc.

Just Bill
08-04-2013, 22:07
Lithium are the best, period. Unless you're broke, you would like to string several together to torture me, or your device doesn't take them. Other than that...

MuddyWaters
08-04-2013, 22:16
For all you wanted to know about batteries, check out this blog below.

http://www.backpackingengineer.com/blog.php/10

Chart on this site has bad data.
I dont know of any NiMH battery with capacity that low in AA. I have some that are 2700mah.
However, the real issue is that despite claims to the contrary, the NiMH batteries are just about as bad as NiCd at going bad if they go dead, they get cell reversal, cant charge, lose substantial capacity, etc.

The hybrids like eneloop or even the rayovac hybrids sold at walmart, are 2000 mah, and dont go dead nearly as fast, and last much much longer because of it. I use them in many things, especially my hunting trail cameras.


23142

Just Bill
08-04-2013, 22:54
Beer is best