Should I pack heat gear, cold gear, or both?

Pack what works at home. Travel is not the time to experiment with your nervous system.

• If stiffness/spasm is your dominant flare → pack compact heat.
• If swelling/inflammation is your dominant flare → plan for cold access.
• If both happen in cycles → bring heat and a cold plan (not necessarily cold gear).

Heat/cold is a reset lever. You want it available the moment the flare starts, not three hours later.

Can I bring gel ice packs on flights? Often yes if frozen solid; check local rules.

What’s the easiest cold alternative? Hotel ice + zip bag + cloth barrier.

Portable heating pad worth it? Yes if heat is your primary rescue tool.

• ACR/Arthritis Foundation guidelines conditionally recommend thermal interventions (heat/cold) for OA pain relief.
• Heat is typically used for chronic stiffness; cold for swelling/acute flares.
• Micro-anchor (OA/back pain): If mornings are brutal, heat on wake-up can rescue the first half-day.
• Micro-anchor (migraine): If neck/shoulder tension drives attacks, heat is often your travel MVP.