This is a question for the gram weenies (or maybe it is a question that only gram weenies can appreciate). What do you use as a sunscreen container? I would like to have a container that is light and refillable. I'm kind of picky about sunscreen, so that's why I want a different container. I tend to buy sunscreen in big containers, but I really don't want to carry that much. I know I can empty out some of it, but the bottle is still relatively heavy. Ideally, a container would be:

1) Light
2) Easy to fill
3) Easy to squeeze out the last drop

If Coughlan made a smaller version of their squeeze tube (http://tinyurl.com/4u4yf7f) I think that would be perfect.

Have you tried US Plastics? They make all sorts of containers like the 5/10/15cc containers that BPL used to sell as well as others that you might find useful. I use the smaller boston round containers for Deet, Dr. Bonners, etc...

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.aspx?catid=805&parentcatid=469

I have started using a small screw-capped "jar" (that came with a sample of cosmetic cream). Like this http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/balm_jars_clear.html but maybe bigger.

Love the black film canisters for my sunscreen.

Recycled eye drop containers work if the sunscreen is not too gooey. It's also possible to leave out the dropper insert and just use the cap on the bottle. I also use the BPL balm jars.

+1 for US plastics. Great stuff and shipping is reasonable.

A coghlan squeeze tube is like 22 grams bet you could cut it down to 14 grams the tube part is 16g the cap 2g the part that holds the fold 4g you could most likely take up to 10g off the tube depending how much volumn you want. Now I gotta search out my crappyest tube and a sissors thanks for the idea... I think

Now I feel stupid. I just assumed that the cap and the piece that holds the fold were a bigger part of the overall weight. You are right, and that sounds like a good idea.

Thanks everyone for all of the ideas. I may try a few of them (or just one).

Cutting 3 1/2" off the container cut 6g sorry my scale only weights to the gram so Im sure all my figures are up to .5g off. I know I know a scale that only measures to a gram what a rookie I am

Man somebody finally liked one of my ideas Im stoked maybe now I could really impress ya all with a tech name for the part that holds the fold "THE COGHLAN CLIP" hey someone make sure RJ sees this

gumball machines near the door of your local grocer. the smaller of the plastic containers (ya know about the size to hold a little plastic finger ring, or small toy) is perfect. lids are very snug, clear to see contents, easy to dip a finger into.

free with the $0.25 purchase of a kung fu panda sticker.

Edited by mikeinfhaz on 03/10/2011 18:55:04 MST.

First, you need to decide the capacity that you need.

I have a collection of containers that I use for various backpacking purposes, and they go from 2 ml to 100 ml. For a few days worth of sunscreen I would take a 7 ml plastic container that I found at the Daiso store.

--B.G.--

I use a 6ml dropper bottle ULE does me 3-4 days pretty easy, weight is a scant 3.5 grams and has proven leak proof

Edited by mtwarden on 03/10/2011 20:24:09 MST.

35mm film canister carries plenty of sunscreen for me.

Found a new container I will try out for sunscreen.

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/bottlesMedication?productId=10018277&N=253

0.4 oz container weighs 3 g
0.6 container weighs 4 g
black film canister weighs 8 g

I've used some like the 0.4 and 0.6 oz size for years. They are OK as long as you don't sit on one (the cap will squeeze off). Don't ask me how I know that. A 35mm film canister is a lot tougher, but it is heavier. That was state-of-the-art about 25 years ago.

Now I am dipping down into the lighter containers. Two inches of a plastic soda straw can be very effective as well as light.

--B.G.--

I use old contact lens cases. "Advances" (i.e., cost-cutting) in plastics have made these very lightweight, and with a free case packaged with some packaging. They're definitely water-proof, can hold all sorts of gooey products (I use them for neo sporin and lanacane), can be labeled with a sharpie (recommended), and are readily available. Don't need two containers? Just cut them in half and sand the cut line smooth.

BTW, I use old squeeze tubes to repackage sunblock. Not sure what my current one weighs, but I'll go out on a limb and suggest "next to nothing." The best source of these is bathroom garbage can of any woman into cosmetics :-).

Go to a drug store where they have Trial Size samples of different products, like sunscreen. Get a 1-ounce bottle. That much sunscreen ought to hold you for a good trip. Then, at home, you can refill the 1-ounce bottle from the big 16-ounce bottle.

--B.G.--

Hi! I noticed your question and thought you would be a great candidate to try our line of sunscreen towelettes. They are pocket-size and can easily cover everything you have exposed while backpacking. You can request a free sample on our website www.patrickssunscreen.com. More information is available there as well.
Happy hiking!

Hi Patrick/Paddy

This is VERY close to spam, which we delete immediately. However, since your posting is offering free samples I will let it past this once.

If you wish to advertise any more please use the Gear Deals channel, and note you must be offering a deal to BPL members of some sort. You must also make your association with the web site clear.

Cheers
Roger Caffin
Online Community Monitor
backpacking Light