cfrey.0
Newly Enlightened
Hi All,
I have need of a sound knowledge base. I have been reading through posts for 2 weeks, but still haven't found any posts with definitive answers for my context ... so I figured I'd have to ask directly before I commit to a purchase.
I am about to do a long distance hike ... a domestic "yo-yo" that will take me about 5,000 miles and seven months to complete. I'll have two pieces of "tech" ... a headlamp and my i-phone4. Based on my preliminary schedule, I should find myself in a town every nine to fifteen days where I'll have access to the power-grid.
I am interested in taking the Zebralight H600 cool running off the 18650's, specifically for its long duration run times. I am interested in taking the Xtar WP2 II charger, specifically because the USB out would allow me to both use 18650 cells to re-charge my i-phone on the trail as well as act as charger in town. I have read enough here to be respectful of the 18650 batteries. I would want to spend the money on solid protected AW or Eagletac 3100 aMh cells. I see the Xtar is reviewed as a solid charger with a safe charging profile. I would be looking at carrying 5 cells, again to power the HL and recharge my phone through the Xtar's USB out. I will not be able to carry a volt meter.
My concerns/questions:
I will be in very hot and very cold climates. How do I protect the cells in situations where I cannot regulate outside temperature (particularly hot)? How big of a concern is this?
Would the 3100aMh be inherently more dangerous in my situation? Should I go with something with less capacity?
Are there any concerns using the Xtar WP2 II to charge my i-phone in the field?
I'll be running these cells very hard day after day, week after week ... do I need to replace them every few months to ensure safety? (I do have several scheduled mail-drops where this would be feasible if planned ahead.) Without a volt meter to monitor, how would I know?
What other concerns am I missing?
This forum is fantastic, and I think I found a new hobby for when I return home but for now the wealth of information is almost overwhelming. I am afraid I am missing a critical piece particularly in the context of a long distance thru hiker who is a noob with 18650 cells.
I appreciate any feedback you can give.
I have need of a sound knowledge base. I have been reading through posts for 2 weeks, but still haven't found any posts with definitive answers for my context ... so I figured I'd have to ask directly before I commit to a purchase.
I am about to do a long distance hike ... a domestic "yo-yo" that will take me about 5,000 miles and seven months to complete. I'll have two pieces of "tech" ... a headlamp and my i-phone4. Based on my preliminary schedule, I should find myself in a town every nine to fifteen days where I'll have access to the power-grid.
I am interested in taking the Zebralight H600 cool running off the 18650's, specifically for its long duration run times. I am interested in taking the Xtar WP2 II charger, specifically because the USB out would allow me to both use 18650 cells to re-charge my i-phone on the trail as well as act as charger in town. I have read enough here to be respectful of the 18650 batteries. I would want to spend the money on solid protected AW or Eagletac 3100 aMh cells. I see the Xtar is reviewed as a solid charger with a safe charging profile. I would be looking at carrying 5 cells, again to power the HL and recharge my phone through the Xtar's USB out. I will not be able to carry a volt meter.
My concerns/questions:
I will be in very hot and very cold climates. How do I protect the cells in situations where I cannot regulate outside temperature (particularly hot)? How big of a concern is this?
Would the 3100aMh be inherently more dangerous in my situation? Should I go with something with less capacity?
Are there any concerns using the Xtar WP2 II to charge my i-phone in the field?
I'll be running these cells very hard day after day, week after week ... do I need to replace them every few months to ensure safety? (I do have several scheduled mail-drops where this would be feasible if planned ahead.) Without a volt meter to monitor, how would I know?
What other concerns am I missing?
This forum is fantastic, and I think I found a new hobby for when I return home but for now the wealth of information is almost overwhelming. I am afraid I am missing a critical piece particularly in the context of a long distance thru hiker who is a noob with 18650 cells.
I appreciate any feedback you can give.