If you want to build a nifty starter box to hold battery, power panel and a variety of stuff in a very compact form, RSM Distribution has a laser cut kit. Several of us use it locally, and it holds your clips, 1/2A starter and fuel syringe. All you need at the starting line. I like the 1/2A clips from 4-Pi, but I think Du-Bro makes a larger one that works just as well, or maybe better. Heavy lamp cord is the ticket, no matter what battery/clip combo you use.
Since my gel-cell is dying, I have made up a Ni-starter using a 2000 mah Ni-cad, 6" of cord and the 1/2A clip.
One caution: I used a transistorized power panel for years and loved it, but it failed and I burned out about $20 in plugs figuring out that the panel wasn't working anymore and was putting 12 v on my plugs! I now use a cheaper one with a simple pot and meter. Not as cool, fewer features, but less likely to fail.
I plan to make up a 12v pack of AA NiMh cells (2000 mah) from Harbor Freight. A little more expensive ($27 vs $20) than a new Gel Cell, but WAY lighter. It will need more frequent charging, but the peak current output may be improved.