Choosing batteries and accessories

A device built for a CR2032 won’t run reliably on a battery that merely looks the same size. Manufacturers sometimes list more than one acceptable designation, so the deciding factor is the device maker’s spec for type, chemistry, voltage, and orientation — not the code alone. Don’t substitute a different cell unless the maker expressly says it’s an equivalent.

The short answer

Go by what the device maker specifies, not a similar-looking cell

Battery type and chemistry

Battery type and chemistry — CR2032, CR123, 392, and similar — govern whether a cell seats and contacts correctly; a similarly sized battery with a different code or chemistry may still fit but not function.

Voltage and device rating

Voltage must match the device’s rating. Using the wrong voltage can damage electronics even if the battery physically fits.

Specific spare type

Carry the specific spare type your gear actually uses, not a generic assortment; a dead rangefinder or camera in the field isn’t solved by the wrong spare.

Cell moisture and heat

Keep cells dry and out of heat. Both moisture and heat shorten battery life and can cause leakage that damages the device itself.

What the listings actually show

The current catalog includes 58 batteries from 8 brands. Nearly every listing states the battery code and voltage.

Before you buy

Check battery codes against your gear before a trip, not during one.