Hi!

I'm using batteries mostly in my Petzl Tactikka plus headlamp. I know it is good practice to bring extras for when you run out of batteries.

How do you manage your batteries? I mean, do you keep using the batteries until they are fully depleted, then you switch them out with the fresh ones?

I would have a natural tendency to put in brand new batteries *before* trips, and carrying the ones that were there as spares (not 100% new spares). This way, I wouldn't need to worry about poor battery performance at all, unless I near the depletion level where I would simply switch to the used ones.

I was laughing at myself while writing this. Boy do I have these weird thoughts about optimizing everything... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

There are new AAA-sized Energizer "e2" lithium batteries that should give you quite a bit of run time.

Also there are AA-sized lithiums, but those have been out for a while.

If I know I'm going to be in the woods and I can't remember the last time I changed the batteries, I'll put in fresh ones. I'll also carry backups, too.

Those "weird thoughts" are normal thoughts on the forum. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I mainly use rechargeables. When the voltage level is at about 1.2 V it´s time to change. I gathered experience to judge the remaining runtime from the voltage level (also for batteries). When I can´t afford poor battry performance I change before I go otherwise I deplete the battery. That saves managing batteries with different charge levels. OTOH rechargeables can easily be recharged when it seems sensible so different charge levels are no real problem.
I never take partly depleted batteries as spares.

I think it's risky using partially depleted batteries as spares, unless it's just around the house, maybe.

Think about it. You are in a survival situation. Your batteries are dying. You switch to your spare batteries. Ooops - they turn out to have been more depleted than you thought.

I have heard of folks using batteries in an incandescent light, then moving them to a more efficient LED. I would not do it. I use old bats around the house for everyday stuff, but when I leave home, I always have fresh bats.

I agree. It could be particularly disastrous if you try to use them in severe cold.

Regards, Vince

Regarding the new Lithium AA/AAA batteries:
any experience with those -- cost versus value compared to regular alkaline batteries?
and what are anyone's preferences regarding the major alkaline's between Eveready, Ray-o-Vac and Duracell?

See here.

It's an old ETS thread. I posted a link to a CPF thread with runtime graphs using an Arc AAA with lithiums and other battery types. Summary: Lithiums last longer, work better cold, weigh less, are more expensive.