Park bag suggestion for holding diabetic supplies

[TelynnRose]

Thinking ahead about our December trip. I need to find a secure bag to accommodate my diabetic supplies. I have switched to a compact meter so that space is smaller than my original meter but I also need to carry:

bottle of test strips
small selection of lancets
several packets of alcohol wipes
2 types of insulin in bottle
small pouch of 10 needles
needle clip
small ziplock bag for used/clipped needles and covered lancets
emergency glucose tabs (lifesaver size container)
pillbox for otc meds
wallet
sunscreen
sunglass case (to hold pair of glasses or sunglasses when I need to change)​

I currently have a Travelon crossbody anti-theft bag but it is just a little too small to accommodate the above.
Anyone have suggestions (also on how to keep the insulin cool in the bag would be helpful)

Thank you!!

​

 

[gap2368]

I use a back pack

how to keep insulin cool

1 NEVER EVER NEVER EVER PUT IT IN THE HOTEL ROOM FRIDGE I can not tell you how many of mine have froze and once they freeze they are done het is better

so what I do is I go buy a frio you can get them at walgreen CVS you sock them in water and they are go I take you are on 2 type long acting short acting your long acting you can leave out in your hotel room and it will be fine they can be out of the fridge for 28 days short acting just take it with you and put it in the frio or if you only need it at meal times take it to first aid ( and I do trust the fridge there ) you can also leave your extra stuff there too but please do not leave your insulin in your hotel room fridge

also all restrooms have sharp container

 

[TelynnRose]

I was hoping for something smaller than a backpack...but it may come to that.

Thank you for the advise on the fridge in the room. Once I open the insulin I don't place it back in the fridge. My concern was keeping it cool in the park. The first aid station is too inconvenient when in the park and may need the insulin for any snack or meal. I plan to bring the long acting as I don't want to head to the room when it's time to take the evening dose.... I thought I had read that there were sharps containers in the bathrooms but I did not want to count on being near one when I needed the insulin.

Will the Frio sack work if the bag is lined with waterproof lining? I was under the impression that they must be kept in open air to allow for evaporation.

 

[gap2368]

the Frio will not work in a water proof bag or not that well as it dose need to breath I do use water proof bags to keep things dry but I leave my Frio out of it and it is fine the ones they sell at CVS walgreens are big enough for 2 pens so you should be fine there I use a pump and just bring some insulin to the park for back up and leave that at first aid.

most if not all bathrooms have sharp containers in them and for the most part they are not full but having some place to put them until you can get ride of them is a good idea I know someone used one of those glucose tablet tubs ( the one that has 10 in ) for her sharps when out. also bring more fast acting carbs then you think you will need and test a lot more then you normally do along with a pump I also wear a CGM and I can still test 10+ times a day

some camping store sell the small back backs not sure how big you are but they do have day pack that are wast pouches they hold a lot of things you can surly get all that is on your list plus a lot more in one of them but if you are small then it may not work for you I am just over 5 foot and it is about half my back when I put one on

enjoy your trip

this is the pack I have I like that it has a lot of pockets it has a rain cover and the belt has pocket in it for glucose tablets so I do not have to take it on and off so often

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/magellan-outdoors-pinejack-hiking-backpack?repChildCatid=653954

 

[lanejudy]

Have you tried Googling something like "diabetic supplies carrying case" or similar? There are actually a wide variety of products available, ranging from small wristlets to purses to larger cross-body style. My DH has one that he primarily uses as a toiletry kit when traveling (so it gets tossed into another bag), but I believe it came with a strap that could be used over-the-shoulder or maybe even cross-body; it's two-sided and probably about 9" x 6" x 3" and I think it's a ChillMED brand. It took a while sorting through all available options to find what he wanted. I'd say you just need to decide size, style and budget.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[TelynnRose]

Thank you both for the suggestions! Using the empty glucose tab tube for the clipped needles/lancets is a fantastic idea! I will be carrying on full tube into the parks while hubby will be carrying a second in his pocket. We'll have a large refill bottle of tabs left in the room (I hope we won't need more than 20 per day!) Also am packing the Nature Valley Nut bars (kind without the chocolate or yogurt coating) as a backup as well.

I've got several outdoor places near me so I'll check on their backpacks. I'm just under 6 ft so I can be flexible on size. Great idea for searching for a diabetic supplies carrying case. I didn't realize that they came in styles other than the black packs that only hold the supplies. I'll look for these!

Thank you again!!!

 

[gap2368]

if you do not want a back pack you can try this since are tall it may work for you.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/65541?page=day-trekker-lumbar-pack

also I can go through 20 tablets just trying to come up form one low ( intact I had about 30 tablets a few backs of smarties and 2 cans of sprite and I was still low) ended up at the ER that night. Disney is very good at helping you out I have been offered a lot of things when I go low and a few times I have asked for something and they will get you want you need but I would not count on it as there may not be a CM around. I would be prepared to bring more then you think.

 

[buffettgirl]

We usually use a backpack, juts a small one. I find when I"m stuffing that much stuff in a cross-body it's more uncomfortable for me than a backpack. There are a lot of one shoulder packs, sort of like a cross body / backpack hybrid.