Most of the original version of this page was written by others in the days before the AA lithium batteries became freely available. Since then it has become obvious that the AA and AAA lithium batteries are far (far) better than anything else available. Yes, they are considerably dearer up front, but amortised over their lifetime they are actually cheaper than alkalines. Plus, the Lithiums work in the snow, where alkalines do NOT. I see no reason to ever buy alkalines (or NiMH) again.
Other batteries worth considering these days are rechargable lithium camera batteries - expensive but with huge capacity. Such rechargable lithium batteries may be scavenged from dead mobile phones and discarded digital cameras - free if you can scavenge. Both are normally 4.5 V however. Electronics enthusiasts can have a wonderful time here. Also, the Energiser 123 size batteries (Lithium) are very solid and have a lot of power, but they are a little bit heavier. Good for torches though.
The next change has been the switch from really-hungry but rather weak incandescent bulbs to very efficient and powerful Light Emitting Diode (LED) torches and headlamps. They used to be the preserve of the very rich, but these days (2020+) you can buy them cheaply on ebay or at Woolworths. They all come from China of course, but I find they do work. Two very big changes which have totally changed the whole scene.
Battery packs containing a packed lunch of Lithium cells are also available so you can recharge your mobile phone in the middle of the bush. Huge capacity. Useful I guess if you want to bushwalk with GPS + mobile phone + satphone + whatever, always switched on, you might need them. I don't carry any of these, but some people are keen.
So most of the old page had become totally obsolete, and I have deleted it. Go buy a cheap Chinese headlamp and some spare Lithium AAs. The spares should last for up to 10 (ten) years on the shelf.
© Roger Caffin 23/07/2025