fire starter lip balm

[bj bretzke]

I ended up riding through 30 mph winds yesterday and realized too late I didn't have any chapstick or carmex. At the end of the day my lips felt ready to crack and bleed. Not a good time. After setting up camp I lit my fire with vaseline soaked cotton. Suddenly it came to me that I did have some relief. It was cold enough that I had to warm the cotton to get it to work but it relieved the only discomfort I was experiencing. After that life was good.
BJ
Somebody please send some Springtime this way!!!!

[Bob Gross]

I had some capsules that held time-release medication. I took the medication without the capsules, so I had these empty capsules sitting around. Well, that was just about the right size for chapstick or wax. To apply to lips, I simply squeeze the capsule. To apply for firestarting, I position the capsule over my flame until the wax flows out.

–B.G.–

[Travis Leanna]

Bob, I've seen those empty capsules in stores before, and I'm trying to figure out some brilliant use for them out on the trail. Any ideas besides what you just said?

[Bob Gross]

It's only brilliant for a few seconds if it is full of wax and the fire hits it.

I have some prescription medication that is tiny and very easy to lose, so I pack several pills into one empty capsule.

I also pack cooking spices into some capsules. I mark them with a permanent marker to identify one from another. This applies to capsules that will be finished in one meal.

Sometimes I have spices that last for multiple meals. Those, I pack into cut off plastic soda straws with the ends closed off with tape. That works best for spices that I can't find in single-use packets like salt or pepper. Something more along the lines of garlic powder or paprika or dill.

We need to whisper here, or else Sarah will come along and blow us out of the water. She's probably done more backpack cooking than the rest of us put together, so she probably knows all of the tricks.

–B.G.–

[bj bretzke]

I know I have been out of touch for a while but I thought this was multi-use?
Bob,
When you are done applying the lip balm what do you do with the capsule? Eat it? I think you missed the point.

Where I hang out only a fool would ride this time of year without lotion and lip balm (pick me). It snowed on me twice on the way home today. The wind was a constant crosswind anywhere from 30 to 45 mph. The last 10 miles are highway and I couldn't hear the cars.
I would have given anything for chapstick. (Or a helicopter, I almost used the lotion. Blechhh!!) This was more of an oh crap I forgot but check this out I'm ok for now moment. (It was still a killer ride) My chapstick was waiting for me in the laundry room when I got home.

I think the capsules would work great for things like seasonings where you could throw in a dash of basil or cayenne just by tossing in a cap. Kind of reminds of some things we used to do in college……..
BJ
No, really, I think someone should take out that stupid groundhog. I know a guy……

[Bob Gross]

"I know I have been out of touch for a while but I thought this was multi-use?
Bob,
When you are done applying the lip balm what do you do with the capsule? Eat it? I think you missed the point. "

Exactly. Multiple use. A capsule of wax can be used on lips, or it can be used as a firestarter. I've used a drop of wax like that to lube a stove pump gasket. I've used it to prevent chafe. There are probably other uses as well.

Once a capsule is empty, you don't have to do anything with it. You can recycle it if you wish. You can burn it up. You can dissolve it in water.

I never carry an entire chapstick on a trip.

So, what was the point that was missed?

–B.G.–

[bj bretzke]

I can't see carrying a container of lip balm capsules. Sorry. I just don't see how the capsules would save enough weight to offset the added volume needed to carry them. I have transferred carmex to little plastic Tupperware widgets to get rid of the glass. Whatever it takes to get there I guess…..
Come to think of it the MSR rebuild kits came with a capsule of lube that always seemed to break and really make a mess out of that little ziplock bag.
BJ
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow……………

[Bob Gross]

"I can't see carrying a container of lip balm capsules."

Nor did anybody suggest carrying a container of them.

My first aid kit in a plastic bag weighs about 2 ounces, and it has maybe one capsule in the summer. Maybe two in winter.

–B.G.–

[bj bretzke]

Bob,
Two capsules are not going to work on a three day ride. I haven't posted in almost a year but I am sure glad to see you are still here arguing without any proof that you have actually even seen a trail outside of a guidebook. Riding for ten hours in the wind makes me quite grouchy and unless your capsules contained some sort of performance enhancing drug they aren't going to cut it. Now, back to the hot tub……………
Have a nice night.
1 tube of chapstick = 4g
BJ
Those who can do. Those who can't talk about it.

[Bob Gross]

BJ, it sounds like you've had a hard day.

I never claimed that two capsules would be adequate for you. You didn't even say what you are riding. One or two capsules of wax have been quite adequate for me, and that is the reason that I merely suggested it.

You are entitled to make all of the assumptions you want about me, even if you are misinformed. That's OK. I don't hold it against you.

–B.G.–

[j lan]

.

[Travis Leanna]

.

[bj bretzke]

Bob,
sorry. I think the capsules would work great for many things. I guess I'm lucky because my employer furnishes first aid supplies. They are in tiny little packets like condiments and one little pack lasts forever(lip balm, triple anti-biotic, sunscreen,insect repellent wipes etc). I could see the advantage of using capsules in my first aid kit in the same way. My lipbalm stays in my shoulder strap compartment for easy access. I'm riding a mountain bike and reapply every time I stop. Even when the wind isn't ripping like yesterday I use a lot. I guess I was just really proud of figuring out how to use something that I have carried for decades for a new purpose. My remarks were uncalled for.
BJ
2 more inches of snow. Bummer.

[Adam Kramer]

guess what? also works for chaffed thighs. Vaseline and cotton balls are one of my favorite multi use items for that reason.

[bj bretzke]

Awesome. I never would have thought of that.
BJ

[Daniel Fosse]

Are you all talking about geletin caps used for medicine?

For balm type stuff I thought about using those little plastic bubbles you get from gumball machines. The little ones that have a crappy toy inside. My kids get suckered out of their quarters all the time so I have kept a few of the containers. Some are too brittle but others are a softer plastic and the lid snaps on tight.

Also, I was wondering if neosporin burns well. It should, I think it's mostly petrolium jelly. I guess one could soak cotton balls in neosporin… fire starter/lip balm/antibiotic ointment…………

[Clint Wayman]

I think these capsules are smaller than most people are imagining. Single-use, definitely, but the contents are very much so multi-use. I keep thinking of something like this with just a pinch of spice or squirt of petrol jelly:

I may be wrong? Anyway, I usually just clean out a used contact lens case. One side holds petrol jelly and the other holds toothpaste– this size is perfect since most of my trips are typically only a few days.

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