In today’s day and age, power is important. Nearly every do-dad and trinket we have is somehow controlled by electrical energy. If you’re living an active or semi-active life on the go, keeping rechargeable devices topped off is important. But what about the items we still use that are outfitted with conventional batteries? Many people, myself included, keep a stockpile of batteries on hand. A portable storage case for batteries might seem like an overkill, but actually it’s something that uniquely takes care of the issue of not having standby batteries. The Whizzotech AA/AAA Cell Battery Storage Case is something I snagged to keep spare batteries in while on the go.
A battery case a necessity?
A recent camping trip caused me to think about this quandary as I was working on a packing list. I was juggling different outdoor accessories and some of them used standard AA and AAA batteries.
For my primary flashlight, I was carrying an 18650 series high lumen light and a headlamp. Both of those units are rechargeable and I kept spare CR123A batteries just in case, as well as 18650’s.
The primary flashlight one of my travel companions had utilized AA batteries. Both of our backup lights utilized AAA batteries. It’s a no-brainer to have spares on hand. I don’t care how many nights or days a trip is, spare batteries are important.
Just toss em’ in your bag
Running down my packing list while shopping and getting ready, spare AA, AAA, 18650, and CR123 A batteries made the cut. There are options on how you want to carry spares, and honestly, it amounts to what you think is important.
If you’re heading into the bush and doing true backpacking, weight is something to consider. Would the extra weight of these cases be enough to deter you from using them? That’s up to you. Bags in bags and cases in cases are not always the best strategy for backpacking.
For me, what was important was keeping the batteries so they would not interact with each other. It’s a long shot, yes, but I don’t need any mini electrical fires in my daypack or bag if the batteries make a circuit somehow. I also wanted them to be easy to locate, not rattling around in a pouch. The Whizzotech cases keep the batteries segregated and organized.
Construction
The Whizzotech cases are made of plastic. We’re not talking super sturdy, have an elephant stand on them sturdy, but they’re stout enough to keep spare batteries housed. A plastic latch keeps the cases closed. Over time, I can see that latch giving way.
The nicest feature of these cases is that they’re made for AA or AAA batteries. If you want to stow AA batteries in the case, you can fit four, running one direction. If you go the opposite direction, you can stow five AAA batteries. The makers designed them to be universal to two of the most common battery types out there.
Considering the construction, these are not made to be weatherproof/waterproof end of times cases. If you’re looking for something to survive the apocalypse, these might not be what you want. If you are looking for something that’ll keep you organized, these are probably going to fit your needs.
One other feature that’s worth mentioning is that they will clip together. Six (or more) of these cases come as a set when you order them. If you want, you can latch one case to another if you want them together as one unit.
How’d they do in use?
I’ve carted some spare batteries around in my daypack and other bags as needed for the last few months. Bottom line, they get the job done. You want spare batteries, you grab one of these cases and toss it into whatever bag you have. Keeps things simple and organized.
One downside, depending on if it would bother you or not, the batteries do not fit snugly in the case. You can hear them rattle a little as you move about. Honestly, if that bothers you, you could shim the inside of the cases with something like moleskin to deaden the noise. If you’re going to be stalking animals or traversing an area where silence is important, you’re going to want to consider this.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Easy way to keep spare batteries on hand. They come in six packs. They can lock together. Inexpensive.
Minuses: Plastic latch will fail eventually. Batteries clang around inside cases. Not weatherproof, but will keep your batteries protected in mild weather.
I think for what they are, these cases are fantastic. Popping them into a toolbox/bag, tackle box, git bag, with your hunting gear, and or camping/hiking stuff, is a perfect way to have spare batteries on hand.
This is not a luxury item and their simplicity is what makes them great. Grabbing an order of these won’t break the bank. At the time of this review, a set of the Whizzotech cases cost $7.99 per six pack. That’s plenty to have on hand if you just wreck them while in use, or enough to hand out to your travel companions or others you might be going on adventures with.
