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New to camping and I've been reading tons of stuff on this website, all of it really really helpful. I thought I'd pass on something I know a bit about and guess some of you guys and girls make use of - batteries.

1. Please use rechargeable batteries, they will save you a fortune and tend to be more powerful then most standard battery types and of course they are very green.

The best ones are called hybrid batteries, they keep nearly all their power for a long period of time - 6 to 12 months unlike older type Nimh and Nicad batteries. The best ones are Duracell, Uniross Hybrio and GP Recyclo+. Tesco's have a good deal on 4 AA's for £10. http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-2934.aspx See below for other good websites.

2. Chargers - try and get a decent charger, this will repay you with looking after your batteries. These are the best two:-

http://www.tantronics.co.uk/acatalog/ansmann_energy_8_professional_bc.html or

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/ansmann-energy-8-professional-2-in-1-charger-battery-tester.html

and

http://www.batterylogic.co.uk/technoline/technoline-BL700.asp

3. Good websites for offers re batteries, chargers and other products i.e tourches that may be of use. I have used all of these and I can recommend them.

http://www.batterylogic.co.uk/

http://www.7dayshop.com/

http://www.battery-force.co.uk/

http://www.watchbattery.co.uk/

http://www.buyabattery.co.uk/

http://www.cheaperbatteries.co.uk/

Sorry for going on. A bit geeky I know! Just wnated to repay all the information I have taken from this website.

Quote: Originally posted by paulf1566 on 21/4/2009

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1. Please use rechargeable batteries, they will save you a fortune and tend to be more powerful then most standard battery types and of course they are very green.

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Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 21/4/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by paulf1566 on 21/4/2009

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1. Please use rechargeable batteries, they will save you a fortune and tend to be more powerful then most standard battery types and of course they are very green.

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At approximately £75 for the charger, plus the cost of the batteries, it will take years for the average person to break even, never mind make a fortune. 

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£75. Where do you get such a silly figure? You can buy a charger and 4 AA batteries for £4.99 from Screwfix.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/43294/Electrical-Supplies/Batteries/Chargers/Uniross-Compact-Plug-In-Charger-4-Free-Batteries

Just 2 recharges and its paid for itself.

Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 21/4/2009

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£75. Where do you get such a silly figure?

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Quote: Originally posted by paulf1566 on 21/4/2009

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the cheaper one in the link will do and this will give returns to most people within six months.

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Quote: Originally posted by paulf1566 on 21/4/2009

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freeatlast that's what i used to think too. The cheaper chargers ruin the batteries. I have found this out to my cost. But yes, the dearer charger is probably only worth the expense if you use many batteries.

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Yes the Sanyo Eneloop are also excellent batteries and I saw the good offer with 7 day shop.com. I was suprised that they didn't feature in the recent Which mag review - Duracell Active charge came first with GP Recyclo+ second.

Faster charging (even if the batteries are designed for it) does damage the cells in the batteries, which means they hold their charge for a shorter period of time.

The £75 charger (can be bought for under £60) is really only worthwhile for heavy duty users. Count up how many aas and aaas you have around the house (also C and Ds) - it may be more than you think i.e. Radios, torches, remotes, game controllers, walkie talkies, lights/lanterns, games, toys etc

We use rechargeable batteries in everything we can and have been doing so for the last 19 years - since we put a charger on our wedding list! and got one which is still working!

When camping or caravanning we also have wind up lanterns, and a solar battery charger when not on electric - when on electric we got a small plug charger - the batteries fit in the back of it.

Its not just about saving money – it’s also helping to save the earth too!

Hi Nora - there should be no reason why rechargeable batteries will not work at all(or work poorly) in any product that uses aa/aaa/c/d batteries.

What batteries are you using (type /brand) and how old are they? I may be able to help (rest assured I'm not selling anything!)

Many if not most products say that rechargeable batteries are not suitable. I think this is a reflection of the manufacturers being nervous of poor product performance caused by people using old or poor rechargeable batteries.

Personally, I use rechargeables in everything and have never had a problem even for high drain products.