How to Make a $20 Ice Pack for $2

Recently I needed a gel ice pack to soothe sore muscles. When I found them at Wal-mart, I was offended by their high price. I thought to myself "there's got to be a cheap way to make one myself." And there is.

Step 1: Gather Supplies:

1 disposable diaper (any body with little kids has one of these on hand for free)
1 gallon zip lock bag
Some water
Some rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
A freezer

Step 2: Make Like a Tick.

Slowly dribble about a cup of alcohol onto a disposable diaper. Then dribble water on until it is nicely swollen, like your kid drank a gallon and then let it all out. When the diaper weighs about 5 lbs., it is ready for step 3.

Step 3: Bag It.

Insert diaper into ziplock bag. Push out excess air and seal the bag. (I double-bagged mine for good measure).

Step 4: Freeze It.

Place gel pack in the freezer for a couple hours.

Step 5: Notes:

1) For added security, you can double-bag the diaper.
2) This works because newer disposable diapers have a nifty powdered chemical inside that can absorb a lot of liquid and still stay granulated and the alcohol prevents the whole thing from freezing solid.
3) I don't recommend cutting the elastic off the diaper--with some diapers this will create holes for the chemical to escape from.

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