Camping, Hiking, Exploring - What Kind of Battery Should You Use for Your Outdoor Equipment?

Camping, hiking, exploring - what kind of battery should you use for your outdoor equipment?

Outdoor sports cannot be separated from reliable power supply support. Whether it is a headlamp, GPS, walkie-talkie, or camera, mobile phone, portable stove, the choice of battery directly affects the performance and safety of the equipment. Different outdoor scenes have different requirements for batteries, and the power demand for activities such as camping, hiking, and exploring also has different focuses. So, how do you choose the right battery for your outdoor equipment? This article will help you make the best choice from three aspects: battery type, applicable scenarios, and purchase recommendations.

1. Common battery types and characteristics for outdoor equipment

Currently, the mainstream outdoor equipment batteries are mainly the following:

(1) Lithium-ion batteries (18650, 21700, lithium polymer batteries, etc.)

✅ Advantages:

High energy density, light weight and long battery life

Support fast charging and high charging efficiency

Good low temperature performance (some cold-resistant models can work at -20℃)

Long cycle life (500~1000 times)

❌ Disadvantages:

High price

Extreme high temperature or overcharging/over-discharging may cause safety hazards

Applicable equipment: headlights, GPS, high-intensity flashlights, drones, high-end cameras, etc.

(2) Lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO₄)

✅ Advantages:

High safety, high temperature resistance, non-flammable

Extremely long cycle life (more than 2000 times)

Stable discharge, suitable for high current equipment

❌ Disadvantages:

Energy density is slightly lower than ordinary lithium batteries

Low temperature performance is average (capacity drops significantly below -10℃)

Applicable equipment: outdoor power supply, solar energy storage system, vehicle emergency equipment, etc.

(3) Nickel-metal hydride battery (AA/AAA rechargeable battery)

✅ Advantages:

Cheap price, easy to buy

Environmentally friendly, does not contain heavy metals

❌ Disadvantages:

High self-discharge rate (loss of 20%~30% per month)

Low energy density, poor low temperature performance

Slow charging, short cycle life (300~500 times)

Applicable equipment: low-power equipment, such as ordinary camping lights, radios, thermometers, etc.

(4) Disposable lithium batteries (CR123A, AA lithium iron batteries, etc.) 

✅ Advantages:

Extremely long storage time (10 years of low self-discharge)

Low temperature resistance (can still be used at -40℃)

Light weight, suitable for emergency backup 

❌ Disadvantages:

Not rechargeable, high cost for long-term use

Poor environmental protection

Applicable equipment: emergency survival equipment, polar expedition equipment, backup GPS batteries, etc.

2. Battery selection strategies for different outdoor scenarios

(1) Camping: taking into account both battery life and convenience

Main power source: large-capacity lithium-ion battery (such as 18650 or 21700) + solar charging panel

Auxiliary power source: AA/AAA nickel-metal hydride battery (for low-power equipment)

Emergency backup: CR123A disposable lithium battery (headlamp, GPS backup)

Recommendation reason: Camping usually has a fixed campsite and can be charged with solar energy, so large-capacity lithium batteries are the best choice, while low-power equipment can use nickel-metal hydride batteries to reduce costs

(2) Hiking: Lightweight + long battery life

Main power source: high energy density lithium polymer battery (such as 10000mAh PD fast charging mobile power bank)

Key equipment: cold-resistant lithium battery (for headlights, GPS)

Emergency plan: carry 1~2 CR123A backup batteries

Recommendation: Hiking is sensitive to weight. The high energy density and fast charging capability of lithium batteries can reduce the load. At the same time, cold-resistant models ensure reliability in low-temperature environments.

(3) Exploration: Reliability in extreme environments is a priority

Main power source: lithium iron phosphate battery (high temperature resistance, long life)

Key equipment: low-temperature resistant disposable lithium battery (such as CR123A)

Backup plan: solar charging + hand-cranked emergency power supply

Recommendation: The exploration environment is harsh (high cold, high humidity, high altitude). Lithium iron phosphate batteries are safer, while disposable lithium batteries can still work in extremely low temperatures and are suitable for backup of key equipment.

3. Purchase suggestions: How to choose the most suitable outdoor battery?

Look at the equipment requirements: lithium batteries are used for high-power devices (such as strong flashlights and GPS); nickel-metal hydride batteries can be used for low-power devices (such as camping lights).

Look at environmental adaptability: choose low-temperature resistant lithium batteries (such as Panasonic cold-resistant 18650) in cold areas; choose lithium iron phosphate batteries in high-temperature environments.

Look at battery life and weight: high-energy density batteries (such as 21700 lithium batteries) are preferred for long-distance hiking; short-distance camping can be charged with solar energy.

Look at safety: avoid inferior lithium batteries and choose brand products (such as Panasonic, Samsung, Knight Cole, etc.).

Emergency backup: No matter which battery is used, disposable lithium batteries should be carried as emergency backup.

Conclusion

The choice of outdoor power supply directly affects the reliability and user experience of the equipment. Lithium batteries have become the first choice for high-end outdoor equipment due to their high energy density, long life and good environmental adaptability; while nickel-metal hydride batteries and disposable lithium batteries still have their specific uses. According to different outdoor scenes, the battery type should be reasonably matched to ensure that the power supply is foolproof. Before setting off next time, don't forget to check whether your battery solution matches your adventure needs! ️