Greetings!
Long-story short, I'm living in SE Asia and have the opportunity for someone to bring me some new gear. I'll be moving to a new location in the near future where power is much less reliable, and I'll be out "in the country" a lot more. So I'd like some help thinking through a few thing:Battery Choice, New FlashLight, and Remote/Backup Charging Options.
Battery
What's the best battery platform for me? I'm really leaning towards AA/AAA. I already have several lights that use these (headlamps, ThruNite Ti3, Sunwayman v11R, LED panels), and they are the easiest to find here. Though most places just have cheap cheap AA/AAA's, finding some duracells is going to be hit and miss for me. I do have a small stash of CR123A's for my v11R, but will fall back to the AA adapter when those run out. I know that battery choice will decide what lights I have to choose from. I'm thinking of picking up a big number of Eneloop AA's and AAA's. I'm open to the idea of bigger, better batteries, but would need some convincing. I've NEVER seen any battery here "better" than a CR123A, and they are about $10-15 each when I can find them. That's one reason why I'm a bit hesitant to move to something like 18650. I could buy a ton of rechargable ones, but that's more of an upfront investment than the eneloops, which I'd need to get anyways for my other lights.
New Brighter Flashlight
I want a brighter light that has a decent throw. Right now my v11R is my brightest light. It's perfectly adequate for EDC usage where I currently live, but when I end up in a much more remote area, I'd like to have a light that's up for the task. I don't want something that's pure spot, nor do I have an ideal distance in mind. Something of an all around light would be most practical for me.
I'm really liking the looks of the new NiteCore EA81. The turbo brightness is attractive, though I know I should think of it as a lower lumen light. It's brightness settings seem to be well balanced, and I really like the idea of it running off of just 4 AA's in a pinch (though probably would never use it). This isn't nearly as bright as the TM26 or similar lights, but seems to be the best multi-AA light out there right now.
Remote/Backup Charging
This goes a bit beyond flashlights, but wanted to post for some feedback on charging systems. (I've got 220v where I'm at) Most of the time I'll have access to adequate power, though loosing power for 8 hours at a time will be common, potentially up to a few days in daily life. But I'd like to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Generator
We'll likely have a small generator at home for essentials, I doubt we'll be able to afford a proper solar setup. Vehicle DC and AC inverter
I'll usually have my truck with me, so I've got DC power and a 110v AC inverter.
Solar
I'm checking out a local solar company today in hopes of finding a simple, portable solution. But I'm a bit doubtful. I'm looking at ordering the folding Anker 14w or RAVpower 15w panel from Amazon to be brought over the with new light and batteries. So this means I'll need a USB AA/AAA charger. I've got a few power packs for charging our phones on the go, so I'll use on of these to store power gained from solar. I've searched around and seen that there are a few options, but none that seem to rise to the top as the best. I'm looking at the SunJack or the Goal Zero Guide 10. (I have full sun most of the day where I'm at year round)
"other"
I'm very interested in a car battery based power pack similar to the ArkPak or the Thunder Weekender (or Goal Zero Yeti 1250), but they are expensive, and would be hard for me to acquire. But would offer more flexibility than just charging batteries. When out traveling I'm based out of my truck, so having a dual battery system would be ideal, and one of these would be great. I've seen several DIY guides, which I might look into, I'd just have to order most of the parts and put it together myself.
SO.... sorry to be long winded. But wanted to be thorough to get the best feedback. THANKS. If I left something out, let me know.
Long-story short, I'm living in SE Asia and have the opportunity for someone to bring me some new gear. I'll be moving to a new location in the near future where power is much less reliable, and I'll be out "in the country" a lot more. So I'd like some help thinking through a few thing:Battery Choice, New FlashLight, and Remote/Backup Charging Options.
Battery
What's the best battery platform for me? I'm really leaning towards AA/AAA. I already have several lights that use these (headlamps, ThruNite Ti3, Sunwayman v11R, LED panels), and they are the easiest to find here. Though most places just have cheap cheap AA/AAA's, finding some duracells is going to be hit and miss for me. I do have a small stash of CR123A's for my v11R, but will fall back to the AA adapter when those run out. I know that battery choice will decide what lights I have to choose from. I'm thinking of picking up a big number of Eneloop AA's and AAA's. I'm open to the idea of bigger, better batteries, but would need some convincing. I've NEVER seen any battery here "better" than a CR123A, and they are about $10-15 each when I can find them. That's one reason why I'm a bit hesitant to move to something like 18650. I could buy a ton of rechargable ones, but that's more of an upfront investment than the eneloops, which I'd need to get anyways for my other lights.
New Brighter Flashlight
I want a brighter light that has a decent throw. Right now my v11R is my brightest light. It's perfectly adequate for EDC usage where I currently live, but when I end up in a much more remote area, I'd like to have a light that's up for the task. I don't want something that's pure spot, nor do I have an ideal distance in mind. Something of an all around light would be most practical for me.
I'm really liking the looks of the new NiteCore EA81. The turbo brightness is attractive, though I know I should think of it as a lower lumen light. It's brightness settings seem to be well balanced, and I really like the idea of it running off of just 4 AA's in a pinch (though probably would never use it). This isn't nearly as bright as the TM26 or similar lights, but seems to be the best multi-AA light out there right now.
Remote/Backup Charging
This goes a bit beyond flashlights, but wanted to post for some feedback on charging systems. (I've got 220v where I'm at) Most of the time I'll have access to adequate power, though loosing power for 8 hours at a time will be common, potentially up to a few days in daily life. But I'd like to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Generator
We'll likely have a small generator at home for essentials, I doubt we'll be able to afford a proper solar setup. Vehicle DC and AC inverter
I'll usually have my truck with me, so I've got DC power and a 110v AC inverter.
Solar
I'm checking out a local solar company today in hopes of finding a simple, portable solution. But I'm a bit doubtful. I'm looking at ordering the folding Anker 14w or RAVpower 15w panel from Amazon to be brought over the with new light and batteries. So this means I'll need a USB AA/AAA charger. I've got a few power packs for charging our phones on the go, so I'll use on of these to store power gained from solar. I've searched around and seen that there are a few options, but none that seem to rise to the top as the best. I'm looking at the SunJack or the Goal Zero Guide 10. (I have full sun most of the day where I'm at year round)
"other"
I'm very interested in a car battery based power pack similar to the ArkPak or the Thunder Weekender (or Goal Zero Yeti 1250), but they are expensive, and would be hard for me to acquire. But would offer more flexibility than just charging batteries. When out traveling I'm based out of my truck, so having a dual battery system would be ideal, and one of these would be great. I've seen several DIY guides, which I might look into, I'd just have to order most of the parts and put it together myself.
SO.... sorry to be long winded. But wanted to be thorough to get the best feedback. THANKS. If I left something out, let me know.