Recently, I decided to find an alternative to the famous Nitecore NB10000.
I plan to take XTAR Battery Charger SC1 Plus and batteries of the type and quantity that I need for a particular hike.
On a hike, I usually recharge my phone, watches and gopro.
Unfortunately, I am not well versed in the technical aspects and got a little confused with the parameters of the batteries and their types. Therefore, I decided to ask for advice here, from those who clearly understand the issue.
The main criteria for me are weight, resistance to temperature changes and normal charging speed of devices (super-fast is not particularly necessary, I usually set charging at halts and overnight stays)
Questions that I can’t answer myself in any way:
The type of chemistry of batteries - Apparently the best option is lithium-ion, but what about NIMH? They have a decent combination of weight \ capacity, but will ENELOOP PRO or EBL give a sufficient charge and how do they behave when weather conditions change?
Format. 21700 gives more mAh per battery, but they are heavy. 18650 is lighter and more common. Also 21700 more expensive and cause concern in terms of security. I tend to take 1-2 piece of 21700, and 2-4 piece of 18650.
Volts, amps, etc. - what numbers should I focus on so that the batteries fit the main criteria?
Is this an adequate idea? Maybe I should not bother and buy a NB10000? Maybe someone has practical experience in this matter and can compare.
Finally, do you know of specific firms and battery models that will perform well in the described conditions?
My advice would be to decide either for 18650 or 21700. The latter is heavier but more capable so it’s just a matter of your convenience.
Then get the flashlight working with the battery type you’ve chosen.
And when it comes to charging take a look at this one - you can use your batteries to put them inside and use as a regular charger or put them into the flashlight.
These chargers work with Li-ion and you can get them half price cheaper from other brands.
When it comes to Li-ion batteries in general they offer The same voltage so no need to bother with this. It’s the device’s (its driver, electronics) role to adjust the power from battery according to the needs.
I carry 18650s. Unless you can plug in to AC voltage I would worry about carrying enough to deal with the trip and not worry about recharging. If you are thinking about trying to solar charge stuff the tech aint there unless you have perfect conditions and plan on sitting in one spot for 12 hours.
Samsung 35E has very good capacity and power sufficient for vast majority of flashlights. Should be available at your local retailer (sending abroad Li-ion is expensive since they require special caution).
I imagine your not chasing super high brightness for 30 seconds but rather long runs so no need to sacrifice capacity in favour of power.
Do you have a charger that fits two 21700 and works as a power bank?
or, This Wurkkos TS25 flashlight costs $30 and includes one 21700 5000mAh battery, It has a built in charger, and it works as a power bank, but, the empty host weighs 60 grams more than the NB 1000 case that weighs just 16 grams.
You will need to buy an extra 21700mAh battery (two cost $20) to match the NB10,000mAh power bank capacity.
I think the simple solution is to go ahead and buy the NB1000, unless you want a new flashlight…
Will you be able to recharge the NB1000? Does it have enough capacity? (charges an iPhone 2 times).
Be aware that it is not safe to recharge batteries in Freezing weather.
This is exactly the strategy I use after I retired my traditional Li-Po power bank, but with a Wurkkos FC13 + 3x LG MJ1 3500mAh batteries (one in the light and 2 on a battery case I carry in my belt pouch along with it), and it’s been working relatively well (better than the traditional dedicated power bank ever did).
Before the FC13, I did the same with a Fenix ARE-D1 charger and it worked even better, but the fact its power input is via a MicroUSB connector might give you some pause, and the FC13 besides being all USB-C also does double-duty as my backup light, so I do not regret the change.
If you aren’t in US or Europe, then the problem starts being how to avoid the fakes (ask me how I know).
I prefer to buy from reputable stores in the US and pay the extra shipping+taxes (~20% as it goes) as it’s safer, and whenever I buy a flashlight a battery from a good flashlight vendor like Wurkkos, I always buy it with a battery inside.
