We recently bought camping gear and have just ventured out on our first trip to 2 campsites in Germany and Holland and it was great but....
My husband has diabetes and therefore needs insulin which has to be kept cool. We have a normal coolbox but the packs do not keep it cold for long and it is a nightmare running around getting the packs changed at the campsite reception (especially when they are closed at 6pm!).
Should we stick to what we are doing? Get an electic coolbox and an electical hook up ( no idea how but I am sure there is plenty of advice on this site about that if we decide to do that) ?
So if anyone could give us advice or tips on cooling, it would be appreciated.
Hi Karin and welcome to ukcs. How about asking on site if they have somewhere to store it for you or a local pharmacy if you explain your situation?
I also have this problem as my daughter has to carry an Epi pen for nut allergy, we have to take a fridge with us when we go anywhere in the summer. Good luck.
------------- Always Kate unless Jay is looking over my shoulder :) x
For medicines? Don't muck about with basic level coolers...get a proper 3-way fridge that you can run off gas, electric hook up or on 12v in the car while on the move. Look for the newer versions that can cool to 30'C below ambient temperature, in case of summer heatwaves. Over here the new CombiCool would be the one I'd recommend but not sure of the makes over in Europe, sorry.
------------- Think this year is to follow old meet friends for 2014.
If you cant do someone a good turn,don`t do them a bad one,its nice to be nice you know,and little things mean much more later in life.
Pete.
I had no idea there were gas fridges ! But I did say we are camping novices
I will google and see what I can find and am hoping that they are not too big as we do not want to get a trailer so space is somewhat limitied.
The suggestion of asking a pharmacy for help is not an option as they close here around 5.30 and are not open at all during the weekends
We have only been to 3 campsites so far (well 2 as one was horrendous and should be avoided like the plague so we left after 1 night) and both receptions were closed around 6pm but the idea was a good one.
When I was backpacking, in Australia. A mate of mine used to put a knotted plastic bag with some water in the bottom of a metal thermos flask, then put the flask in the freezer overnight with the lid off.
In the morning, he took his "gear" from the fridge, popped it in the flask and screwed the lid on.
Most Hostels had fridges, but on the odd occasion we couldn't find one, it kept cool for getting on for 2 days at a time.
I suppose you could use 2 and rotate them, swap them over before the reception closes.
HTH
Paul
------------- "Whether you think you can, or think you can't... You're right"
the fridges are quite large - we have a 3 way combicool - they do get really cool - but watch the temperature and mind the edges as stuff can get frosty - though in their packets I think it is unlikely to freeze the insulin and you can adjust the temperature
Yes, the Combicools are quite large but the do hold a lit, so you'd be taking one coolbox plus perhaps another food box less in the car, remember? If there's only two of you in a car then it will sit quite happily on a rear seat, though remember to belt it in!
I have been injecting insulin for 30 odd years and my understanding is that insulin wiil be ok kept at room temperature for weeks.I dare say it will last alot longer kept refridgerated but i tend not to worry about it unless it gets really really hot........
Check with the experts and by that i don't mean your GP or Chemist cos they are not experts and quote the rule book at you i mean your specialist diabetic nurse(your local practice should have one if not they should be able to find you one to speak to)
I hope this helps
kind regards
tony
------------- Give a monkey control of its environment and it will fill the world with bananas.....
------------- Think this year is to follow old meet friends for 2014.
If you cant do someone a good turn,don`t do them a bad one,its nice to be nice you know,and little things mean much more later in life.
Pete.
I agree with tony, my OH has also been insulin dependent for about 30 years and we have never worried about keeping it cool in a tent. We keep the fresh stocks in the fridge at home but when camping just make sure it is out of direct sunlight and we have never had a problem. Also agree with you tony about G.P's "quoting the rule book!"
------------- Regards
Ian
credit will only be given to persons over 80 if accompanied by both parents!
Quote: Originally posted by tony+dawn on 14/5/2008
Pete that looks fantastic but great jumping gobstoppers lokk at the price
kind regards
tony
Sorry Tony,I did not put the price on it,but if you are ill in the UK it seems you have to pay for it,unless you are a asylum seeker or a refugee,sorry again,and for the spelling
------------- Think this year is to follow old meet friends for 2014.
If you cant do someone a good turn,don`t do them a bad one,its nice to be nice you know,and little things mean much more later in life.
Pete.
Sorry Tony,I did not put the price on it,but if you are ill in the UK it seems you have to pay for it,unless you are a asylum seeker or a refugee,sorry again,and for the spelling
Couldn't agree more.................
kind regards
tony
------------- Give a monkey control of its environment and it will fill the world with bananas.....
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Keeping medicines cool..
