[pct-l] Lithium batteries

[Eugene Leafty]

8 times longer is a marketing statistic.  They are better, but nowhere near
that much better for the way we use the types of electronics we carry on the
trail.  I would definitely use them instead of alkaline batteries.

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Trekker4 at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 5:58 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are not expensive! Yes, they cost more than alkalines or  
rechargables, 2-3 times as much, but they last 8 times as long and have a 
15  year shelf life. That makes them far less expensive!
 
Bob "Trekker"  Brewer
Naturalized Citizen - Republic of Texas


In a message dated 11/16/2010 11:22:56 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
paulbodnar at hotmail.com writes:


Hi  Kevin,

On my hike I used AA batteries to supply all my energy  needs.  But I had 
to power both my iphone, gps (Garmin 60CSX) and  SPOT.  By utilizing 
batteries I was able to convert battery power to the  iphone with a charging
device 
and then use the batteries for the GPS and about  every 3-4 weeks change out

the batteries in the SPOT.   By having a  unified system I reduced the 
complexity and saved on weight.  I purchased  alkaline batteries in bulk for

cheap, used lithium batteries as a backup and  for my SPOT.  Both types of 
batteries could be used in the charger,  lithium batteries performed the
best 
and are very light but expensive.   

If you only have an iphone to charge I would recommend carrying a unit  
specified charger.  I saw others with a devices similar to the   3GJuice
Black 
2.0 1800 mAh/2A DeLuxe Version iPhone/ iPod Battery  Charger.  This is the 
way I would have gone if I was just carrying an  iphone.  This device is 
reported to weigh only 1.6 ounces and cost $55.95  on Amazon with free
shipping. 
 However I would look around for other  chargers to make sure you get the 
best one.  This is only an example of  what is available after a simple 
search.  I'm sure other thru-hikers can  comment on other charging devices
for 
the iphone.  The cost of these  iphone chargers is substantially less than
the 
reported PEG charger of $149.95  
http://www.trailspace.com/blog/solar-chargers/ and a lot lighter.  You
could buy two back up chargers and still save 
about $40 and about half a pound  of weight.  Now that is a lot of
weight....

I wouldn't be too  concerned about charging up the iphone and chargers in 
towns.  I can't  recall this being a problem at all for my thru-hike this 
year.  I would  charge up my iphone in towns all the time without getting a 
hotel room.   It is amazing how many outlets are just available these days.


I  hope this information helps you make a more educated choice on what is 
best  for you.  The PEG looks like a good device but might not be the best 
for  your needs.  

Good luck on your planning.

Paul

>  That was in reference to the the weight of the solar charger. I think it 
 was
> 24oz!
> The PEG weighs under 12oz. There is another big  difference. If I carry
> rechargeable batteries, I would need dozens. At  ~.5oz each, the PEG
> represents the weight of 20 batteries. Then there  is the weight of the
> device that transfers the battery energy into my  iPhone. The big problem 
is
> charging 24 batteries at resupply  locations. I don't plan to stay in 
hotels
> as often as some folks do.  Charging that many batteries is more hassle 
than
> I want to deal with.  I'm still convinced that the PEG's 12 oz will be 
worth
> it.
>   
_______________________________________________
Pct-L  mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubcribe, or change options  visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

List  Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/


_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/