By: Chase Bowler
Traveling for your next Ironman or marathon? Or maybe just taking a long vacation and dreading the flight? It makes sense you want to take your Rapid Reboot system with you. Not only is it great for recovery from your training or races, but it’s also a great way to combat the swelling that can come from long flights.
So whether you have a REGEN, GENESIS, or CLASSIC system, here are some pro tips I’ve learned firsthand over the years traveling for Rapid Reboot.
FLYING
The most common questions we get from people are about flying with their Rapid Reboot system. People specifically want to know if they can fly with their system, and the answer is yes! Our event teams and sales reps, myself included, fly with them all the time.
Carry on, don’t check in
When possible, put your control unit in your carry-on luggage or, if you have a REGEN or GENESIS, use the travel bag that came with your system (we recommend the Backpack!). This helps ensure the control unit won’t be damaged during the flight. If you do have to put the unit in your checked luggage, we recommend using a hardshell case. You can keep the attachments in your checked luggage, unless you plan on rebooting in the airport.
Put it in a separate bin through security
When going through airport security, we recommend placing your control unit in a separate bin, just like you often have to do with your other electronics like laptops and tablets. This keeps it easy for the security agents. You may get asked about the unit, but that only gives you a chance to tell them what—and how amazing—Rapid Reboot is.
Don’t use it on the plane; wait for a layover
Unless you’re fortunate to be in first class with lots of room or on a private charter like many of our pro athletes (see below), we recommend not trying to use your system on the plane. Aside from limited room, the person next to you might need to get up to go to the bathroom, or the attendants might view it as a potential evacuation risk in case there’s an emergency. This brings up a good point: even if you are in first-class with lots of room to recover, ask an attendant first. Even then, it might just be better to wait until you’ve landed, especially if you have a layover.
GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS
You definitely want the REGEN or GENESIS
There are few things more miserable than a long drive home, especially after running a marathon or competing in a long-distance triathlon. Over the years, I’ve met a lot of people at these types of events who drove 10+ hours. If that’s you, definitely get the REGEN or GENESIS (you can throw in the RECHARGE for even more battery life) and charge it up before the trip. You can use it on the go and in your car, if you have the room and someone else to drive while you reboot.
If you already have the CLASSIC, I recommend getting a converter so you can plug it in and use it in the car. Again, while someone else drives!
Upgrade or add the Backpack (REGEN/GENESIS)
I made a note of this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: even if you plan on taking just one attachment, we’ve found that the Backpack is the best all-around travel bag to use. It’s small enough to slide under the seat on a plane, has a special compartment for your REGEN or GENESIS, leaves plenty of extra room with only one attachment, has space for your laptop, has a few zipper pockets, and even has a pocket for a slim bottle!
Leave your REGEN or GENESIS in the bag
Since the REGEN and GENESIS are app compatible, you don’t even need to take your unit out of the bag. Just unzip the control unit pocket enough to turn the unit on and plug in your attachment, connect it with your phone, and you’re set.
Upgrade to the REGEN for Rapid Deflate. Trust me. It’s worth it.
This is especially true if you travel often with your system. This feature has been a huge selling point for pro and collegiate athletic trainers and athletes who do just that—travel a lot. The Rapid Deflate feature uses proprietary, patented tech in the REGEN to actually vacuum the air out of the attachments. This is a first-of-its-kind feature, but more importantly, it means you don’t have to squeeze the air out of the attachments to get them back in the bag. With Rapid Deflate, just wait until they’re completely flat (doesn’t take long), then roll them up and put them away.
Wipe them down before packing them up
If you use the attachments when you’re sweaty, especially the Boots, I would wipe them down really quick with a disinfectant wipe (even a baby wipe works if that’s what you have) before putting them away. It’s never any fun opening the bag to get them out and use them only to be hit in the face with the smell of old sweat. Fortunately, the attachments are made of a medical-grade coated nylon that doesn’t absorb moisture, so they’re really easy to wipe down!
I hope all of these travel tips were helpful. If you have any more you’d like to add, or if you have any questions or suggestions for more articles, please email marketing@rapidreboot.com.
