SHTF and batteries

[dragon7]

I've been reevaluating my BOB as I do at least once a year when I rotate the food items and batteries. My headlamps and flashlights both use CR123 batteries. Finding replacement CR123 batteries even now isn't always easy so I imagine in a disaster situation it would be even worse. So I've been considering switching to lights that use AA or AAA batteries. What say you? Long storage life of CR123 vs. relative better chance of finding AA or AAAs.

[The Last American Hero]

common AA and AAA from American brands boast a 10yr shelf life. AND they say storing them in fridge is a myth.

only place I'd use anything real fancy like cr123 if you really think it will need to sit for over fives years before being used, like an earthquake warning transmitter on a remote spot.

For something that is gonna be batt-hungrey for days and weeks on end its a no brainer IMO, plus the AA or AAA with power up all the Walkman radios etc you will come across.

Only time funny batts would be worth it is if climbing Everst or something, or if you DON'T want anyone to be able to use your equip like in war.

I heard the Commies made a small mortar that was just a hair bigger than enemies so it could use captured shells but not the other way around....so the enemy soon started leaving "special" shells from them to capture. Forgot where all this supposedly happened.


Working construction I use hardhat headlamp with two AAA and walkman with single AAA so when one runs down I always got at least two good AAA to swap in. Light will run on 1 weak and 1 strong batt.

[C&Rtrader]

I use AAA for that reason.

[FeuerFrei]

Nice job OP on checking your gear. I do this twice a year at least.
I use rechargeables in everything now. AC/12V and solar chargers.
CR123 for gun lights and everything else is standardized to AA with a few AAA for head lamps. I am culling those out for AA tho.
Nothing wrong with lithium batts for longer storage.

[johnjacobschmidt]

Goal zero and Eneloops or GZ and rcr123/18650 lights. The 18650 has the power of 5-6 AA's. Also run a zebralight with a 4 month runtime on low.

[Jon Road King]

Exactly why I have older EoTech 512's... AA's baby!

[Mr. Beretta]

For CR123A's.... I have been buying / using these from The Battery Station in West Plains, MO. for years!

Service life just as good or better the name brands. Made in USA. I buy 50 at a time. My last purchase was August 2012. Just as bright as if I got yesterday.

Exceptional service & LEO and Military discounts. I call in the order instead of buying online. Good Luck.

http://www.batterystation.com/cr123a.htm

[11HE9]

My flashlights & headlamps are either AA or AAA (I have a few of each), SteriPen runs on AA.

I have a Goal Zero solar panel to keep the Eneloops topped off

[bohoki]

i got aa and aaa nimhs i dont have much use for aaa though have solar charger but it barely charges anything up to 500mah in a day of bright sun my battery chargers run on 12v so as long as a car works i can charge my eneloops

i have a walkman that uses 1 aa but if shtf why bother to listen to tapes and there will be no radio stations

i guess i have a couple frs walkies that can use the aaa

have d adapters for aa

[cudakidd]

I use them all, AAAA to D Cells, CR 123s as well. I buy them all in Rechargeables, have multiple rechargers, check batteries and bulbs/Leds and Function on a regular basis.

All the Go Bags, BOB, Weekender back packs. and Vehicles have Surefire E series with battery carriers and spare bulbs if not already in LED mode. 2 each of the M2, M3 and M4 Series in Bedroom, hall and living room. Spare batteries for all...

Now I have no need to worry, for any normal Emergency that involves their use I have plenty of spares...I have extras in every size, after all they don't cost much and then just go on with my life...

[Dutch3]

One thing i noticed during a minor SHTF event (5 day power outage) is that 24 hours after the power went out, battery selection in the stores that were open was pretty slim. AA and AAA could be found, but mostly in store brands.

D's were simply gone everywhere. I needed 8 of them and visited several stores and there were none to be had.

I finally tried a little corner liquor store and they had some, but I paid about $40 for the 8 cells I needed.

[skilletboy]

Get a light that uses BOTH....

MIND BLOWN>>>> http://centavogear.blogspot.com/2014...mp-review.html

No this is why I have several lights with different batteries. The ultimate set-up would be using like a Goal-zero solar charger and rechargeable batteries IMO.

[tc556guy]

My weapon light uses 123s
My headlamp uses AAA
My EDC pocket flashlight uses 123s
I buy 123s in bulk.
By the time my stocks of any of those run out hopefully I'll have found some other options.

[Dubious_Beans]

One thing i noticed during a minor SHTF event (5 day power outage) is that 24 hours after the power went out, battery selection in the stores that were open was pretty slim. AA and AAA could be found, but mostly in store brands.

D's were simply gone everywhere. I needed 8 of them and visited several stores and there were none to be had.

I finally tried a little corner liquor store and they had some, but I paid about $40 for the 8 cells I needed.

FWIW, if you have an appliance that uses 8 alkaline batteries they are almost always connected in series to make 12 volts. (8 x 1.5)
And if it runs on 12 volts, then you just need some test leads and an alternate 12 volt source.
A few sets of test leads is a handy thing to have for connecting to alternate power sources...

[FeuerFrei]

One thing i noticed during a minor SHTF event (5 day power outage) is that 24 hours after the power went out, battery selection in the stores that were open was pretty slim. AA and AAA could be found, but mostly in store brands.

D's were simply gone everywhere. I needed 8 of them and visited several stores and there were none to be had.

I finally tried a little corner liquor store and they had some, but I paid about $40 for the 8 cells I needed.

I have AA to D cell adaptors + AA to C.
Thet are handy when/if you need to fire up a D or C cell light and only have the AA or AAA. Example
HERE