Recharging digital camera batteries

imported
#1

I plan to walk the PCT in 2006 and I’m going to take my digital Canon G2 with me, I would prefer not to have to lug the battery charger all the way with me or post it on infront.
Can anyone tell me if they have experience of just rocking up to a small town and asking the local camera store to charge up a battery, for a fee of course. I guess I would be hoping to find maybe five Canon dealers at towns not too far from the trail.

Thanks Andy Mc Shandy

Andy Mc Shandy

#2

This sounds highly suspect to me. It’s unlikely that you’ll find five camera stores along the PCT, much less ones that are evenly spaced.

You should consider using a bounce box for items that you don’t want to lug around: headlamp batteries, guidebook sections, toiletries, spare clothing, and so on. I’d guess that over half (if not more) of PCT hikers use one.

Pacer

#3

I use rechargeables at home in my digital camera, but for your purposes, I suggest using lithium batteries. If your camera takes AA or AAA, they are readily available. You only need to carry a couple, and just include more with your gear/food drops. I just bought some this weekend; a 4-pack of AA for $11.00 retail – I’m sure you can find them slightly cheaper. They’re supposed to last about 7 times longer in high-drain devices, like cameras. Overall, I think this is a reasonable solution.

emanon

#4

The Canon G2 uses a proprietary battery. It may be wise to purchase a spare battery and carry it along, just in case your bounce box gets lost or you end up taking a lot of photos.

Pacer

#5

Hi Andy,

Finding camera stores along the way doesnt sound reasonable to me. I hiked the PCT last year with a Canon that uses proprietary batteries. I ordered an extra battery pack (very light) and through some creative bouncing / minimal carrying of my battery charger, never really ran out of batteries. Cheers.

Cypress

#6

Thanks everyone,

I’ve manged to get a really small lightweight charger from Canon and will put this in the bounce box and keep a spare battery with me. Fingers crossed the postal service don’t lose my b’b.

Andy Mc Shandy