Packing for long-term journey will be daunting, particularly in the event you additionally must work whereas on the street. That can assist you out, I’ve put collectively this complete digital nomad packing record that will help you get began.
I’ve been a digital nomad for the final 18 months and have lived and labored in numerous totally different locations world wide. Throughout this time, I’ve fine-tuned my private record of nomad necessities which I’m happy to share with you on this submit.
From important tech gear to versatile clothes choices and even some helpful software program suggestions, this information is stuffed with helpful gadgets to assist maintain you productive, protected, and cozy throughout your distant working journey.
Packing Record for Digital Nomads
When selecting one of the best digital nomad journey gear, it’s necessary to select gadgets which might be small and light-weight, whereas on the similar time ensuring you’ve every part you want.
In reality, it’s a little bit of a balancing act as you probably received’t have the ability to cart round all your creature comforts from dwelling. However the superior degree of freedom that’s obtainable with this way of life makes it completely value sacrificing just a few non-essentials in my view.
There are three important classes to deal with – tech gear, clothes, and luggage – and I’ve damaged this information down accordingly. I’ve additionally included a piece on key software program and subscriptions that I like to recommend together with in your digital digital nomad gear record.
See additionally: The best way to Grow to be a Digital Nomad in 2023
Digital Nomad Tech Gear
Let’s begin with the important tech gear that may make sure you’re related and productive on the street. You would possibly must adapt this record a little bit, relying on the kind of work that you just do. However this must be a superb start line:
1. Laptop computer (An Important Merchandise on Each Digital Nomad Packing Record)
In all probability a very powerful piece of digital nomad gear, a dependable laptop computer is prone to be your important technique of incomes cash on the street. Subsequently, it’s necessary to spend money on a superb one.
I like my 13-inch MacBook Professional. It’s quick, dependable, highly effective, and has a terrific display that’s splendid for modifying pictures (which, as a journey blogger, is one thing I do frequently).
The principle draw back to those computer systems is the fee. There are positively cheaper choices on the market, however personally, I believe MacBook Execs are implausible items of package and are completely value their worth. Click on right here to purchase one now.
2. Common Energy Adapter
A common energy adapter is likely one of the most important digital nomad equipment and helps to make sure that you could connect with energy and cost your gadgets wherever you might be on the earth.
Moderately than shopping for particular person adapters for every area that you just journey to, it’s a lot simpler to get one which works in all places.
These are available in all types of sizes and shapes, however it is best to go for one which works with as many several types of energy retailers as attainable; (European, North American, Australian, and UK are the 4 important sorts). This one is especially good.
It’s pretty low cost, compact, and light-weight. I like that it has 4 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port, plus a multi-input socket that accepts most plug sorts, so you may cost as much as 6 gadgets directly. Click on right here to purchase one now.
3. Energy Financial institution
A moveable energy financial institution is a brilliant helpful addition to each digital nomad backpack record. It’s a small funding however can prevent lots of time, problem, and stress.
Whether or not you’re on an extended flight or bus journey, exploring a brand new metropolis, or working from a restaurant, having your telephone run out of battery will be extraordinarily irritating. And it at all times appears to occur on the worst attainable time!
Having an influence financial institution with you helps make sure that your telephone doesn’t run out of battery on the street. That is particularly necessary in locations with restricted charging factors, and even no entry to electrical energy (say, midway up a mountain for instance!).
There are a great deal of differing kinds to select from. However, primarily, they’re simply moveable, rechargeable batteries that can be utilized to cost any system with a USB charger whereas on the transfer. For extra data, click on right here.
4. Foldable Laptop computer Stand
Many individuals are likely to hunch over their laptops, which might trigger troublesome neck and again ache. A laptop computer stand raises your display to eye degree; enhancing your posture and lowering the chance of discomfort. That is particularly necessary in the event you spend lengthy durations of time working in your laptop.
You should utilize a laptop computer stand to create a comfy and productive workspace in your condominium, lodge room, coworking area, or anyplace else you fancy working from.
And since it’s necessary to deal with portability when selecting one of the best digital nomad gear, I like to recommend you purchase one which’s light-weight and foldable.
I exploit mine at any time when I’m working for greater than an hour or so in a single place, and the advantages are nice. Click on right here for more information.
5. Keyboard and Mouse
Together with your laptop computer up on its moveable stand, you’ll additionally want an exterior keyboard and mouse to assist keep away from repetitive pressure accidents.
These easy, but important, items of package assist you to place your shoulders, arms, and fingers in a extra comfy, ergonomic place, permitting you to work for longer durations with out experiencing discomfort.
A keyboard-mouse-laptop stand mixture primarily provides you a similar setup as a desktop laptop, along with your display at eye degree. Solely it’s moveable – so significantly better!
Apple customers: take a look at the modern Magic Keyboard and Mouse. In any other case (and/or in the event you’d reasonably save a bit of cash), this mixture works equally nicely. Click on right here to be taught extra.
6. Transportable Wi-Fi Router
Given that almost all distant staff require a secure and safe web connection, a moveable Wi-Fi router is prone to be a terrific addition to your digital nomad packing record.
Transportable routers can present a safer, extra dependable connection than public Wi-Fi, which is commonly gradual and insecure. These work by creating a non-public Wi-Fi community that you could join your gadgets to.
A giant benefit of moveable routers is that they assist you to join a number of gadgets on the similar time. Tethering out of your telephone, then again, often solely means that you can join one system at a time.
There are just a few several types of moveable routers obtainable. Some include an inbuilt SIM card, whereas others require you to purchase a bodily native SIM card and insert it. Some fashions even include built-in energy banks, making them much more handy.
Both manner, remember to select one that’s light-weight, compact, and has an extended battery life (or will be plugged into the mains). Click on right here to be taught extra about moveable WiFi routers.
7. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Whether or not you’re working in a busy espresso store or on a loud airplane, noise-canceling headphones can assist you focus in your work with out being distracted by ambient, background noise.
Personally, I can’t work if there’s an excessive amount of noise round, so, noise-canceling headphones are certainly one of my most important digital nomad merchandise.
These are available in each over-ear and in-ear types. Over-ear headphones have a tendency to supply higher noise cancellation, whereas in-ear headphones are smaller and extra moveable. I desire the over-ear variation and at the moment personal a pair of Bose QuietComfort 45s – they’re sensible.
In fact, there are numerous different manufacturers on the market, however Bose is especially recognized for its wonderful noise-cancelation know-how, in addition to top-quality audio and luxury. Click on right here to be taught extra.
8. Transportable Exterior Exhausting Drive
Whether or not you’re a digital nomad or not, it’s important to again up your recordsdata and paperwork, usually!
A few months in the past, I used to be fortunately working away from my favourite coworking area in Sri Lanka, and, impulsively, my laptop computer died.
Lengthy story quick, the intense warmth and humidity killed one thing inside the pc, and the whole factor was wiped in the course of the restore course of. It was an entire nightmare and ruined an entire week…
Nonetheless, so long as you’ve a tough drive containing a current backup of your laptop, you shouldn’t lose too many recordsdata. And with Apple machines, you may restore every part to the place it was on the date of the final Time Machine backup you probably did.
I extremely suggest the LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB. It’s tremendous sturdy and sturdy, and mine has served me nicely for a number of years. Click on right here to be taught extra.
(I additionally suggest shopping for two of those, storing a backup of your laptop on each, and leaving one with somebody you belief again dwelling. That manner you’re double-backed up, simply in case you lose the backup you’re touring with.)
9. Kindle
Kindles are nice items of package. They imply you may successfully convey as many books as you need with you whereas touring, with out taking on any greater than a slither of area in your bag.
I notably like that they’ve an adjustable backlight and an anti-glare display, so you may learn them in any lighting situations; whether or not you’re on a sunny seashore or tucked up in mattress. Kindles even have a wonderful battery life, so you may learn for hours with no need to recharge.
There’s nothing fairly like the sensation of studying from a “actual” e book. Nonetheless, Kindles are so handy and moveable, I believe they need to be included on this record of digital nomad must-haves. Click on right here to purchase one.
10. Transportable Bluetooth Speaker
A moveable Bluetooth speaker isn’t strictly important, however I believe it makes a terrific addition to your digital nomad packing record.
In my expertise, one of many hardest issues about being a digital nomad isn’t having a everlasting dwelling. To assist with this, and to make my short-term condominium (or wherever I’m staying) really feel extra homely, I prefer to fill the area with a few of my favourite tunes now and again.
It’s additionally nice for internet hosting folks, having events, picnics, days out on the seashore, no matter. Having good sound – and never needing to put on headphones on a regular basis – is unquestionably value sacrificing a little bit little bit of backpack area for.
When selecting a transportable Bluetooth speaker, search for one which’s compact, sturdy, and has good sound high quality. I’ve acquired the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 and I find it irresistible. Given its measurement and portability, the audio high quality is actually very good. Click on right here to buy yours.
11. Smartphone
Nearly everybody has a smartphone nowadays and, whereas an enormous a part of me hates the obsession with telephones in our current tradition, they’re undeniably helpful, notably for distant staff.
A smartphone means that you can keep related with purchasers, associates, and household whereas on the transfer. It additionally gives entry to a wide range of helpful apps, equivalent to Google Maps (probably essentially the most helpful of all of them), translation instruments, podcasts, calendars, and different productiveness apps.
I’ve an iPhone 12 Professional and it does every part I would like it to and extra. The digicam is so good that, on many journeys, I don’t hassle taking my cumbersome DSLR digicam with me anymore. And there are even higher iPhones obtainable at present.
No matter telephone you like, be certain that it’s unlocked, (i.e. not tied to a cellular community), in an effort to purchase and use native SIM playing cards/eSIMs when touring overseas. Extra on these beneath! Click on right here for more information.
Clothes for Digital Nomads
As a long-term traveler, it’s essential to pack clothes that’s not solely light-weight and compact but in addition versatile sufficient to go well with varied conditions. In spite of everything, you’re solely in a position to take a restricted quantity of things with you, so that you’ll need to get essentially the most use out of every part you convey alongside.
Garments and Sneakers for Males
- Versatile Pants: A pair of light-weight and quick-drying pants which might be excellent for out of doors actions like mountaineering, but fashionable sufficient for social events.
- Journey-Pleasant Shorts: Go for light-weight and quick-drying shorts that provide consolation and mobility; splendid for exploring heat locations and out of doors actions.
- Moisture-Wicking T-shirts: Pack just a few moisture-wicking T-shirts which might be each breathable and quick-drying.
- Collared Shirt: I often convey at the least one collared shirt that may be dressed up or down, for extra formal occasions like work conferences or meals out in fancy locations.
- Light-weight Jacket: A packable and weather-resistant jacket that provides safety towards sudden rain or chilly evenings, with out taking on a lot area in your bag.
- Merino Wool Sweater: Put money into a high-quality merino wool sweater that’s light-weight and insulating; splendid for layering in varied climate situations.
- Packable Down Jacket: Think about a compact and light-weight down jacket that gives heat throughout colder climates with out including an excessive amount of bulk to your baggage.
- Flip Flops: Don’t neglect to pack a pair of comfy and sturdy flip-flops for decent days, the seashore, hostel showers, and informal walks.
- Mountaineering Boots: Go for a pair of sturdy, waterproof mountaineering boots that provide ankle help, traction, and sturdiness; permitting you to sort out a variety of trails and different out of doors adventures.
- Multi-Use Sneakers: Select a pair of sneakers which might be versatile sufficient to be worn for each athletic actions and informal metropolis exploration that present consolation and elegance in a single.
Garments and Sneakers for Ladies
The record for girls is basically the identical as that for males. Nonetheless, in addition to the above, you would possibly need to additional contemplate packing the next gadgets.
- Maxi Gown and/or Jumpsuit: Pack a flexible maxi gown or jumpsuit that may be dressed up or down; splendid for each informal outings and extra formal events.
- Snug Leggings: Carry a pair of comfy leggings that may be worn for exercises, lounging, or as a base layer.
- Scarf or Sarong: Being ready with a scarf or sarong will be helpful particularly in the event you’re touring to a extra culturally conservative nation. They will additionally conveniently double as a blanket or towel.
Equipment and Miscellaneous
- Reusable Water Bottle: Keep hydrated whereas lowering plastic waste by carrying a sturdy and refillable water bottle.
- Journey Towel: Pack a compact and quick-drying journey towel that takes up minimal area in your bag and is ideal for seashore days or hostel stays.
- Journey Pockets or Organizer: Keep organized with a journey pockets or organizer that securely holds your passport, playing cards, and different necessary paperwork.
- Journey-Sized Toiletries: Go for travel-sized (< 100ml) toiletries equivalent to shampoo, conditioner, cleaning soap, and toothpaste to avoid wasting area while complying with airline laws.
- Earplugs and Sleep Masks: (Try to) get some sleep in noisy environments or brightly lit lodging with earplugs and a sleep masks.
- Handwash Laundry Cleaning soap: Pack travel-sized laundry cleaning soap to simply wash your garments when entry to laundry services is restricted.
- Journey-Sized First Assist Equipment: Be ready for minor accidents and illnesses by carrying a compact first assist package with important gadgets equivalent to band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers.
Software program and Subscriptions
In addition to getting the fitting bodily gear and gear, you also needs to contemplate at the least among the following software program and subscriptions:
1. VPN
Having a dependable Digital Personal Community (VPN) service is important for securing your web connection and defending your privateness whereas accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
VPNs encrypt the information you ship and obtain on-line, and assist shield you from cyber fraud and the theft of your private data.
It’s necessary to at all times use one everytime you use public Wi-Fi or every other web connections that aren’t safe to stop the chance of changing into the sufferer of cybercrime.
I exploit NordVPN and depart it working on each my telephone and my laptop computer always; whether or not I’m touring or not. It doesn’t noticeably gradual both system down, and the corporate has a terrific status and glowing opinions. For extra data, click on right here.
2. Native eSIM
For those who’re planning to spend an prolonged time frame in a single nation, it’s typically value getting a neighborhood eSIM in an effort to entry the web in your telephone with out having to pay worldwide roaming charges (which are sometimes very costly).
The precise prices of an eSIM range from nation to nation and in addition depend upon how a lot knowledge you require. Nonetheless, they’re often pretty low cost in most locations. For instance, in Sri Lanka, you may get 50 GB of knowledge for lower than $10 USD per 30 days.
It’s necessary to verify that your telephone is eSIM appropriate, though most trendy fashions are typically. You need to additionally verify that you just’re handset is “unlocked”; that means that it’s not tied to at least one specific community.
You may often verify the system’s settings menu for details about whether or not it’s locked or unlocked. If it’s locked, name your community supplier and ask them to unlock it earlier than attempting to make use of every other SIM (together with eSIMs).
3. Distant Work Platforms
Distant work platforms like FlexJobs provide digital nomads a curated choice of distant work alternatives throughout varied industries. With superior search filters, you may slender down your search based mostly on particular preferences equivalent to job kind, schedule, and ability necessities.
These platforms present a handy solution to join with employers, with job listings from respected firms which have been vetted to make sure legitimacy.
Moreover, they often provide further sources like profession ideas, resume opinions, and ability improvement sources to help you in your distant working journey.
4. Home-Sitting Memberships
Home-sitting memberships equivalent to TrustedHousesitters present a singular alternative so that you can keep in folks’s houses without spending a dime in change for taking good care of their properties and/or pets.
These platforms join home sitters with a world community of house owners in search of dependable and reliable people to take care of their houses, (and infrequently furry associates), whereas they’re away.
I just lately stayed in an unlimited home in northwestern Sri Lanka and all it price me was a every day canine stroll on a pristine Indian Ocean seashore. It was fairly powerful, however I survived…
5. Cloud Storage
Cloud storage providers like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive are safe and handy methods to retailer and entry your recordsdata, paperwork, pictures, and different necessary knowledge from anyplace on the earth.
Cloud storage ensures that your recordsdata are protected towards loss or injury and means that you can share issues with colleagues, purchasers, associates, and household merely and simply.
Moreover, many cloud storage suppliers provide collaboration options, permitting a number of customers to work on shared recordsdata concurrently, which is tremendous helpful relying on the sector of your work.
6. Language Studying Apps
For those who’re planning to base your self in a non-English talking nation, language studying apps like Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Babbel will be nice methods to develop important language abilities; permitting you to successfully work together with locals and immerse your self within the native tradition.
The practicality and comfort of language studying apps make them splendid for digital nomads. You may be taught at your individual tempo and entry classes in your smartphone or pill, at any time when and wherever you select.
The bite-sized classes, interactive workouts, and progress-tracking options assist maintain you motivated and accountable in your language studying journey.
I used Rosetta Stone to assist me be taught a little bit Spanish earlier than I moved to Mexico and it was so helpful. You’re unlikely to grow to be fluent in any language with out an enormous quantity of real-life follow. Nonetheless, these apps are wonderful for gaining the necessities it’s worthwhile to get began.
Digital Nomad Bag Choices
It’s necessary to decide on the fitting bag for carrying all your gear and belongings. An excellent bag must be giant sufficient to suit every part you want inside, comfy sufficient to hold an inexpensive distance, and make organizing (and accessing) your belongings easy.
Listed below are three top-notch choices. Every one has its personal benefits and disadvantages, however finally the fitting one for you is basically a matter of desire:
1. Osprey Escapist 25
This is my favourite go-to bag and comfortably holds every part I would like for work with loads of area left over. I additionally use it as a daypack at any time when I am going mountaineering, and it’s a perfect measurement for carry-on baggage on a aircraft, which makes it a very multi-purpose winner.
I’ve owned my Osprey Escapist for nearly 10 years and it’s nonetheless going robust. I even beforehand used it for commuting to my boring workplace job in London many moons in the past.
I actually like how straightforward it’s to maintain every part organized inside. It’s acquired 7 totally different zippered pockets and compartments, with varied sub-compartments and organizers in-built.
Add to this three giant mesh pouches (a big one on the entrance and one on all sides) and you actually can carry lots of stuff with you on this bag. It’s additionally extraordinarily comfy, with light-weight padded straps and a mesh again, that means you may haul round comparatively heavy masses with ease.
And, to high it off, it even has a stashable waterproof rain cowl that tucks away into its personal little zippered pocket beneath the pack. This bag is actually nice. Click on right here to purchase one.
2. Samsonite Freeform Hardside
For people who would like a hard-shell suitcase with wheels, the Samsonite Freeform is difficult to beat. At 21 inches lengthy, it’s sufficiently small to qualify as a carry-on however sufficiently big to suit all your necessary work gear, plus just a few adjustments of garments, or no matter else you would possibly want.
I’ve additionally acquired certainly one of these circumstances and it’s extraordinarily helpful. One of many apparent advantages is its arduous shell, that means that it gives much more safety than a soft-shell possibility. It’s lockable and works equally nicely as a checked-in piece of bags.
Samsonite suitcases are constructed to final. The zippers are top quality and the wheels have a strong construct, regardless of it being remarkably light-weight. Click on right here for extra data.
3. NOMATIC Navigator Premium Sling
The NOMATIC Navigator is a flexible sling-style bag. Personally, I desire “common” 2-strap backpacks, as I discover them extra comfy, however some folks actually love slings.
A giant benefit of this bag (in addition to different sling luggage) is that it packs down a lot smaller than the opposite two choices above. This makes it straightforward to stash away if you’re not utilizing it. The draw back, after all, is that you could’t match as a lot inside.
One of many standout options of the NOMATIC Navigator is its accessibility. The bag gives a number of pockets and a pill storage sleeve, permitting you to maintain your belongings safe, organized, and simply accessible. It’s additionally acquired an RFID-safe pocket. Click on right here to purchase one.
Packing Suggestions for Digital Nomads
Listed below are some basic ideas and issues to keep in mind when selecting important digital nomad gear to take with you:
- Go small and light-weight: Choose gadgets which might be small and light-weight wherever attainable. It’ll make shifting round a lot simpler and extra comfy.
- Keep separation: I prefer to have a separate bag that incorporates all the gear I would like for work. That manner, every part is in a single place and also you don’t must pack a bag each time you exit to a coworking area or wherever you choose to work from.
- Portability: Ideally, every part you want for work ought to match into one medium-sized backpack and be comfy to hold. All the pieces else ought to match into both a big suitcase or a big backpack in an effort to carry every part from A to B at any time when it’s worthwhile to.
- Versatility: Wherever attainable, select gadgets with a number of makes use of to assist save area in your suitcase or backpack. For instance, a superb pair of mountaineering trousers may also be nice for defense towards mosquitos within the evenings.
- Packing cubes are superior: They’re a good way to maintain all your stuff organized and assist you to simply entry particular person gadgets. Gone are the times of needing to rummage by means of your backpack to seek out that one clear pair of socks you assume would possibly be lurking someplace.
In Closing
Equipping your self with the fitting gear and knowledge earlier than you begin your distant working journey is important. Being as ready as attainable will make life on the street a lot simpler and much more pleasant.
I hope you’ve discovered this information to one of the best gear for digital nomads helpful. With these sensible ideas and options in thoughts, it’s time so that you can begin constructing your individual tailor-made location-independent packing record. Good luck!
