Digital Nomad Packing List : 35 Must-Have Items For Success
All digital nomads know that space is limited, and that having everything you need in order to make a living can be tricky. It’s important to pick the best digital nomad gear that will work for your travel style and your job, while maximizing the space you have and weeding things out where you can.
Because of this I thought it would be important to include a list of the best digital nomad gear on my travel blog. Here I’ve compiled a complete list of 35 digital nomad essentials all remote workers should look through before starting their long-term travel journey.
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- Top 5:
- Backpack designed for digital nomads
- External hard drive or cloud storage
- Credit cards, debit cards and/or cash
- Reusable water bottle
- Hotspot
- Roost laptop stand
- Travel insurance
- Quick-dry towel
- First aid kit
- Neck travel pillow
- Cushioned eye mask
- Compact tripod
- Travel power cord
- Laundry bag / folding hamper
- Packing cubes
- Liquids bag
- Portable screen
- Reusable bags for groceries & errands
- Luggage tag
- Apple Airtag
- Bathroom pouch
- If you have a car with you:
- If staying in a hostel:
- Just for fun:
Top 5 Most Important: Digital Nomad Gear & Essentials
These items rank as the top most important items to have as a digital nomad working remotely. Without these it will be very hard to get your work done!
Power bank & portable charger
Perhaps most importantly, your devices have to stay charged in order for you to successfully get your work done each day. Outlets are often limited at places remote workers go to settle in like coffee shops or hostel lounges, so having a back up method is really important. This is where a strong power bank comes into play. Make sure the power bank you’re purchasing has the capability to charge laptops. Any Anker brand power bank has always worked great for me.
When it comes to the must-have digital nomad gear, there’s not many things more important than a portable charger – especially when so much work is done on our phones these days. While this portable charger isn’t powerful enough to charge a laptop, it’s perfect for most all other devices and it’s small enough to fit in a small purse.
Digital nomads and anyone traveling need their phones to stay charged, and it’s so much easier when you don’t have to rely on finding an outlet. I keep one of these tiny and amazing Anker portable chargers with a 1-foot charging cord attached (purchased separately) with me when I’m working remotely or when I’m going to be away from my things for more than a few hours. My phone tends to die FAST, especially when I’m taking photos & videos for content creation, so to make sure I don’t get stranded I always have one or two of these with me in my digital nomad backpack. I’ve been buying and re-buying the current model of this one in particular for about 10 years and it’s never let me down.
Noise-canceling headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are some of the best technology that have come out yet in terms of digital nomad gear! Zoom calls can be done with ease when you have headphones that block out the sound around you. They’re also small and lightweight, unlike bulky headsets, so you won’t have to waste space in your luggage.
Plus, working from popular digital nomad destinations can make it hard to focus, with so many like-minded people around all on different schedules. Noise-canceling headphones will help you focus in when you need to, take calls without distraction and even get some rest when you need to no matter where you’re working remotely from.
I’ve tried at least five brands of noise canceling headphones and none have measured up to the Airpods Pro, so these are the ones I recommend. If you’re going to invest your money, may as well do it right! My favorite part of the Airpods Pro are the different sizes of ear pieces which are easily interchangeable, as I have small ears and after wearing them all day, my ears used to get really sore.
Best fast & reliable laptops for digital nomads
Macbook Air
The Macbook Air is the best choice of laptops for digital nomads because of its fast speed, thanks to the new M3 chip, small size and slim hardware. You won’t waste any time in your work flow waiting for things to load, which is extra important for remote workers in order to maximize your time, and you won’t waste any space in your luggage either.
Macbook Pro
If you need a laptop which will have tons of storage and the fastest speed on the market, again thanks to the M3 chip, the Macbook Pro is the best laptop on the market.
If you’re a graphic designer, video editor, content creator or if you work with large files, you’re much better off getting the Macbook Pro to make sure your laptop has the capability to support the work you do. Personally, I have a Macbook Pro and its been working great for over five years.
ASUS VivoBook
If you either prefer a Windows computer, are on a lower budget or simply don’t need the speed and storage an Apple computer offers, the Asus VivoBook is a great option. Its low cost also means you don’t have to worry as much about breaking or losing it.
Local SIM card (or international data plan)
Having either a local SIM card or international data plan set up for your phone is really important as a digital nomad. When I traveled to Bali I started out thinking I didn’t need one, but quickly realized living off WIFI won’t cut it. It’s dangerous to travel around an international country with no way to get in touch with anyone.
Preferably, figure this out before you reach your destination. Before you opt for a local SIM card, call your phone company and see if they have any international plans you can take advantage of. If not, Airalo sells eSIM cards for a wide variety of different destinations, which you can browse at the Airalo website.
Universal travel adapter
This universal travel adapter has multiple USB ports and is built to be used in over 150 countries, making it extremely valuable piece of digital nomad gear that every remote worker should have on them as they travel. It’s much easier than deciding which adapter you need for each destination. Instead just have this one handy and you’ll be good to go wherever you find yourself!
Other Top Digital Nomad Gear & Essentials
This next section contains most of the stuff I pack while traveling as a digital nomad. You probably won’t need all these items based on your specific plans, but you can use these ideas to trigger what you should bring and what you can do without.
Digital nomad backpack
I recently got my new digital nomad backpack as a gift and I absolutely love it. In case you haven’t seen other digital nomads raving about this one, it’s waterproof, large enough for all you devices, available in several colors, designed to be theft-proof, and has both a secret pocket for shoes and a built-in charging port. Plus the straps are padded and super comfortable and the whole backpack is super lightweight. Best backpacker ever! Perfect for either using as your work backpack or as a carry-on / piece of luggage.
External hard drive and/or cloud storage through Google Drive
You’ll probably need some sort of external storage to make sure you have enough space and that you don’t lose your work, depending on your industry of work. As a Digital Marketing Director I typically choose to use Google Drive over a physical external hard drive and that has always worked for me. If you have limited internet connection or have really large files, an external hard drive is probably the better choice.
Credit cards, debit cards and/or cash
To survive in another country you’ll need either a credit card you can use, preferably more than one and without foreign transaction fees, a debit card to withdraw cash, and some cash as well. I opted to have all three of these with me when I traveled solo to Bali and I ended up using all three of them. It’s best to bring all three so that you don’t have to worry if you lose one, or if one isn’t working, which happens often in my experience.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is the best thing you can do for your health while traveling. Using a reusable water bottle is the best choice over buying plastic water bottles because it’s better for the environment and on your wallet! In countries where it isn’t safe to drink the tap water, you’ll usually find a water station in most hostels and hotels. If not, or if you’re staying in a villa or Airbnb, make sure to get some water jugs at the grocery store and you’ll be good to go.
After trying this one by Simple Modern, my husband and I were hooked and have never bought another water bottle! I have it in different colors and sizes, and I take one everywhere with me. They rarely leak and have held up very well over time!
Mobile hotspot
Although having a mobile hotspot isn’t 100% necessary if you have free WIFI at your accommodation and as a back up, are staying somewhere where you could access a cafe or coworking space as a back up.
If you have a job that requires you to be on everyone else’s schedule, or that you’re very serious about, I would recommend getting a mobile hotspot to be safe so you don’t have to go chasing around good WIFI (which is how I felt sometimes in Bali without one).
The NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 has widely been known as the best mobile hotspot on the market, although it comes with the price tag to match. If you can swing it, it will be the best option for having reliable internet on the go. With this mobile hotspot you can easily connect to the internet while working remote with over 30 devices simultaneously, so you can even share it with friends to lower the cost per person. Make sure you set up a plan ahead of time so you know it will work. This particular mobile hotspot is certified to work with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile plans.
Alternatively, you can set up an unlocked phone with a SIM card as a mobile hotspot as well. Xfinity Mobile has worked well for me in the past for this. Just keep in mind you’ll only be able to use it when you have a good signal on your phone. You can learn more about their plans here.
Roost laptop stand
A laptop stand can make a huge difference when you’re working every day in new places, especially while working long hours as a digital nomad. As a much smaller alternative to a travel desk, the Roost laptop stand folds up easily and is incredibly lightweight, so it will easily fit in your luggage and backpack making it the best choice for remote workers who are traveling.
Travel insurance
Although not technically gear, travel insurance is so important for digital nomads that I had to include it! It sucks when you have something go wrong during your trip, especially when it isn’t your fault and you have to cover the cost. Flight delays, lost luggage and trip interruption are all very real, and travel insurance helps to lower your financial risk.
Even worse are medical problems while traveling, especially with the stress it puts on the body. As someone with chronic illness issues, having travel insurance that includes medical coverage is very important for me. Both World Nomads and Seven Corners are great options for digital nomads, and you can get a free quote at their websites. With World Nomads you can even purchase a plan after you’ve already left for your trip!
Quick-dry towel that doubles as a blanket
Having a quick-dry towel while traveling as a digital nomad is so helpful in terms of saving space and being comfortable. I brought a turkish quick-dry towel to Bali with me and used it at least twice a day if not three times, for my shower, towel to lay out on and also an extra blanket at night or when I was cold while lounging around. These are great because they typically dry in about an hour and stay soft through many washes and uses. Even better, it’s super easy to stuff into your backpack!
Travel first aid kit
Whether you make your own travel first aid kit or buy one premade, it’s important to have basic medical supplies you. Cuts can become infected easily depending on where you’re staying, and you won’t always know how quick you’ll be able to find certain supplies as a local pharmacy.
Personally I have a lot of allergies, so bringing the medical supplies I need is a must. I made my own from the things I knew I might need and don’t have a sensitivity to, but you can also purchase one easily on Amazon that will have everything you need for general first aid.
Memory foam neck travel pillow
I was never a neck pillow user until I hit my 20’s and once I used one for the first time for a long flight overseas, I never went back. The pillow allows me to sleep much deeper and longer than I would without it, especially on long flights and car rides.
One important tip is to make sure it fits pretty snug around your neck so that your head isn’t able to roll around too much, but without it feeling tight. If you’re petite you might want to try this SNUGL Neck Travel Pillow Adult Small which works great for me!
Cushioned eye mask
This may sound dramatic but these sleep masks have changed my life for the better. Getting plenty of sleep is so important while traveling, and this cushioned mask will help you sleep in noisy and bright environments. I’ve used mine on planes, in cars, buses, hostels, hotels, Airbnbs and often in my own home. The extra few hours of sleep you’ll get is well worth your $10 and could even translate into more time spent exploring. 😄
Compact tripod : best piece of digital nomad gear for Content Creators
This foldable tripod will come in handy more times than you think. Tripods like these allow you to capture your travels seamlessly, create content and preserve memories easily while not taking up tons of space. Content creators or people who like taking a lot of photos and videos will value from it the most, but I recommend anyone traveling to a new place brings one of these along!
There’s a little remote which attaches to the tripod and rarely needs to be charged, which allows you to take photos hands free. I’ve used this tripod more times than I can count, rebuying it multiple times. The most notable was right after we got engaged during an amazing sunrise on the beach. 😊
Travel power cord
This travel power cord will save you so much time trying to find enough outlets. There are 4 outlets, 2 USB ports and 2 USB-C ports, so you can charge your computer, phone, and 6 other devices all at the same time. Plug it into your universal power adapter and you’ll be good to go for working remote pretty much anywhere!
Laundry bag or folding hamper
For digital nomads who will have to bring their laundry to a laundry service outside of their accommodation, I recommend purchasing a few laundry bags like these to make it easier to transport. They are super lightweight and fold up so that you aren’t wasting space in your luggage.
Extra tip: You can also use one of the larger packing cubes as somewhere to put your dirty laundry
Alternatively if you’ll mainly be staying in Airbnbs, higher-end hotels or with friends and won’t have to walk far to do your laundry, I recommend getting a folding hamper like this one, which I’ve been using for years and works great.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes will keep all your clothes organized as a digital nomad, saving you valuable time and energy each day. I personally sort my clothes into packing cubes for lounge clothes, going out bottoms & dresses, going out shirts and bras + swimsuits + underwear, but there are many different ways to do it. Either way they make staying organized so much easier day-to-day while living out of a suitcase.
This particular pack has multiple sizes and stays nice for a long time. Plus, the set comes with the highest quality waterproof liquid bags I’ve ever used – see more info below!
Waterproof pouches & liquids bag
A waterproof pouch and/or liquids bag is a must-have for anyone who are carrying products with them that could spill. There’s nothing worse than reaching in and realizing something has leaked and everything in your bag has been affected, especially when you have electronics inside.
The above set linked to under packing cubes includes both packing cubes and two sizes of liquid bags, which are very high quality compared to others I’ve tried. The large one works great for things like sunscreen and larger products for your checked luggage, and the smaller one is great for taking in your carry-on and is airline approved.
Portable monitor: Best piece of digital nomad gear for those that need a second screen
Some digital nomads will find a second screen to be really helpful, saving them time throughout their work day. If that’s true for you, this second monitor is a great choice. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and comes with a built-in lightweight case that also works as a stand.
Test it out to make sure it works with your computer. To use it with my Macbook Pro I use a USB-C cable and in order for the screen to have maximum brightness it needs to be plugged into the wall as well, so I use a second USB-C cable for that. I don’t use it every day, but when I have the space and time to get it set up, it saves me lots of time with my work flow.
If the built-in stand won’t work for you, here’s a different one that allows you to make it higher up off the ground and works great: Anozer Tablet Stand Foldable & Adjustable
Lastly, you can also use an IPad for an extra monitor. Here is the latest model: Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch
Reusable bags for errands & groceries
You’ll need a reusable bag while you travel to use for everything from groceries to alcohol runs, and to bringing your things back and forth. I really like this one because I use it for yoga, but also because it’s really roomy and great for fitting lots of things. I ended up using it more for errands than I did for yoga. The bag has stayed in great shape over more than four years.
If you’re looking for more traditional shopping type bags that are lightweight, these work great. They easily fold up and I always get tons of compliments on them, especially the hedgehog one. 🦔
Luggage tag
Secure your things by adding a luggage tag to each of your bags. The extra piece of mind will go a long way, and could save your stuff from being permanently lost! These work great and hold up over time.
Apple Airtag
When you’re a digital nomad, losing things or having them stolen can be a reason you have to return home. This is why I recommend digital nomads get an Apple AirTag, which is a small device designed to help you keep track of your belongings. You can attach it to your keys, bags, backpack or wallet, or use it to keep track of your checked luggage in case it gets lost.
Bathroom pouch
Having a bathroom pouch is great for keeping your things organized while traveling long-term. This particular one is a great size, a little on the larger side, and I’ve had it for five years and it still looks brand new. You can put it through the wash if needed which is helpful. It also comes in a lot of different colors and designs.
Best Digital Nomad Gear For If You Have A Car
For digital nomads traveling around with a car, these items will get you through it with ease. My husband and I are using these items while traveling around the U.S. and these are our top picks for things we use the most.
Lightweight duffle bags
These lightweight duffle bags hold TONS of clothes, and they are designed based on the classic Ikea blue bags that have gotten a lot of attention to use for college students moving into dorms.
What makes them so great is that they fold up easily when you don’t need them, and they’re as easy to carry as possible because you can put them on your back if needed. These are slightly larger than the Ikea version and will hold more clothes. Just be careful to note that they will also be a lot heavier if you stuff them full.
Travel desk
This travel desk has been a lifesaver for me as me and my husband travel around the U.S. staying in Airbnbs. I really like being able to set up a desk regardless of the table arrangement in our Airbnb, knowing I’ll have a comfortable place to work – especially when there are two of us in the Airbnb that need work setups. This particular travel desk is lightweight and only takes maybe a minute to set up and take down, and that’s coming from a petite (and not very strong) woman.
I’ve had it for almost a year now and it’s held up perfectly! I recommend this folding desk for anybody that is traveling around staying in villas or Airbnbs and who has a car.
Under desk bike
Since I have my travel desk with me, I like to use this under desk bike while I work for days I won’t be able to get a workout in. It’s fairly heavy but fits easily in a car. The bike has 10 difficulty settings and you can also use it while watching TV. Since it’s harder to get into a workout routine while traveling, this little thing has helped me stay in shape during our long-term travel.
Digital Nomad Gear – Best Items For Staying In A Hostel
There are a few items that will be most helpful when you’re staying in a hostel or somewhere with a lot of different travelers. These are my top pics for digital nomad gear for hostels.
Folding shower caddy
The shower caddy folds up nicely in your luggage and is perfect for when staying at a hostel or when sharing a bathroom with others, so that you can bring your stuff in and out easily without losing things
Luggage lock
While everyone I’ve encountered at hostels have been very trustworthy and I’ve never heard a story from a fellow traveler of something being stolen, it’s still better to be safe rather than sorry. Especially when you have expensive equipment with you for work and your income depends on it, it’s extra important to lock up your things. These small locks are great for either using to lock up your suitcase or backpack, or for using on lockers at your accommodation.
I also like to use a stroller lock with an extendable cable, just to provide an extra level of protection. I know thieves can cut them, but I do think a thief would be more likely to steal a bag that isn’t locked up. You could try this Combination Lock Cable Lock Padlock 80CM Extendable Cable, which I’ve used in the past.
Best Digital Nomad Gear – Just For Fun
While you might not NEED the things on this list, they have made my digital nomad journey more fun and always come with me on my travels.
Waterproof fanny pack
I love having a fanny pack with me while I travel so that I don’t have to worry about bringing around a big purse. I love how you can walk hands-free, and this one fits a good amount of stuff without being too bulky. It’s also waterproof and comes in different colors.
Kindle
Kindles are great for long flights, hanging out at the pool or beach or for reading in bed, all while being small enough to easily fit into your backpack without taking up much space. The Paperwhite design means that it isn’t harmful to read it before bed and still works great in the sun.
Clip-on waterproof speaker
This is my favorite speaker for bring around with me while I’m traveling because it’s waterproof, so you can use it at the beach and in the shower, and it clips right onto your backpack so you can jam all day if you want to be that person haha. Its available in a bunch of fun colors.
Little notebook & pens
While not a necessity when it comes to digital nomad gear, these mini notebooks and pens will fit easily in your bag or backpack so you can jot down memories and insights as you travel. This particular one is the best quality one I’ve found and the mini G2 pens fit perfectly in the side loop. If you like colors like me, they have the notebook in blue and the pens in purple!
In the increasingly mobile world of work, digital nomads need gear that is flexible and enduring, just like their lifestyle. The right equipment can make all the difference in a nomad’s efficiency and comfort. With the items above you should be able to work with no issues while exploring the world. If you have other suggestions for must-have items, please leave a comment below!
Lauren Kessel
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
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