Ultimate > Ultimate Expeditions
Surprising Uses for Condoms
WATER
Condoms can be very useful in a survival situation to carry water and are often carried in ‘Survival Kits’ by many outdoor enthusiasts. They are lightweight, easily carried, are sterile (whilst in their packet) and can hold a large quantity of water.
It is advisable to wash condoms before use if they are treated with lubricant or a spermicide.
Although condoms can stretch and hold a huge amount of water, they are not particularly durable, anything sharp (thorns, sharp stones, twigs, buckles etc.) is likely to puncture it. However, placing the condom inside a sock gives the outside much better resistance.
![Water carrier Droplet of Water](images/pixabay-578897.png)
DRY BAG
Whilst condoms, as described above are good at containing liquids, they are also very good at keep moisture out. There are a number of items that need to be kept dry; tinder for fire, matches, camera memory cards, batteries, folded documents etc. etc.
Condoms are so stretchy that they can be used to keep many items dry, even large ones; even compact cameras and mobile can be placed inside condoms and, with the end tied, should stay dry. Placing it inside a sock or wrapped in a piece of cloth can help to prevent punctures.
![Moisture Protection Damp Mobile Phones](images/pixabay-1067984.png)
FIRE
Condoms can be used to make fire...yes really!! A clear condoms filled with a quantity water can be held in a particular way as to create a lens effect which can be focused on dry and combustible material to create fire.
In exactly the same way as a magnifying glass can be focused, so too can the water filled condom, with bright sunlight to get the fire going.
![Starting a fire Fire and Sparks](images/pixabay-1868624.png)
FIRST AID
Condoms are usually packed in sterile packets and they can be useful for putting over a wound that needs to be kept clean and/or dry.
This will depend on the type of wound but a condom cut down its length can be placed or stretch over a wound and held in place by tape or bandage, helping to keep the wound clean from surrounding contamination.
![First Aid Plasters](images/pixabay-1235337.png)