In 2020, the idea of off-road travel came to us. In our previous trips with the motorhome, the insulin was easy to keep cool at all times because the fridge ran on either 12 V, gas, or 230 V with “shore power” connected.

But what about power supply in our Land Rover Defender? When it comes to warmer climes, such as Greece? The good news is that anything is possible – even desert trips.

Energy-efficient and reliable cooler

Our outfitter “Offroad-Manufaktur” in Hamburg explained to us what is important for a good cooler in the vehicle:

• A cool box must be well insulated and lose little cold
• A cool box in the car should consume little energy
• The temperature should be finely and accurately adjustable
• When transporting medicines to be cooled, the cooler should be reliable

When it comes to these three disciplines, there is really no way around Engel compressor coolers. Enthusiasts rely on these units even in the most remote and warmest spots on earth. Their integrated oscillating compressors ensure that the units still cool reliably even at inclinations of 60°. Many a box has probably already passed the age of 30 years and continues to function perfectly; if defects do occur, the manufacturer promises spare parts for life. Of course, this has its price – but only the best for our insulin.

We chose the Engel MT35G-P compressor cooler with 32l capacity * because of its cooling properties and dimensions. 

Depending on the available power source, it can be operated with 12 volts, 24 volts or 230 volts. At the campsite, it can be operated with regular “shore power” and while driving with 12 V from the alternator. 

Engel SAWMT35F-G3-S Kühlbox MT35F-S 12/24/230 V mit Digitalthermometer*

• Spannung: 12/24/230 Volt
• Inhalt: 32 Liter

Amazon

Tip for saving energy: Do not operate your cooler empty. Fill the empty areas of your cooler with water bottles, beer cans or cold packs. This saves energy and the cold is retained for longer without the compressor having to work hard. By the way, this also applies to the fridge at home: a full fridge reduces the air volume and thus saves electricity.

So far so good. But what happens when we are off the grid for a longer period of time? An extraordinarily large power bank in the car and a solar panel connected to it can help.

Battery storage for electricity also “off-grid”

With a power station in the car, energy can be stored like in a large power bank. Such a station can, for example, charge while driving and simultaneously supply devices such as our cooler, batteries or smartphones with energy during the charging process.

We opted for a model with 720 watt-hour capacity: the EcoFlow RIVER Pro Power Station 720Wh *.

Explanation of the unit watt-hour (Wh) and the capacity of our system: With a capacity of 100Wh, I can operate a device that draws 100W of power for one hour. Our cooler draws a maximum of 32 W. With a capacity of 720 Wh, I can operate the cooler for 22.5 hours (720 Wh / 32 W). In reality, however, even longer, because once the cooler has cooled down at a temperature of +5°C, it may only run for 15 minutes (quarter of an hour) per hour to maintain the temperature. Of the 32 W consumption, only 8 W power consumption will then remain. At 8 W consumption, the cooler could therefore be operated for a full 90 hours. However, we have never tested this because we have never been without power for 90 hours. Of course, this all depends on the contents of the box and the ambient temperature. For us, 48 hours is enough.

This power station has more than enough output connections that can theoretically all be used simultaneously:

• 3 x USB-A (2 x 12 W (5 V; 2.4 A), 1 x 18 W (fast charging))
• 1x USB-C (100 W (5-20 V; 5 A)) 
• 3 x DC DC voltage (1x 13.6 V / 10 A / voltage regulated, 2 x DC5521 13.6 V / 3 A)
• 2x AC clean sine wave (230 V / 50 Hz (110 V / 60 Hz) | voltage regulated)

With regard to our cool box, however, only the 12V output is important. This is where we connect our cool box. No matter what we use to charge our Powerstation, whether with 12V or 230V, the Powerstation transforms the energy source and always delivers the required 12V to the cooler. So this solution is also something for lazy people like us, because we only have to take care of the power station, the cooler just stays connected.

Before we decided on our EcoFlow RIVER PRO Powerstation with 720 Wh * for reasons of price/performance and a good offer, we also had other alternatives on our minds. We have the feeling that the devices all serve their purpose, depending on the requirement. One user needs more connections or capacity, the next needs something completely different. If you are currently on the lookout, also take a look at the PowerDude 500 from Wattstunde * and the Jackery Explorer 1000 *.

Now, however, we don’t just want to supply our cool box with battery storage while on the road, but also need to charge smartphones, MacBooks or camera batteries from time to time. Thanks to the integrated inverter, this is no problem. The device produces a clean sine wave and thus also enables the charging and operation of particularly demanding and sensitive devices. However, with every connected consumer, the energy consumption also increases. So that our storage nevertheless does not empty so quickly, we can support with a foldable solar panel.

Self-sufficient power supply thanks to foldable solar panel

Our EcoFlow RIVER PRO Powerstation * can be charged with up to 200W of solar power. In full sunlight, the Powerstation should take 4 hours to charge, but we have not yet been able to test this. When choosing the solar panels, we opted for a space-saving folding system. This is not only easy to stow away, but can also be flexibly oriented towards the sun. Much better than a solar panel permanently installed on the roof, which we had initially preferred.

ECOFLOW 160W Solarpanels Faltbar Solarmodul für Delta & RIVER Serie Tragbare Powerstation, Photovoltaik Modul Solaranlage für...*

• Hocheffizientes Solarpanel: Mit dem Einsatz der Typ-N-Solartechnologie bei tragbaren Solarpanels haben wir die Messlatte mit einer...
• Einstellbar und vielseitig: Das EcoFlow NextGen 160 W Solarpanel ist mit einer von 30-60° einstellbaren Winkelhalterung und...

330,68 EUR

Amazon

Again, there were several products to choose from. Ultimately, the devices differ in the number of integrated modules, the IP class for waterproofness and the connection to the power station.

The Jackery SolarSaga 100 * solar panel then lost out to the Ecoflow 160W panel * because the latter offers IP67 protection instead of IP65, delivers 60 W more power due to more panel and comes directly with the MC4 connectors we need.

* All links marked with an asterisk are Amazon affiliate links. We receive a percentage of the purchases made through them. Our recommendations are nevertheless honest and sincere.

Der Beitrag Cooling insulin while travelling with camper vans and off-road vehicles – Diabetes goes Offroad erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

Those who search the internet for answers will find a lot of information that is partly contradictory, outdated or not complete. I have got to the bottom of the matter and provide you here with templates for certificates and ID cards and write down what else you have to pay attention to.

Generally applicable rules and documents – Not found

The first time we dealt with this topic we found a lot of information on various websites, but there was no comprehensive solution: certain information was missing in forms for certificates, and we also found contradictory information regarding the handling of diabetes patients on various airlines. We found horror stories, half-truths and outdated information: On a website it was described that one should inform the airline days before the trip that one plans to take injection equipment on the plane as a diabetic, which would make every last minute flight impossible. Probably absolute nonsense, after all we want to carry medicine, not import uranium.

In addition, there are no internationally recognized and official forms or ID cards that clearly identify and authorize a diabetic as such. Actually, it is strange when you look at the number of patients suffering from diabetes worldwide. And from this lack of standards, a veritable proliferation of requirements, templates, ID cards, etc., is then created.

I could not really believe some of the information. So I got behind it and try to collect all the information here. Surely you help one or the other to live and travel better with his illness. Furthermore you will find here a complete and useful form to fill out by the attending doctor.

What do I need as a diabetic to fly with my medical equipment?

Doctor’s certificate

On the internet we found several forms for this certificate, but often certain parts of the accessories were missing, which in turn can lead to the refusal of boarding. Almost none of the forms available on the internet contained a placeholder for cooling batteries to cool the insulin on board. However, this is required by many airlines, see the section “Dealing with diabetes on various airlines”. You can download my completed certificate as a template here, fill it out and have it stamped and signed by your doctor.

The certificate used in each case should be no more than two years old. Therefore, renew it regularly with your doctor.

I recommend carrying two original copies of this document with you: One with your hand luggage for presentation at security checkpoints, one close to the insulin supply in your luggage.

Diabetic identity card

There is no so-called “diabetic card” at all – at least not as an official and internationally recognized document. Instead, it is issued by pharmacies, health associations, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and doctors, but looks different every time, depending on the issuer. What I mean to say is that the appearance of the diabetic card varies, what is important is the existence of such a document and the correct information on the card.

Forms for this are also available on the Internet:

https://www.diabetesinformationsdienst-muenchen.de/fileadmin/DIABETESINFO/Service/Downloads/DID_Notfallausweis_121123.pdf

Cooling bag for insulin in hand luggage and luggage

Insulin must be cooled. However, there are no cooling facilities available on the plane, so we have to make sure that the insulin in hand luggage and checked-in luggage is sufficiently cooled ourselves. It makes sense to use thermo-insulated containers and bags and to use gel cooling batteries, provided that these are also certified by the doctor.

Amazon offers corresponding products:

Insulin-Kühltasche – Diabetiker Organizer – tragbare medizinische Reise-Kühltasche + 4 Kühlakkus (braun)*

• Ungiftig und geschmacklos, ohne Netzteil, klein in der Größe, bequem zu tragen.
• Geeignet für alle Insulinmarken und hält bis zu 12 Stunden frisches Insulin. Legen Sie das Gel in den Gefrierschrank für ca. 7-8...

Amazon

Leke Insulin Kühltasche Diabetiker Tasche für Medikamente Thermotasche mit 4 Kühlakkus, Grau*

• [Insulintasche kommt mit 4 Kühlakkus] Lassen Sie die wiederverwendbaren Eispackungen für 6-10 Stunden in den Gefrierschrank. Dann...
• [Medikamente während des Transports kühl halten] Halten Sie das Insulin 6-8 Stunden bei 2-8 °C; Insulin bei 25°C für 48-72 Stunden...

Amazon

EB DIABETIC'S Diabetikertasche (Verschiedene Farbvarianten) (grau-bitone)*

• elegante Diabetikertasche mit 2 Fächern
• 1 Fach ist thermoisoliert, inkl. Kühlpack GEL

23,95 EUR

Amazon

In order to prove that the syringe, sensor or test strips you are carrying are indeed regular medical products, it may be useful to carry their packaging folded. In case of doubt, you can assure the security staff that the sensor you are carrying is really a glucose sensor.

Dealing with diabetes at various airlines

I wanted to be sure and rule out the possibility that one of the airlines I use most often would make demands on diabetes patients that we had not considered before. With the following text I therefore turned to Eurowings, Lufthansa, British Airways, SAS and Emirates.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

next year I plan to fly with my best friend with %Placeholder for name of airline%.
My friend is a type 1 diabetes patient and therefore has to carry insulin, blood glucose meters and sensors, syringes, glucose and other vital accessories with him on flights.

Since we want to prepare ourselves optimally, I would like to ask you to answer the following three questions:

Are there any special requirements at %Placeholder for name of airline% that we have to take into account when travelling?
As an airline, do you recommend a special form as a certificate from the doctor treating you about the illness?
Is it possible that the board personnel can store the insulin carried in their hand luggage in a cool place, e.g. a refrigerator, during the flight?

Many thanks in advance for your efforts!

Yours sincerely,
Daniel Beckemeier

Lufthansa

The answer from Lufthansa’s “Special Service” department is just under an hour away:

Good morning, Mr. Beckemeier,

thank you for your email. Your friend is welcome to take the syringes, insulin and equipment into the cabin. If he has a diabetic card, this is sufficient and we do not need another certificate. You are responsible for cooling the medication yourself.  There are no refrigerators on board.

With kind regards
XXXXX XXXXXX

Aha: So here you need a diabetic card. Exciting, because a “diabetic card” does not exist as an official document, as described above. Instead, it is issued by pharmacies, health associations, health insurance companies and doctors, but looks different every time, depending on the issuer. My tip: Just get such a passport somewhere and be prepared for everything. Make sure that the passport is multilingual and can also be read abroad.

Forms for this are also available on the Internet:

https://www.diabetesinformationsdienst-muenchen.de/fileadmin/DIABETESINFO/Service/Downloads/DID_Notfallausweis_121123.pdf

British Airways

The reply from the British Airways Passenger Medical Clearance Unit reaches me only 5 minutes after I have sent my request. Impressively fast, friendly and meaningful.

Good morning Mr Beckemeier,

Thank you for your email. Here are the answers to your questions.
We do not have any special requirements, medical clearance is not required for Diabetes.
We recommend that you carry a Doctor’s letter to carry the medication and supplies through the airport security screening.
We do not have any refrigeration facilities onboard.  If you need to keep the insulin cool we recommend that you travel with a cool bag.  If you are taking gel packs in the cool bag, the Doctor’s letter must refer to this.

Please let us know if you require any further information.

Kind regards, XXXXX
Passenger Medical Clearance Unit
British Airways

British Airways therefore only requires a completed letter from the attending doctor.
A cooling of the insulin carried along cannot be offered, instead one should use a cool bag for cooling oneself. An important note is also included: If there are gel pads in the cool bag, these should also be explicitly mentioned in the letter from the doctor.

Emirates

There are no contact forms or contact email addresses for written enquiries on the Emirates website. However, the following practical information is provided on the website:

In the sections “Practical advice” and “Known health problems” you will find the following lines:

• Take medication that you need regularly with you in your hand luggage.
• Do not forget to take the necessary prescriptions with you and ask your family doctor for written confirmation that you need the appropriate medication. This will help you avoid problems with the customs authorities.
• Ask your doctor for a letter describing your health problems and usual treatment (including special medicines and their dosage).
• Take a sufficient quantity of the required medication with you and carry it in your hand luggage.
• Please note that we cannot keep any medication refrigerated for you. Please make sure that you keep your medication refrigerated, for example in a cool bag or thermos flask.

All the links in this text are Amazon Affiliate Links, and by clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a percentage of your subsequent Amazon purchases. However, this circumstance does not influence the background of my product recommendation. This product recommendation is independent, honest and sincere. 

Bei allen genannten Links handelt es sich um Amazon-Affiliate-Links. Durch einen Klick auf einen Affiliate-Link werde ich prozentual an Euren darauf folgenden Amazon-Einkäufen beteiligt. Dieser Umstand beeinflusst aber nicht die Hintergründe meiner Produktempfehlung. Diese Produktempfehlung erfolgt unabhängig, ehrlich und aufrichtig.

Der Beitrag Air travel as a diabetic: What do I need, what do I have to take care of? erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.