I used to have a big bag of half used disposable batteries rattling around in my camping box. Every time I grabbed a head torch or a lantern, it was a lottery. Would it work? Would it be bright enough? It was a constant source of low level annoyance, not to mention the cost of buying a fresh pack of AAs for every other trip.
Switching to rechargeable batteries was one of the best decisions I ever made for my camping kit. The initial investment pays for itself in just a few trips, and the peace of mind of knowing you have fully charged, reliable power is priceless. But not all rechargeables are created equal. Here is my guide to the ones that I trust.
My Top Recommendations in Brief
- Best Overall: The Panasonic Eneloop Pro are legendary for their high capacity and incredible reliability.
- Best Value: AmazonBasics High-Capacity batteries offer superb performance that gets very close to the premium brands for a much lower price.
- The Essential Extra: A good smart charger is vital for protecting your investment and getting the best performance and life from your batteries.
A Quick Comparison
| Product | Capacity (AA) | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Panasonic Eneloop Pro
|
2500mAh | AA / AAA | Check Price |
AmazonBasics High-Capacity
|
2400mAh | AA / AAA | Check Price |
Standard Panasonic Eneloop
|
1900mAh | AA / AAA | Check Price |
EBL High-Capacity
|
2800mAh | AA / AAA | Check Price |
Quick Jump to My Recommendations
My Detailed Reviews
Best Overall
Panasonic Eneloop Pro
These batteries are legendary for a reason. They offer a very high capacity, which means they last a long time in power hungry devices like bright head torches. But their real magic is their extremely low self discharge rate. You can charge them, leave them in your camping box for a year, and they will still have around 85 percent of their power. This reliability is exactly what you need for camping.
My Verdict
If you want the absolute best performance and reliability, Eneloop Pros are the answer. They are a true 'buy it once, buy it right' investment for any serious camper.
Best Value
AmazonBasics High-Capacity
For a long time, it was rumoured that these were just rebranded Eneloops. While that might not be true anymore, the performance is still fantastic for the price. They have a high capacity and a good low self discharge rate. They get you 90 percent of the way to the premium brands for a fraction of the cost. They are the perfect choice for the budget conscious camper looking to buy a large number of batteries for all the family's kit.
My Verdict
This is my top recommendation for smart budget camping. The combination of price and performance is impossible to beat, making them a superb value choice.
- Type: AA / AAA
- Capacity (AA): 1900mAh
- Key Feature: Extremely high recharge cycles
The Everyday Workhorse
Standard Panasonic Eneloop
While the black Eneloop Pros get all the attention, the standard white ones are brilliant in their own right. Their capacity is a little lower, but their main advantage is that they can be recharged up to 2100 times, far more than the Pro version. This makes them incredibly durable and economical for things you use all the time, like the kids' torches or a set of fairy lights for the tent. They still have the fantastic low self discharge technology too.
My Verdict
For less demanding or frequently used items, the standard Eneloops are a superb investment that will last for a huge number of trips. A true workhorse battery.
The UK Favourite
EBL High-Capacity
EBL is a hugely popular brand in the UK, offering batteries with very high stated capacity at a competitive price. They are a solid, reliable choice for all sorts of camping equipment. While their low self discharge performance might not be quite at the same level as the Eneloops, they perform very well in day to day use and offer a lot of power for the money. They often come bundled with a charger, making them a great starter pack.
My Verdict
A very strong contender that offers a ton of power for a very reasonable price. A great choice if you plan to use and recharge your batteries frequently.
The Essential Extra
An Intelligent Battery Charger
Your expensive rechargeable batteries are only as good as your charger. The cheap ones that often come in bundles can damage your batteries by overcharging them or charging them in pairs, which is inefficient. An 'intelligent' or 'smart' charger is a vital upgrade. It analyses and charges each battery individually, stops when it is full, and some can even 'refresh' older batteries. It is the key to getting the best performance and longest life out of your investment.
My Verdict
Do not skimp on the charger. A good smart charger is a must have. It protects your batteries, ensures they are charged safely, and will save you money in the long run.
Buyer's Guide: What I Look For
Capacity (mAh)
A higher number means more power and longer life between charges. For bright lanterns or torches, I look for at least 2400mAh in an AA battery.
Low Self-Discharge
This is vital for camping. It means a battery holds its charge for months in storage, so it is ready to go when you are. I only recommend LSD batteries.
A Smart Charger
A cheap charger can ruin your batteries. A 'smart' one charges each battery individually and stops when it is full, protecting your investment for years.
About the Author
Adam Brooks
For the last ten years, I have been enthusiastically getting rained on in fields from the Cornish coast to the Lake District. My passion for finding gear that actually works was born from one too many easy pitch tents that required an engineering degree and a marriage counsellor to assemble. I created Top Listed Products to provide honest, straightforward reviews for fellow UK campers, so you can spend less time worrying about your kit and more time enjoying that well earned bacon butty.