[Dobe Man]

I know that lithium batteries (I'm talking AA AAA sizes) last much longer in digital cameras and other electronic devices. I know that their cold weather performance is much better than standard alkalines and they weigh much less.

Question is will they last at least twice as long as standard alkalines in say a LED flashlight? Or is their cost (twice the price) not worth it?

[Hagusofnwn]

Dobe Man,

Another very important consideration and the reason that I am using Lithium batteries in my emergency kits is their LONG shelf life. I have not done the final determination on how long a lithium lasts versus an alkaline, but two or three years down the road, I don't want a battery that is half dead the day I use it.

Maybe you use regular batteries for everyday use and the lithiums for long term needs.

[kevin]

I only think they last longer in high drain electronic devices like cameras. They do however work at ridiculous cold temps so thats why I have them in my winter gear GPS and headlamp.

[dtcepl]

Lithium batteries can last longer then alkaline due to their properties which can retain its voltage after a long period, in cold and hot weather, more stable. If your put alkaline batteries in your car compartment unused, due to the heat, probably 9 months and its gone. Switch it to lithium, a simple guess may be 3 years or longer.

All my backup batteries (AA, AAA and 123) are lithium. But lithium should be avoided when using in clock, remote controls etc due to their 'high power' meaning Ampere could be higher then normal batteries therefore normal electric devices may be damaged.

[AlpineZone]

Originally Posted by Dobe Man

I know that lithium batteries (I'm talking AA AAA sizes) last much longer in digital cameras and other electronic devices. I know that their cold weather performance is much better than standard alkalines and they weigh much less.

Question is will they last at least twice as long as standard alkalines in say a LED flashlight? Or is their cost (twice the price) not worth it?

The advantage of lithium is they run full power until dead...they don't bleed over time until dead which is really nice for bush/hiking headlamps an backup light. No they will not last twice as long as standard alkaline especially in cold conditions but the light weight, true full power output for lighting cannot be replaced for the piece of mind IMHO regardless of the extra dollars.

[George]

On top of spare batteries I also have crank operated flashlights some of them have cables to charge mobile phone.

Only problem I have no idea how long they will last before fall apart.

[dtcepl]

Rechargeable and alkaline batteries loses it voltage progessively through time, heat and cold.

A good thing about lithium batteries is it retains most of its properties throughout its life which forms a good platform for reliability and backups - meaning when you have expanded your primary batteries, the backups that you have stored works and will power up the devices.

My entire batteries primary and backup platform is based on lithium. I do keep small amount of 'enhanced' alkaline batteries (which i will rotate every 4 to 6 months) for 'lower grade' electronic devices.