Yes, the cigarette lighter socket works pretty well for most applications but I have had problems with some of the cheap sockets and a huge variance in tolerances in plugs such that the combinations are not as reliable as I would like. Also, since I am a Amateur Radio operator (Ham) and somewhat anal in utilizing 12v power, I have set up a group of cables & connectors that give me a fair amount of flexibility. These include short adapters such as the ubiquitious SAE connector to: Anderson Power Poles (APP) - usually 30 amp, cigarette lighter socket to APP, cigarette lighter plug to APP, battery clamps to APP, APP to USB sockets, etc. etc. And then of course specific power cables from my Ham radios and all other electrical equipment (compressor, GPS, etc.) terminated in APP's so everything is completely compatible. These adapters (along with a couple of alligator-clipped test leads) are compact and are carried in a tiny zipped bag which I call my "Power Pack". BTW, this could just as easily be set up with just the 12v SAE connectors but the Ham community favors the APP's so that's what I've standardized on.
Carrying this a step further, I think I have mentioned this before, but when I'm riding alone in the wilderness, I carry, in addition to my cell phone, a handheld Ham Radio programmed with all the local repeater frequencies and also a Garmin inReach Mini 2 GPS satellite communicator. On a related note, I urge anyone who rides alone in back country to look into getting a Ham Radio license -- it's absurdly simple to pass the test and there are hand held 5 watt FM transceivers covering the most popular frequencies available for $30-$50 and up. An example of its utility: I have actually made a connection to a repeater over a hundred miles away (line-of-sight) on my handheld radio when on the crest of a mountain. This repeater re-broadcasts (repeats) my transmission further over a wide area thus increasing the probability that someone will respond.