16 unknown uses for chapstick (just in case).

Call what you want (bug out bag, get home bag, survival kit) but when composing a list of things to pack, it would serve you best to have items that have multiple uses. This reduces the bulk in your pack and strain on your back, while ensuring a better level of preparedness. One Hidden Gem people often omit from their bag is ChapStick. There are so many uses for chapstick that it would behoove you to carry some. Here are 16 interesting uses for it.

1. It will moisten chapped lips. Obviously. =)

2. It can protect skin in cold weather. Rub it into Exposed Skin to help reduce the possibility of frostbite.

3. It can prevent blisters. Simply put chapstick on a spot on your skin that is getting rubbed raw to keep a blister from forming.

4. If you find yourself in a bright snowy area or desert, dipping ChapStick in black ash and rubbing it under your eyes can reduce glare and keep you from going Snowblind.

5. You can use it on your Kindling. Kindling will burn easier and longer if you rub chapstick into it. Cotton balls, Q-tips, lint and more.

6. Hide your cash. Take off both caps and clean thoroughly. You would be surprised how many bills you can fit in there if rolled tight enough.

7. You can stop small cuts and nicks such as shaving from bleeding by applying chapstick. This also keeps dirt and other contaminants from entering the wound and reducing the possibility of infection.

8. Keep chapped hands and scrapes moist. They will heal faster and protect them from inclement weather.

9. Chapstick can be an alternative to sunscreen. While not as effective as a container of sunscreen, it’s a fraction of the size and it works.

10. You can use it to clean your spectacles. Smear a dab of chapstick into the lens and polish it with a soft cloth. Not only does this clean the lens but it stops it from fogging.

11. Leather protector. By rubbing chapstick over other material it becomes water repellent and better protected.

12. You can use chapstick to make a candle. Cut the end of one Qtip off and rub the cotton end with chapstick. Stick the stick end into the Chapstick. It won’t burn all night, but you now have a fair candle to improve the time it takes you to start a fire among other things.

13. Chapstick is an excellent lubricant. You can lubricate your tools and anything else with moving parts. Lubricating screws and nails makes them much easier to fasten when power tools are not an option. You can use it as lubricant to move a stuck zipper and also keep it from rusting.

14. You can keep knives from rusting by rubbing ChapStick on to the blade.

15. You can patch small holes with chapstick. Small holes in your tarp or Poncho can be plugged up with a dab of chapstick.

16. Ring removal. If your hands swell up an application of chap stick around of the ring should help the ring slide right off.

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Do you know any other interesting uses for chapstick? If so please share them in the comments!