[tjwilhelm]

Yah! And like making a duplicate copy...or, (now it's someone else's turn, now )...

[hanzo]

I usually always carry some PJ cotton balls when I go hiking or camping. And a first aid kit with Neosporin and a tube of chap stick.

The Neosporin and chap stick can be added to natural tinder too, if I am out of PJ cotton balls. Or added to a piece of torn clothing. I have also stayed away from using the anti-bacterial jelly to make cotton balls because I also would be unsure how effective it would be on a wound. And also because it is more expensive than PJ.

I have never been in such dire straights that I wasn't able to start a fire and I hope to never be. While I always like items to be multiple use, for something that I need to treat an injury, I don't mind if that is all it does.

By the way, any of those items plus the oils from your skin can be used to lubricate a bow drill bearing block.

[Wapantpeu Lenno]

Originally Posted by crazydave

just whats in the triple antibiotic stuff? I keep seeing it referenced but as its a general saleable item I'm assuming that its doesnt contain and real antibiotics but is a mix of iodine, cetrimide type affair? like a typical boo boo cream.

Antibiotic ointment is made using a petrolatum base with any of the following antibiotic medications added: bactrim; bacitracim; bacitracim zinc; polymixim; polysporin; polymixim B; various sulfa-based topicals; chlorohexine.... you get the idea.
The important thing is the base - the medical grade white petrolatum jelly base. That is more of what drives the cost - the sterile base. As long as the saturated cotton balls are kept in an air-tight container, the antibiotic ointment will be usable and effective as long as it is with-in the expiration date on the original tube.
It is an expensive way to start a fire, but in a pinch works just at well. It will also give off some strange fumes as the medication component of the ointment burns or vaporizes.

[tjwilhelm]

Welcome aboard, Lenno!!!

[snowshoe67]

Well I got to Give this New type a Try!

[signs]

Great idea, CW! It's a relief to know that you don't have to spend extra money on customized undies!