Best in cold
The only AAA that still works at −15 °C
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA
Lithium AAA, rated to −40 °C, ~1/3 lighter than alkaline
4.8 on Amazon
Alkalines lose most of their usable capacity in real cold and a headlamp dies mid-descent; lithium does not, and it costs roughly three times as much per cell.
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What you get
- Holds voltage in the cold, which alkaline simply does not
- A third lighter than alkaline
- Ten-year shelf life — buy once, use across trips
What it costs you
- Expensive per cell
- Some airlines limit loose lithium cells — carry them in the cabin, taped
- Not rechargeable
Do not buy this if: Low-altitude treks in warm months. Ordinary alkalines are fine below 3,000 m.
Treks we recommend this for
Not every route needs it. These are the ones where our guides would put it on your list.