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<DIV>I know you are a professional backpacker like me. Here are some
things for you to get ready for the upcoming expeditions.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>1. Buy a battery analyzer to check all your batteries before you hit
the trail. I got mine at Radio Shack years ago. Very nice and
inexpensive. Forgetting and using old batteries on the trail is not
smart.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>2. Use only lithium batteries. They are lighter than
alkaline. Here are some weights:</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> 2 AAA alkaline = 23 grams or .8 ounces</DIV>
<DIV> 2 AAA lithium = 16 grams or .5 ounces</DIV>
<DIV> 2 AA alkaline = 47 grams or 1.6 ounces</DIV>
<DIV> 2 AA lithium = 29 grams or 1.0 ounces</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>3. Carry your batteries outside of your devices until you need
them. The first time I need my radio or Kestrel 4000 weather device on the
trail is when I put the batteries in it. This way they don't sit in them
and maybe leak or get funky. I also have two extra round batteries
for my Petzl C+Lite headlamp (.9 ounces with batteries). I also carry a
Photon light on my neck cord.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>By the way, if you use the Petzl C+Lite, do not forget to throw a penny in
you battery bag to help unscrew the lid to replace batteries. I keep the
round batteries in the Petzl all the time.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Your pal, Switchback the Charger</DIV>
<DIV>Pirate's Lair - Home of Stinky the Jack Daniel's
Skunk</DIV></FONT><BR><BR><BR><DIV><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Start the year off right. <A title="http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489" href="http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489" target="_blank">Easy ways to stay in shape</A> in the new year. </FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>