Traveling?

What do u guys do when u go on a longer trip? Say EU fro 3wks. Do u pack ur vac pump/stretchers with u? Thinking about packing the vac head in my carry on(battery issues) n the cylinder in checked baggage. Any TSA run ins? Im tying not to embarrass myself. When the bag goes under x-rays, or just to have it out in the open with other gadgets(iPad, laptop etc), would they ask what it is?