Packing for long-term journey might be daunting, particularly if you happen to additionally have to work whereas on the street. That will help you out, I’ve put collectively this complete digital nomad packing checklist that will help you get began.
I’ve been a digital nomad for the final 18 months and have lived and labored in plenty of completely different locations all over the world. Throughout this time, I’ve fine-tuned my private checklist of nomad necessities which I’m happy to share with you on this publish.
From important tech gear to versatile clothes choices and even some helpful software program suggestions, this information is filled with helpful gadgets to assist preserve you productive, secure, and comfy throughout your distant working journey.
Packing Record for Digital Nomads
When selecting the perfect digital nomad journey gear, it’s vital to choose gadgets which can be small and light-weight, whereas on the similar time ensuring you have got all the things you want.
In fact, it’s a little bit of a balancing act as you probably received’t have the ability to cart round your whole creature comforts from dwelling. However the superior stage of freedom that’s obtainable with this life-style makes it completely value sacrificing a couple of non-essentials in my view.
There are three fundamental classes to deal with – tech gear, clothes, and baggage – 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 checklist.
See additionally: The best way to Turn into a Digital Nomad in 2023
Digital Nomad Tech Gear
Let’s begin with the important tech gear that may make sure you’re linked and productive on the street. You would possibly have to adapt this checklist a bit of, relying on the kind of work that you simply do. However this ought to be a great 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 fundamental technique of incomes cash on the street. Due to this fact, it’s vital to spend money on a great one.
I really like my 13-inch MacBook Professional. It’s quick, dependable, highly effective, and has a fantastic display that’s perfect for modifying images (which, as a journey blogger, is one thing I do frequently).
The principle draw back to those computer systems is the associated fee. There are undoubtedly cheaper choices on the market, however personally, I feel MacBook Execs are improbable 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 would be able to hook up with energy and cost your units wherever you might be on the planet.
Reasonably than shopping for particular person adapters for every area that you simply journey to, it’s a lot simpler to get one which works in every single place.
These are available in all types of styles and sizes, however it’s best to go for one which works with as many several types of energy shops as attainable; (European, North American, Australian, and UK are the 4 fundamental varieties). 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 varieties, so you possibly can cost as much as 6 units without delay. 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 checklist. It’s a small funding however can prevent a number of time, problem, and stress.
Whether or not you’re on a protracted flight or bus journey, exploring a brand new metropolis, or working from a restaurant, having your cellphone run out of battery might be extraordinarily irritating. And it all the time appears to occur on the worst attainable time!
Having an influence financial institution with you helps make sure that your cellphone doesn’t run out of battery on the street. That is particularly vital 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 machine with a USB charger whereas on the transfer. For extra info, click on right here.
4. Foldable Laptop computer Stand
Many individuals are likely to hunch over their laptops, which may trigger troublesome neck and again ache. A laptop computer stand raises your display to eye stage; enhancing your posture and decreasing the chance of discomfort. That is particularly vital if you happen to spend lengthy intervals of time working in your pc.
You should utilize a laptop computer stand to create a comfy and productive workspace in your house, resort room, coworking house, or anyplace else you fancy working from.
And since it’s vital to deal with portability when selecting the perfect digital nomad gear, I like to recommend you purchase one which’s light-weight and foldable.
I take advantage of 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 palms in a extra comfy, ergonomic place, permitting you to work for longer intervals with out experiencing discomfort.
A keyboard-mouse-laptop stand mixture primarily provides you a similar setup as a desktop pc, along with your display at eye stage. Solely it’s moveable – so significantly better!
Apple customers: take a look at the glossy Magic Keyboard and Mouse. In any other case (and/or if you happen to’d moderately save a bit of cash), this mix works equally properly. Click on right here to study extra.
6. Transportable Wi-Fi Router
Given that almost all distant employees require a steady and safe web connection, a moveable Wi-Fi router is prone to be a fantastic addition to your digital nomad packing checklist.
Transportable routers can present a safer, extra dependable connection than public Wi-Fi, which is commonly gradual and insecure. These work by creating a personal Wi-Fi community that you would be able to join your units to.
An enormous benefit of moveable routers is that they assist you to join a number of units on the similar time. Tethering out of your cellphone, however, normally solely lets you join one machine at a time.
There are a couple of 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 method, be sure you select one that’s light-weight, compact, and has a protracted battery life (or might be plugged into the mains). Click on right here to study 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 may also help 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 one in all 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 favor the over-ear variation and at present personal a pair of Bose QuietComfort 45s – they’re good.
After all, there are various different manufacturers on the market, however Bose is especially identified for its glorious noise-cancelation expertise, in addition to top-quality audio and luxury. Click on right here to study extra.
8. Transportable Exterior Onerous Drive
Whether or not you’re a digital nomad or not, it’s important to again up your recordsdata and paperwork, commonly!
A few months in the past, I used to be fortunately working away from my favourite coworking house in Sri Lanka, and, rapidly, my laptop computer died.
Lengthy story quick, the intense warmth and humidity killed one thing inside the pc, and the whole factor was wiped through the restore course of. It was an entire nightmare and ruined an entire week…
Nonetheless, so long as you have got a tough drive containing a latest backup of your pc, you shouldn’t lose too many recordsdata. And with Apple machines, you possibly can restore all the things to the place it was on the date of the final Time Machine backup you probably did.
I extremely advocate the LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB. It’s tremendous sturdy and sturdy, and mine has served me properly for a number of years. Click on right here to study extra.
(I additionally advocate shopping for two of those, storing a backup of your pc on every one, and leaving one with somebody you belief again dwelling. That method 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 possibly can successfully convey as many books as you need with you whereas touring, with out taking over any greater than a slither of house in your bag.
I significantly like that they’ve an adjustable backlight and an anti-glare display, so you possibly can learn them in any lighting situations; whether or not you’re on a sunny seaside or tucked up in mattress. Kindles even have a superb battery life, so you possibly can learn for hours while not having to recharge.
There’s nothing fairly like the sensation of studying from a “actual” e book. Nonetheless, Kindles are so handy and moveable, I feel they need to be included on this checklist 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 feel it makes a fantastic addition to your digital nomad packing checklist.
In my expertise, one of many hardest issues about being a digital nomad shouldn’t be having a everlasting dwelling. To assist with this, and to make my non permanent house (or wherever I’m staying) really feel extra homely, I prefer to fill the house with a few of my favourite tunes on occasion.
It’s additionally nice for internet hosting individuals, having events, picnics, days out on the seaside, no matter. Having good sound – and never needing to put on headphones on a regular basis – is certainly value sacrificing a bit of little bit of backpack house for.
When selecting a conveyable Bluetooth speaker, search for one which’s compact, sturdy, and has good sound high quality. I’ve obtained the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 and I like it. Given its measurement and portability, the audio high quality is admittedly excellent. Click on right here to buy yours.
11. Smartphone
Nearly everybody has a smartphone as of late and, whereas an enormous a part of me hates the obsession with telephones in our current tradition, they’re undeniably helpful, significantly for distant employees.
A smartphone lets you keep linked with shoppers, pals, and household whereas on the transfer. It additionally supplies entry to a wide range of helpful apps, comparable to Google Maps (presumably probably the most helpful of all of them), translation instruments, podcasts, calendars, and different productiveness apps.
I’ve an iPhone 12 Professional and it does all the things I want it to and extra. The digital camera is so good that, on many journeys, I don’t trouble taking my cumbersome DSLR digital camera with me anymore. And there are even higher iPhones obtainable immediately.
No matter cellphone you like, ensure it’s unlocked, (i.e. not tied to a cellular community), so as 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 capable of take a restricted quantity of things with you, so that you’ll need to get probably the most use out of all the things you convey alongside.
Garments and Sneakers for Males
- Versatile Pants: A pair of light-weight and quick-drying pants which can be good for outside actions like climbing, but fashionable sufficient for social events.
- Journey-Pleasant Shorts: Go for light-weight and quick-drying shorts that supply consolation and mobility; perfect for exploring heat locations and outside actions.
- Moisture-Wicking T-shirts: Pack a couple of moisture-wicking T-shirts which can be each breathable and quick-drying.
- Collared Shirt: I normally convey not less than 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 in opposition to sudden rain or chilly evenings, with out taking over a lot house in your bag.
- Merino Wool Sweater: Spend money on a high-quality merino wool sweater that’s light-weight and insulating; perfect 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 overlook to pack a pair of comfy and sturdy flip-flops for decent days, the seaside, hostel showers, and informal walks.
- Climbing Boots: Go for a pair of sturdy, waterproof climbing boots that supply ankle assist, traction, and sturdiness; permitting you to deal with a spread of trails and different outside adventures.
- Multi-Use Sneakers: Select a pair of sneakers which can 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 Girls
The checklist for ladies is essentially 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; perfect for each informal outings and extra formal events.
- Comfy Leggings: Deliver 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 might be helpful particularly if you happen to’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 decreasing plastic waste by carrying a sturdy and refillable water bottle.
- Journey Towel: Pack a compact and quick-drying journey towel that takes up minimal house in your bag and is ideal for seaside 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 vital paperwork.
- Journey-Sized Toiletries: Go for travel-sized (< 100ml) toiletries comparable to shampoo, conditioner, cleaning soap, and toothpaste to avoid wasting house 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 amenities is proscribed.
- Journey-Sized First Support Equipment: Be ready for minor accidents and illnesses by carrying a compact first support package with important gadgets comparable 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 not less than a few of the following software program and subscriptions:
1. VPN
Having a dependable Digital Personal Community (VPN) service is crucial for securing your web connection and defending your privateness whereas accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
VPNs encrypt the info you ship and obtain on-line, and assist defend you from cyber fraud and the theft of your private info.
It’s vital to all the time use one everytime you use public Wi-Fi or another web connections that aren’t safe to forestall the chance of changing into the sufferer of cybercrime.
I take advantage of NordVPN and depart it working on each my cellphone and my laptop computer always; whether or not I’m touring or not. It doesn’t noticeably gradual both machine down, and the corporate has a fantastic status and glowing evaluations. For extra info, click on right here.
2. Native eSIM
When you’re planning to spend an prolonged time period in a single nation, it’s usually value getting a neighborhood eSIM so as to entry the web in your cellphone with out having to pay worldwide roaming charges (which are sometimes very costly).
The precise prices of an eSIM differ from nation to nation and in addition rely upon how a lot information you require. Nonetheless, they’re normally pretty low cost in most locations. For instance, in Sri Lanka, you may get 50 GB of knowledge for lower than $10 USD per thirty days.
It’s vital to examine that your cellphone is eSIM appropriate, though most fashionable fashions are typically. It’s essential to additionally examine that you simply’re handset is “unlocked”; that means that it’s not tied to 1 specific community.
You’ll be able to normally affirm the machine’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 another SIM (together with eSIMs).
3. Distant Work Platforms
Distant work platforms like FlexJobs supply digital nomads a curated choice of distant work alternatives throughout varied industries. With superior search filters, you possibly can slim down your search primarily based on particular preferences comparable to job kind, schedule, and talent necessities.
These platforms present a handy strategy to join with employers, with job listings from respected firms which have been vetted to make sure legitimacy.
Moreover, they generally supply further assets like profession ideas, resume evaluations, and talent growth assets to assist you in your distant working journey.
4. Home-Sitting Memberships
Home-sitting memberships comparable to TrustedHousesitters present a novel alternative so that you can keep in individuals’s houses at no cost in trade for caring for their properties and/or pets.
These platforms join home sitters with a worldwide community of householders looking for dependable and reliable people to take care of their houses, (and infrequently furry pals), whereas they’re away.
I just lately stayed in an infinite home in northwestern Sri Lanka and all it price me was a each day canine stroll on a pristine Indian Ocean seaside. It was fairly robust, 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, images, and different vital information from anyplace on the planet.
Cloud storage ensures that your recordsdata are protected in opposition to loss or injury and lets you share issues with colleagues, shoppers, pals, and household merely and simply.
Moreover, many cloud storage suppliers supply 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
When you’re planning to base your self in a non-English talking nation, language studying apps like Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Babbel might 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 perfect for digital nomads. You’ll be able to study 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 workout routines, and progress-tracking options assist preserve you motivated and accountable in your language studying journey.
I used Rosetta Stone to assist me study a bit of Spanish earlier than I moved to Mexico and it was so helpful. You’re unlikely to turn into fluent in any language with out an enormous quantity of real-life apply. Nonetheless, these apps are glorious for gaining the necessities it’s essential to get began.
Digital Nomad Bag Choices
It’s vital to decide on the fitting bag for carrying your whole gear and belongings. bag ought to be giant sufficient to suit all the things you want inside, comfy sufficient to hold an affordable distance, and make organizing (and accessing) your belongings simple.
Listed below are three top-notch choices. Each has its personal benefits and disadvantages, however in the end the fitting one for you is essentially a matter of choice:
1. Osprey Escapist 25
This is my favourite go-to bag and comfortably holds all the things I want for work with loads of house left over. I additionally use it as a daypack at any time when I’m going climbing, and it’s a great measurement for carry-on baggage on a airplane, which makes it a really multi-purpose winner.
I’ve owned my Osprey Escapist for nearly 10 years and it’s nonetheless going sturdy. 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 all the things organized inside. It’s obtained 7 completely different zippered pockets and compartments, with varied sub-compartments and organizers inbuilt.
Add to this three giant mesh pouches (a big one on the entrance and one on both sides) and you actually can carry a number of stuff with you on this bag. It’s additionally extraordinarily comfy, with light-weight padded straps and a mesh again, that means you possibly can haul round comparatively heavy masses with ease.
And, to prime 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 admittedly nice. Click on right here to purchase one.
2. Samsonite Freeform Hardside
For those 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 your whole vital work gear, plus a couple of modifications of garments, or no matter else you would possibly want.
I’ve additionally obtained one in all these circumstances and it’s extraordinarily helpful. One of many apparent advantages is its onerous shell, that means that it gives much more safety than a soft-shell possibility. It’s lockable and works equally properly as a checked-in piece of baggage.
Samsonite suitcases are constructed to final. The zippers are prime quality and the wheels have a stable construct, regardless of it being remarkably light-weight. Click on right here for extra info.
3. NOMATIC Navigator Premium Sling
The NOMATIC Navigator is a flexible sling-style bag. Personally, I favor “common” 2-strap backpacks, as I discover them extra comfy, however some individuals actually love slings.
An enormous benefit of this bag (in addition to different sling baggage) is that it packs down a lot smaller than the opposite two choices above. This makes it straightforward to stash away once you’re not utilizing it. The draw back, in fact, is that you would be able to’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 obtained 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: Decide gadgets which can be small and light-weight wherever attainable. It’ll make shifting round a lot simpler and extra comfy.
- Preserve separation: I prefer to have a separate bag that comprises all the gear I want for work. That method, all the things is in a single place and also you don’t have to pack a bag each time you exit to a coworking house or wherever you decide to work from.
- Portability: Ideally, all the things you want for work ought to match into one medium-sized backpack and be comfy to hold. Every thing else ought to match into both a big suitcase or a big backpack so as to carry all the things from A to B at any time when it’s essential to.
- Versatility: Wherever attainable, select gadgets with a number of makes use of to assist save house in your suitcase or backpack. For instance, a great pair of climbing trousers can be nice for defense in opposition to mosquitos within the evenings.
- Packing cubes are superior: They’re an effective way to maintain your whole stuff organized and assist you to simply entry particular person gadgets. Gone are the times of needing to rummage by way of your backpack to seek out that one clear pair of socks you suppose would possibly be lurking someplace.
In Closing
Equipping your self with the fitting gear and data earlier than you begin your distant working journey is crucial. Being as ready as attainable will make life on the street a lot simpler and much more gratifying.
I hope you’ve discovered this information to the perfect gear for digital nomads helpful. With these sensible ideas and ideas in thoughts, it’s time so that you can begin constructing your individual tailor-made location-independent packing checklist. Good luck!
