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A complete and honest review of the 4ALLFAMILY Voyager and Chiller insulin coolers, including my personal experience using them to keep my insulin safe on my backpacking adventures.
Without trying to sound too dramatic, 4ALLFAMILY has literally solved the biggest challenge I’ve faced as a type 1 diabetic backpacker: keeping my insulin cold while travelling.
But there are actually two parts to this problem. The first is keeping the insulin I’m using safe at room temperature even when visiting hot destinations.
And the second, which has been my biggest headache, is keeping my unopened insulin at fridge temperature on trips lasting longer than one month.
However, this is where 4ALLFAMILY comes in, a company founded after a personal experience of insulin spoiling while travelling abroad.
They have made it their mission to produce high-capacity medicine coolers to make sure diabetics like you and I can keep our insulin safe no matter where or how long we are travelling.
As a diabetic of 13+ years, I can really resonate with this and it’s great to see them striving to do their bit in making travelling with diabetes as stressless as possible.
This year I’ve been using 4ALLFAMILY’s Voyager and Chiller insulin coolers as a combination for keeping my stored and in-use insulin at their individual safe temperatures. And in this article I’ll give my honest review of my experience with both products.
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- Voyager Travel Fridge Overview: For Transporting Refrigerated Insulin
- The Chiller Insulated Travel Case Overview: For In-Use Insulin
- 4ALLFAMILY Review Summary
- More Travel and Diabetes Guides
Voyager Travel Fridge Overview: For Transporting Refrigerated Insulin
From the moment we are diagnosed, it’s made very clear that our unopened insulin needs to be stored in the fridge.
But what happens when you want to travel for longer than a month and take your insulin in and out of fridges as you transfer between destinations and accommodations?
Well, gone are the days of bulky cool boxes, faffing around with ice, or crafting DIY solutions!
And in comes The Voyager – a revolutionary way to keep unopened insulin at fridge temperature while travelling.
Featuring two cooling methods, I found the stand out to be the USB power capability. When combined with a battery pack, this turns the Voyager into a portable insulin fridge!
It can also be plugged into the wall for indefinite refrigeration – eliminating the constant need to find hotel rooms with fridges!
The Voyager’s design is slick, stylish, and resembles the shape of a flask that can slip into the side pocket of a backpack. A long way from the big blue cool box filled with ice that my mum used to take on our picnics to keep the milk cold!
As soon as I saw it I knew The Voyager was what I’d been needing ever since my first backpacking trip in 2018. For years I’ve just been winging it and carrying my insulin in cool packs that only guarantee room temperature as I couldn’t find a better solution.
But now that underlying stress is no more and honestly it has been such a weight off my shoulders!
The Voyager Details and Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Height | 25cm / 9.8” |
| Empty Weight | 700g |
| Diameter | 8.4cm / 3.3 inches |
| Volume | 900ml |
| Insulin Storage Capacity | 7 pens / 18 cartridges (in packaging) / 8 vials (10ml) |
| Price | $199.99 USD |
| Warranty | 1 year included but extendable for up to 4 years |
| TSA Approved | Yes |
What’s In The Box
When you open the Voyager package, here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Insulated thermos cup
- USB cooling lid
- USB cable and charging plug
- Biogel cold pack
- Biogel cover
- Carry bag
- All appropriate documentation and instructions
Cooling Methods
As I mentioned, The Voyager features two cooling options. These are USB power and a Biogel cold pack. The choice is yours as it comes with both as standard.
Personally, I love the USB function as in my eyes it has more benefits but it’s great to have versatility and the choice of both.
I’ll go through both cooling methods in depth below.
1. USB Power
The feature that takes the Voyager from great to fantastic is its USB lid which offers electric power. Attached to the lid is a cylindrical cooling tube which is where to store your insulin.
Transforming the Voyager from a standard ice pack cooler to a fully functioning mini fridge that fits in the side of a backpack, it really is a tremendous piece of kit!
But you might be thinking what’s so special about this and is it really worth paying a premium for if it does the same job as what other ice pack coolers can do?
Well, the features that separate the Voyager’s USB lid from other cooling methods and make it, in my opinion, the ultimate portable insulin cooler are:
- Smart temperature control which automatically turns on and off to keep it in the 2-8°C (36-46°F) range.
- A temperature gauge which displays the real-time temperature inside the cooler.
Other features of the USB lid include a USB C port and an operating sound of under 40 decibels. I thought that the noise of the electric power might be the trade-off, but no, it’s very quiet considering its functionality.
*Note: The Voyager is not compatible with a USB C to USB C cable, only USB C to USB A.
The cooling time of this method depends on the size of battery pack you use.
For the best performance, I’d recommend a battery pack of at least 20,000mAh. I’ve been using 4ALLFAMILY’s Pathfinder power bank which has kept my Voyager running for over 10 hours on a full charge!
However, when plugged into mains power the Voyager will run indefinitely.
The USB lid is straightforward to use and you’ll be ready to hit the road after following this easy three-step process:
Step 1: Put your insulin pens/cartridges/vials inside the tube of the USB lid.
Step 2: Insert into the outer case and screw on to seal.
Step 3: Plug in your USB power source.
2. Biogel Pack
The alternative cooling method is the reusable Biogel cold pack which comes in the Voyager package. This is used with a simple lid that’s a couple of centimetres shorter than the USB lid.
The cooling time when using the Biogel pack is up to 28 hours (possibly longer if the outside temperature is under 30°C). Therefore, one advantage is you can get a longer portable cooling duration with the Biogel compared to a power bank.
The four-step process for using the Biogel pack with the Voyager is as follows:
Step 1: Place the cold pack in a freezer for at least 6 hours.
Step 2: Submerge in warm tap water for 120-180 seconds. This is important to make sure that the outer layer does not freeze the insulin.
Step 3: Put the Biogel pack inside the Voyager cooler and pack your insulin in the surrounding space.
Step 4: Screw on the lid to seal.
Recommendation: Place the Voyager cooler in a fridge for a few hours prior to use. This will speed up the time it takes for the inside to reach fridge temperature when the USB or Biogel is inserted.
Voyager Benefits
Large Storage Capacity
Boasting an impressive storage capacity considering the portable size, the Voyager is a great solution when on the road for a while.
It has allowed me to carry 18 insulin cartridges at fridge temperature which for me is around a 3 month supply.
Practical Shape and Elegant Design
The flask-like shape of the cooler is a vital component of its portability. This means it can be slipped into the side of a backpack like a water bottle.
This is a great feature as it’s essential to keep our insulin in our hand luggage rather than checked bags that are stored in airplane and bus holds.
The slick design also doesn’t draw much attention and the only time airport security has been interested was when leaving the UK at London’s Standsted Airport.
Versatility
With two cooling methods to choose from it really opens up your options depending on your situation and preference.
More Accommodation Options
I’ve spent a number of years always searching and paying for accommodation with fridges. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to call places up to check (which at times is difficult when there’s a language barrier) and pay a premium rate just to have a fridge.
Thankfully now with the Voyager I can stay in any room as long as there’s a power socket – saving money and hassle!
However, just be careful when staying in hotel rooms that use the keycard for electricity. You’ll need to leave a keycard in the power slot at all times to ensure the Voyager operates continuously. It’s also a good idea to let reception staff know about this so that they can advise housekeeping.
Stress-free Travel
The temperature guessing game is completely eliminated with the USB lid’s temperature gauge!
I no longer have the nagging doubt about what the exact temperature inside is as the Voyager tells me in real time.
Voyager Drawbacks
The Price
There’s no denying that the Voyager is an expensive product. I know for some it just won’t be viable to spend this on an insulin travel fridge, no matter the tech that it has.
But when I think of the premium features of the USB power, smart temperature control, and temperature gauge, it’s a price worth paying.
USB Lid Can’t Be Stored In An Enclosed Space
The Voyager can’t be enclosed if using the USB lid therefore you’ll need a backpack with outside storage such as a side pocket.
It also means that you need to be careful if travelling on a wet day as it isn’t waterproof. This happened to me during freak storms in Albania but I had an umbrella on hand which kept my Voyager well protected.
Lack Of USB Lid Insulation
If you lose power or battery, the temperature inside the cooler will rise quickly. There’s no notification if this happens which means you need to keep an eye on your battery pack’s charge and USB connections when travelling.
I accidentally knocked my cable out when getting on a bus but luckily I noticed immediately and no harm was done.
Voyager Verdict
The Voyager is a game changer for the diabetic community when it comes to travel. There’s no other way to put it.
This USB insulin cooler may have a hefty price tag, but I believe it’s a great investment and value for the quality, portability, and storage capacity it offers.
I’ve been waiting to find a catch but after months of use, it has served its purpose exactly as I’d hoped. My insulin’s safe, it’s been easy to carry, and apart from having to recharge the battery pack, there’s been no hassle with it!
The peace of mind of having my insulin stored safely is something you can’t put a price on!
Click To Grab Your Voyager Travel Fridge
The Chiller Insulated Travel Case Overview: For In-Use Insulin
You don’t need to tell me that it’s easy to overlook the importance of protecting insulin from the heat. I found out first hand when my insulin cooked in the car while I was travelling around Australia!
Thankfully keeping my insulin safe is easier than ever these days with products such as 4ALLFAMILY’s Chiller Travel Case.
The Chiller is a reusable insulin pen cooler with advanced evaporation technology that keeps medication at room temperature. Even when the outside temperature soars up to 37°C, you can know that no damage will be done!
The Chiller only requires water to activate and will keep insulin cool for up to 45 hours. After this, you can simply reactivate again and repeat continuously!
It’s the perfect companion for summer breaks or when travelling to anywhere in which the temperature is above the mid-20s (celsius).
While it comes in two sizes, I’ll be reviewing the one I’ve been using which is the small 1-pen case.
The Chiller Details and Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Height | 21cm / 8.3 inches |
| Width | 7.2cm / 2.8 inches |
| Insulin Storage Capacity | 1 pen / 6 cartridges / 2 vials (10ml) |
| Price | $26.99 USD |
| Warranty | 1 year included but extendable for up to 4 years |
| TSA Approved | Yes |
What’s In The Box
When you open the Chiller package, here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Inner cooling pouch
- Outer cover
- User Manual
How to Activate and Use
One thing I love about the Chiller is its simplicity to use.
No fridge or freezer is required as it contains crystals that turn to gel when soaked in water. This activates the evaporation technology that keeps insulin at room temperature.
Simply follow the steps below to activate:
Step 1: Submerge the inner cooling pouch in cold water (time depends on which size you have).
Step 2: Massage the cooling pouch and crystals to make sure they are spread evenly.
Step 3: Lightly dry with a towel and leave to air dry for a further five minutes which will ensure all water is absorbed.
Step 4: Slide the inner pouch into the outer cover.
Step 5: Pack your insulin pen inside the pouch and you’re set!
To reactivate after 45 hours (or when you notice the gel starting to recrystallise) simply re-submerge the inner cooling pouch in cold water for 2-4 minutes. This doesn’t take as long as the crystals are still partially active.
Benefits of The Chiller
Compact And Lightweight Design
As the Chiller is something for daily use, you want it to be easy to carry around.
And I can’t fault it in this respect. The Chiller fits perfectly in the small bumbag that I travel with and hardly weighs anything!
Simplicity
It doesn’t get any simpler to activate and use. The fact that you only need water and no fridge, freezer or electricity means that you can prepare it even in the most basic hotel room!
Simply soak in water for a few minutes and you are ready to keep your insulin safe! Nothing more, nothing less.
Long Cooling Period
While the Chiller does need to be reactivated for continuous use, this is only after 45 hours (or around two days of use)!
Chiller Verdict
All in all, I’ve found the Chiller cooler case to be incredibly easy to use and a very convenient way to keep my insulin at room temperature in the heat.
Even in Egypt where the temperature was in the mid-30s (celsius), I’d take my insulin out of the Chiller to use and it was cool to touch.
Despite using advanced technology, all the instructions were there for me to seamlessly activate it. There’s nothing complicated and it fits perfectly into something as small as a bumbag or handbag.
I also find the price point to be more than fair with the quality you receive and the fact that you can reactivate it over and over again.
Click To Grab Your Chiller Insulin Pen Cooler
4ALLFAMILY Review Summary
Overall, 4ALLFAMILY has been a great company to deal with. I can’t fault their service and they even have convenient live chat support which answered some questions I had very quickly.
I love what the brand stands for and their mission to make great insulin coolers for the diabetic community. I’ll get behind anyone striving to make diabetic travel more accessible and less stressful!
As for the products themselves, the 4ALLFAMILY insulin coolers that I’ve been using have been fantastic. Especially the Voyager travel fridge which has revolutionised the way we can travel with stored insulin!
This solves a headache I’ve had for years!
I’d 100% recommend 4ALLFAMILY to any diabetic searching for a portable insulin cooler!
Whether it’s keeping stored insulin at fridge temperature or in-use insulin at room temperature – 4ALLFAMILY has you covered!
Check out 4ALLFAMILY’s range of insulin coolers!
More Travel and Diabetes Guides
Check out some of my other Travel and Diabetes blog posts which are full of helpful information and my personal experiences!