Backpacking and spare cells

[Erasmus]

Hi,

I was just packing my things to leave tomorrow for a backpacking trip to Italy. I used to have a problem with the spare cells since I have to keep them dry and separated. I just found the perfect solution by putting each cell in an empty balloon. They won't touch each other and they'll stay dry during my trip Don't know if anyone discovered this before

Cheers!

 

[Brighteyez]

I guess you know what else they use balloons for, don't you?

 

[highorder]

parties?

 

[paulr]

I haven't felt the need for this, there are nice lightweight battery cases for AA's. For 123's I used to use a tiny nylon coin purse. A pair of 123's will also fit nicely in an APS film container of one particular brand (either Kodak or Fuji, I unfortunately don't remember which).

 

[lrp]

Good ideas!!

 

[diesel_dad]

AW sells a nice case that holds 4 X CR123. The case is $10. Not waterproof, but it a ziploc it would be fine. Considering my Fenix P1D-CE for backpacking along with a Princeton Tec Apex Pro. Same batteries. Backup. Should be great.

Can't even being to imagine how that blows away my old Petzl and spare battery.

 

[Erasmus]

Well I don't have any CR123 cells, only AA en AAA. Upto now I haven't seen any waterproof and lightweight cases for these cells.

 

[Robstorch]

If your flying, expect some questions at security!

 

[Erasmus]

If your flying, expect some questions at security!

Why?

 

[mchlwise]

Why?

Because of this:

I guess you know what else they use balloons for, don't you?

 

[Erasmus]

Thanks for being so vague.

 

[depusm12]

I guess you know what else they use balloons for, don't you?

He's talking about drugs. Smugglers use balloons to carry drugs. Inside their body or someone they pay to carry them through security.You might be better off using a small plastic tupperware or something similar type container with a snap on lid to carry your batteries. Thats what I use to carry my Li-Ion's in my patrol bag.

 

[Erasmus]

He's talking about drugs. Smugglers use balloons to carry drugs. Inside their body or someone they pay to carry them through security.

I'm not stupid. But how on earth can a battery in a balloon in a backpack looks like drugs in a balloon in someone's body?

 

[watt4]

better have your cpf badge handy.

might they be better cushioned if they were , oh, packed in a package of ground coffee?

 

[Illum]

I guess you know what else they use balloons for, don't you?

you mean the way body carriers use balloons?

 

[depusm12]

Better safe than sorry.

 

[paulr]

Carry the balloons separate from the batteries and install the batteries in the balloons after the plane lands .

Some CPF'ers carry batteries in small Pelican cases, that are tough and waterproof, though a bit bulky. Plastic peanut butter jars are a cheap alternative if you don't mind the cylindrical shape.

 

[LED61]

I believe there is actually a restriction in the amount of Lithium allowed to be carried on board an aircraft. Down to needy greedy, I believe it is measured in grams per passenger, and each 123 cell counts as 10 grams or something like that. They wouldn't say much for a light with batteries and a few spares, but if you carry too many spares it might get troublesome.

 

[Mike V]

Drug couriers use latex condoms, not party balloons.

A bit of gaffer's tape on the contacts of batteries is more than enough.
You just want to stop them shorting out.

 

[bill_n_opus]

I'm not stupid. But how on earth can a battery in a balloon in a backpack looks like drugs in a balloon in someone's body?

It's just the inference of it all ... customs can get tipped off by the slightest thing regardless of common sense and/or education.

They are human after all.