GaiaGeek

If you’re bringing an MP3 player, portable speakers, a flash light or digital camera that runs on AA or AAA batteries and one pair of batteries won’t last the length of your trip, you should seriously consider getting yourself some good rechargeable batteries and a charger. The latest rechargeable batteries last longer in most devices than standard alkaline batteries and you end up saving money by not having to buy new batteries, which can be expensive and not always easy to find when you’re traveling.

There are three different chargers to consider, the best one for you depending on whether you want pure portability, features or something in the middle. All three chargers can work on 100-240V for use anywhere in the world, though you may need a plug adapter, of course. All can be found online for $20 to $30.

Uniross Globe Trotter Pocket: The Smallest and Lightest

As far as I can tell, this is the world’s smallest AA/AAA battery charger at 85 x 40 x 33 mm or 3.3 x 1.6 x 1.3 inches, weighing just 70g or 2.5 ounces. It’s a clever design: the top and bottom compartments fold open to insert batteries for charging, allowing for it’s compact size. It has a fold-out US style plug and comes with adapters for European and British style plugs. Charging time is 3 to 5 hours and the standard package includes 4 2300mAh AA batteries. It can charge batteries one at a time, which is good for battery health and practically essential if you use devices that use one or three batteries instead of two or four at a time. Disadvantages: it doesn’t have a refresh function, and it’s a bit harder to find - though at the time of writing, I was able to find it online from a few places for $20-$25.

Sony BCG-34HRMF4 Battery Charger with LCD Display: Best in Features

This is the most feature-equipped charger of the bunch, able to charge batteries one at a time and has an LCD indicator showing the status of each battery - including the power remaining if you just need to check how much charge your batteries have. It also has a refresh function for reviving batteries which are losing their ability to hold a charge. It comes with four 2700maH AA batteries, which are apparently rebranded Sanyo batteries, known for being top quality. Charge time is 3 to 5 hours. It’s compact at 105 x 65 x 30.5 mm or 2.6 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches and weighs 120g or 4.2 ounces. Disadvantage: it uses a standard AC cord to plug into the wall, which will take up a bit more space in your bag, however, if you’re bringing a laptop or digital camera with you on your travels, you may be able to use the same cord for double duty. It’s available from Amazon.

Lightning Pack 4000N a.k.a. TurboCharger 4000: The Cool and Compact All-Rounder

This charger is very similar to the Sony charger in size and weight at 108 x 65 x 28 mm or 4.25 x 2.5 x 1.125 inches and 120g or 4.5 ounces. It also features a refresh function like the Sony, enabled with the flick of a switch on the back of the unit. Charge time is faster at 2 to 3 hours, although some independent measurements have noted that this will only charge your batteries to about 87%. Leaving them in the charger overnight should guarantee you a 100% charge if you need it. It has an advantage over the Sony in that it uses a US-style plug that folds into the back of the unit so there’s no need for a separate power cord, which means this is the more compact of the chargers featuring a refresh function. This charger also has a reputation for being one of the coolest running quick chargers on the market, which is important when considering that heat is the greatest hazard to the lifespan of rechargeable batteries. Disadvantage: it only charges 2 or 4 batteries at a time, which isn’t ideal if you use devices that take 1 or 3 batteries. It does not include any batteries, so if you need some, read up on the best rechargeable AA batteries before you buy.