I've tried this as well - even double packed batteries - and they don't hold up well to pocket carry.

-john

For secure, waterproof, low-bulk packaging of strictly-for-backup batteries, would it work to use plastic dip? Or would its temporarily-liquid nature harm the batteries before it dried?

The idea came when I was replacing the battery pack in one of my cordless phones this weekend. Those come bundled in some sort of plasticized shrink wrap.

Dan

I don't think that is a dip - I think that is heat shrink wrap.

-john

You're right John – it is a shrink wrap of some sort. But like I say, I wonder if a dip would work as well? Opinions?

I think the Dip is electrically insulated, so it shouldn't conduct if you use it. Only really cheap batteries would allow any of it to leak in. But if you dunk a whole set together (I assume you tape with cellophane or similar first) you have to be careful when slitting it open or just break it.

Heat shrink tubing (they make it pretty large diameter) might prove very useful. Not quite water tight unless you use the adhesive variety and leave extra on the ends.

I have some experimenting to do! :-) I like the idea of standardizing on one or two battery format, especially in an emergency. I can get AAs anywhere including the local mom & pop or gas station, but maybe not 123As...

They both will have thier own problems.

Heatshrink- batteries don't like being hot. The could swell during the shrinking.

Dip- getting that gunk off will be your big problem. If you don't get contact, or can't get the battery into the battery well, you might as well not have them.

CR123s carry nicely in a paintball tube, and should carry nicely in a shotgun choke carrying tube. AAs, find yourself some 1/2" tubing with end caps. The "speedloader" tubes for blackpowder should work well enough, but they might need to be trimmed.

I once ordered rigid clear plastic tubing & end caps from a packaging catalog. (pre-internet!) These came in 6' lengths of various sizes. Caps in bags of 100. You cut what you need & with 2 end caps you have a custom length container. HOWEVER, I cannot remember the company & have searched all over the internet to no avail. If anybody finds a company selling these things, please be so kind as to post it. I will be eternally grateful.

I was looking at some of these a few days ago...

VisiPak

Wrap in cellophane/cling film then dip? Just an idea.

eeph

Because you will only need your new batteries after exhausting an existing set, why not vacuum encapsulate the new ones in a food storage sealer? Date the bag and check the batteries annually. Unless you are using lithium 3 volt; those should be checked every 5 years.