What is your idea on these?

**Chinora** · 09-16-2014, 11:25 PM

Hello,

A bring a fairly simple question.

The place I work at tends to throw these re-usable ice packs away from time to time. I often tend to stumble upon them and never really thought about it till now, but my question is...
Ice Pack Resized.jpg
What could I use these for?

I wanted to know what you guys could possibly brainstorm and think of what these ice packs could possibly be used for in a survival scenario. (Other than keeping items cool).

I've had a few ideas bounce around, but wanted to know what you guys think.

**BENESSE** · 09-16-2014, 11:32 PM

Keeping certain meds that require refrigeration (insulin) as well as taking care of some injuries. (fractures)
For a start...

**Chinora** · 09-16-2014, 11:48 PM

That's what the ice packs are used for at my job, keeping medications cooled during shipping. But it didn't even cross my mind that I could use them for injuries.

I think I want to test at least one of them and see if they can hold heat or at least body heat.

This may be a far stretch, but an idea I had was maybe if the packs can retain heat for awhile. They could be heated by a fire and used at the bottom of sleeping bags. I always find myself with cold feet or hands even with thick wool socks or gloves on. Basically a cheap-mans feet & hand warmer.

Far stretch or good idea?

**Winnie** · 09-17-2014, 02:42 AM

It's easy enough to test that theory, just pop one in the oven for a bit and see how long it holds heat.
I presume they are food grade, if so, you could always split the bags open and use the gel crystals inside as water retention gel for plants.

**1stimestar** · 09-17-2014, 02:53 AM

Heat them in hot water.

**Rick** · 09-17-2014, 06:56 AM

Just remember that heating an item in a closed container can cause it to rupture. If the package starts to swell I'd discontinue the test. Either that or have someone else do it.

**natertot** · 09-17-2014, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Rick

Just remember that heating an item in a closed container can cause it to rupture. If the package starts to swell I'd discontinue the test. Either that or have someone else do it.

Like mentioned, heat in water and discontinue is swelling occurs.

I would also check to see if they are okay to use around food, drinks, and oral meds. I know from working at a hospital that some if those kinds of items might not be suitable for related purposes. Might be why some packets are red and others are black. I'm sure there is a good reason for it and you may want to know as well.

**finallyME** · 09-17-2014, 11:14 AM

They will hold heat about as well as a bag of water. A bottle filled with hot water will stay warmer longer.....given that the bottle has more mass. If you want, I can probably find you the heat transfer equation.

**Chinora** · 09-17-2014, 11:34 PM

I tested one of the packs and found that it does hold heat, however not long enough to actually be useful as a survival item. Given the weight and size.

I do know that these are safe around food and such. The only difference between the ones in the picture is that the red ice pack is a thinner version (about as thick as a average sharpie).

I appreciate the replies, I was just curious if anyone had some creative ideas for these. I mean after all, they were just going to be tossed in a trash compactor... So it was worth a shot?

However I think I will only keep one or two and have a third as my 'test subject' if I come up with any crazy ideas in the future.

**Grizz123** · 09-18-2014, 08:58 AM

contact the manufacture and ask for their input

**kyratshooter** · 09-18-2014, 09:11 AM

I suspect that they would help me survive a summer fishing trip.

Since they are designed for keeping things cool why not freeze them and pack the cooler with them instead of ice.

Might mot be apocalyptic survival but it is still a use for something that would be in a landfill otherwise.

**hunter63** · 09-18-2014, 10:41 AM

I am kind of curious as to what the chemicals are?
Are they considered safe because they don't dissolve, melt, or break down?......Would those properties also apply with heat?

I like freezing orange juice jugs....kinda squared off but flatter that milk jugs......water can be used unlike milk jugs.

**crashdive123** · 09-18-2014, 11:47 AM

I used (experimented with) these types of packs last year for use in my cooler type lunch box. They did keep things cooler (charged them up in the freezer), but not nearly as long as frozen 20 ounce bottles of water or the liquid filled type you can buy. I ended up tossing them. They may work better in a climate where the summer heat isn't as brutal.