Portable Jump starter?

Yep, they make very small jump starters nowadays that are 4"X6"X1" that have up to 400cca. They'll jump start a 5.7L Tundra no problem. You should have seen the look on the guys face when he asked for a jump box and I handed him this wallet sized box with cables in it. Worked like a charm. I have one that I leave in the wife's car unless we take a trip in the prius. Then it goes with us.

 

Three pocket-size jump starters - CNET

 

I carry the Jump N Carry at the link below on long trips.. This is based on experience in my Toyota 4Runner 4x4 that the 2 highest probability failures likely to strand you on today's vehicles are battery failure or tire puncture.. I've had both happen on long trips..

The air compressor gives you the option on a leaking tire to be able to temporarily pump the tire back up and move to a safer or more convenient location for permanent repair..

Jump Starters - 1700 Peak Amp Volt JNCAIR | Call us at 1-800-328-2921 |Clore Automotive

The "space saver" spare tire and relatively small AH capacity of 12v battery in the Prius makes this "backup" power and air supply even more important.

 

You can jump start a Prius with the D-cells just fine, but storing and deploying them will probably be more trouble than it's worth.

The pocket-sized charger is a very good alternative, and they're getting cheaper every day.
Just make sure that you keep it topped off by charging it semi-occasionally.
Same with the larger units that also have a compressor built in.

Good Luck!

 

I've got this one. Definitely NOT compact, but it fits in the under-floor tray.

Clore JNC660 'Jump-N-Carry' 1,700 Peak Amp 12-Volt Jump Starter:Amazon:Automotive

 

The clore charger has a cigarette lighter style socket, you can plug in any phone charger with that kind of plug.

I got it before getting into hybrids, some years back, it seems durable, fwiw. It's pretty heavy though, almost 20 lbs.

In the link, that list price in the $300's, discounted down, is shownmanship I think. I ordered mine through the manufacturer, and it was around $160 at the time.

(Dandeman's link is to the proper site. His model is same amperage, but also a compressor, hmm)

 

Do you still use the same portable jump starter or do you recommend a different model?

 

I still "have" it, but haven't used it in a couple of years. It's recommended to recharge it every 3 months. It houses a good sized AGM battery, which could be swapped out if need be, for maybe 1/2 the price of a new one. I'm not that up on these new ones, perhaps they're ok, for light usage? Especially if they're significantly cheaper. I'm really not that knowledgable, just latched onto something that worked for me, but my usage has really dropped off.

If you're just thinking about preemptive tools to get, I'd be more inclined to start with a good smart charger.