With that being said, grouch, which I appreciate, I may go with the original now just for the sake of AA's batteries over CR123.

The original is 4oz heavier, but i can charge AA's faster on my solar panel set up, rather than carry extra CR123's or fret over a bulkier SteriPEN solar charger that takes 2-5 days to charge 123's. Plus the AA's translate to other tech as well when out in the field, like walkie talkies, flashlights, etc.