Digital nomads need a lot of stuff to stay productive while traveling. Here's a list of the essential digital nomad equipment to get you started. The post Digital Nomad Equipment & Gear: 31 Essential Items appeared first on Digital Nomad and a Dog.
Traveling full-time and working remotely can be incredibly rewarding. But it also requires having the right tools and technology in order to stay connected and productive.
As a digital nomad myself, I know how hard it is to decide what is really necessary and what just takes up space. Since I started my digital nomad journey, I’ve gotten rid of over ten pounds of stuff!
Read on for a list of the most important digital nomad essentials so you can pack smarter for your digital nomad lifestyle.
Digital Nomad Equipment
Here is the essential digital nomad gear you need in order to work effectively while traveling around the world.
Luggage & Bags
1. Suitcase
TOP PICK
Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardshell Suitcase
This is the perfect size suitcase for the essentials. It’s lightweight but sturdy. Mine is holding up exceptionally well.
A good suitcase should be spacious enough to fit all of your essentials, but lightweight enough that it won’t add too much extra weight or bulk when you’re packing. It should also be durable and easy to maneuver in tight spaces like airports and train stations.
2. Carry-On Bag
TOP PICK
ZOMFELT Rolling Backpack
After trying many carry-ons, this one is the best. It has lots of room and easily accessible pockets. Best of all, it converts from backpack to roller bag.
After trying a variety of different carry-on bags, I use a large backpack that also has wheels. It holds a ton of stuff but is easy to carry while managing my dog.
The exterior pockets make it easy to get to my in-flight essentials (which mostly consist of my Kindle and M&Ms.)
3. Computer Backpack
TOP PICK
LOVEVOOK Travel Laptop Backpack Waterproof Anti Theft Backpack
You need a good backpack for your laptop. This one is waterproof and keeps thieves out.
Computer backpacks are an essential piece of equipment for many digital nomads. This is especially true if you like to work from cafes or co-working spaces.
I actually found that I don’t need a computer backpack at all and ended up giving mine away. Since I travel with my dog, her carrier counts as my personal item. That means I can only take one other bag. A computer backpack just doesn’t hold enough to be useful as my only carry-on.
I also don’t work from anywhere other than my apartment or house, so I don’t need to worry about taking my laptop with me.
But if you do work from coffee shops, this is a great backpack for your laptop.
4. Day Pack
TOP PICK
ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack
Sometimes you just need a small day pack. This one is light but very strong.
Lightweight folding day packs are very useful. It’s designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to fold up when not in use.
I use mine for trips to the beach, other day trips, and for carrying groceries home from the supermarket.
Where I live in Cozumel Mexico, you can’t take any kind of backpack or bag into supermarkets. They have to be placed in lockers, which are never very secure.
I put my folded-up backpack in my purse and avoid the hassle. Then I can just load my groceries directly into it after checking out.
5. Travel Wallet
TOP PICK
KEAFOLS Travel Pouch Neck Wallet
Keep your passport and travel documents safe and at hand in an RFID-blocking wallet.
Travel wallets are an often overlooked piece of digital nomad accessories. They provide a secure and convenient way to store your passport, credit cards, boarding passes, cash, and other important documents while on the move.
Choose one that has RFID protection so data on your credit cards, driver’s license, and passport can’t be stolen digitally.
6. Reusable Grocery Bags
TOP PICK
ChicoBag
Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. I have two of these and I love them.
Reusable grocery bags are an essential part of the digital nomad lifestyle. Not only do they help reduce waste, but they also make it easy to transport groceries and other items from place to place.
Many countries are banning one-time-use plastic bags, so reusable bags are becoming a necessity. I have two of these ChicoBags. They fold up very small and can easily fit in my purse. They are surprisingly durable for being so lightweight.
Electronics
7. Laptop
TOP PICK
ASUS 2022 Vivobook 15.6″
I chose this one because it’s fast and reliable at a good price.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know which laptop is right for your needs as a digital nomad. But with a few considerations in mind, such as battery life and portability, you should be able to find the perfect machine for your lifestyle.
When you travel full-time, you’re more likely to lose or break your laptop than someone who stays home. Therefore, it’s best to buy the least expensive laptop that fits your needs.
Of course, you also need it to be lightweight, which always adds to the price. Weigh the options carefully to determine what’s more important to you – lightweight or inexpensive.
Screen size is also important. Unless you have additional monitors, you may find it hard to work on a 12-inch laptop.
(I don’t like the add-on monitors, by the way. I tried one but found it to be too heavy to be worthwhile.)
I found a good compromise with my Asus Vivobook 15. It’s perfect for my needs as a copywriter and blogger. It’s not so expensive that I’ll go broke if I have to replace it.
If you have to attend a lot of Zoom meetings, you may need something a bit more robust. I’ve got a great round-up of the best laptops for Zoom meetings you can reference.
8. Backup Tablet
TOP PICK
This is a great tablet for a backup system. It’s lightweight and versatile.
Some people carry around a second laptop as a backup. This adds a lot of weight and bulk to your luggage.
I found a better option. I bought this tablet with a keyboard. It’s not great to work on, but I can if necessary. It also works as a second monitor in a pinch. Basically, it will get me through until I can replace my laptop.
I also use it to play music or a movie as background noise while I’m working. Plus, it’s more convenient for in-flight entertainment than pulling out my laptop.
9. Headset
TOP PICK
Aftershokz OpenCom
The absolute best for online meetings or just listening to music.
I tested out dozens of headsets to find one that’s both compact, not terribly expensive, and with great sound. This one won by a mile. I have used it with construction going on next door and my client couldn’t hear the hammering at all.
When you want to use it to listen to music or videos, the microphone easily flips up to stay out of the way.
10. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
TOP PICK
Soundcore Anker Life Q20
Focus on your work without distractions with noise-canceling headphones.
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