All,

I have had a continuing problem with batteries in my outdoor activities and would like guidance and recommendations on what I should change and how.

I notice that between 10 and 20% of my batteries will corrode during summer outings (Houston is home but I also had failures in southern Utah) whether it be inside the equipment or stored in a ziploc bag.  I admit to using cheap alkaline batteries and do not know whether this is part of the problem or how much of it.

Should I be using a different type of battery?  Storing them differently?  Of these or other proper planning, what have you found matters most?

Thanks for your time and help.

Don't buy cheap alkalines, they leak.  If the device isn't being used on a regular basis then remove the batteries after using it and don't store them in the device.  Buy some good rechareable NiMh batteries like Eneloops, they keep a 75-80% for a year if they sit unused, and get a good smart charger.  The up front cost of buying rechareables and a charger will save you money in the long run compared to buy cheap and shitty alkalines

Are you using Ray-o-vac?

Cheaper - Fry's generic house batteries.

Thanks for all the input so far guys.

Are rayovacs known to leak more than others? I have a couple packs of them

Duracell has the best rep for not leaking , I have read this in several threads multiple forums . That said I use Energizers myself and have never had one leak (yet) . You don't save any money with the cheap batteries as the name brands last so much longer. Buy quality.

Buy Eneloops, a charger and a plastic battery case.

Not only have I not had any leaks, I don't find myself buying batteries very often anymore.

ive had bad luck with duracells leaking lately. they haved ruined a couple devices in the past year. the latest being a $70 4sevens flash light. not happy. i havent had any bad luck with energizers so im weening out the duracells in everything around the house.

Duracells have leaked and ruined a headset and a handheld GPS of mine in the past few months.  They are horrible.  I have switched to Eneloops.  I hope they don't leak when they get discharged.

energizer has a device replacement guarantee if they leak...

Thanks very much for everyone's help and the variety of options.

We only have to power 2 headlamps and a GPS so I think we will give the eneloops a try as it won't be very expensive to update.