Are you turned from nine-to-five into roaming about? You’re not alone. 17.3 million Americans called themselves digital nomads in 2023. And if you’ve clicked on this article in pursuit of a top digital nomad packing list, congratulations – you are at the right place.
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Being a Nomadic Worker
Digital nomads are working wanderers, without a home as the base of their work is done on the move. They don’t have to feel tied down to any location while still being able to make a dollar. For many tech-savvy travelers (with some hidden drawbacks behind the scenes) this way of living is positively a dream come true. But if you do things right, it is also very liberating and rewarding.
Packing for a nomadic life involves careful calculation of comfort, routine, and travel light. You can’t just throw everything into a suitcase and expect to get on the plane. The planning is crucial.
In this post, we will guide you through the most essential items you’ll need, from capsule wardrobe to productivity-boosting tech gear and everything in between.
Packing Essentials for Remote Travelers
It may be the first thing that springs to mind on a digital nomad packing list. But it’s getting everything ready in advance which guarantees your run to be smooth and efficient. Let us look at what makes a big deal out of tiny details:
1. The Right Backpack
Packing lists like this may not include information about backpacks, but when you are on the move, it is always a good idea to always have a foldable backpack with you for your mobile office.
A good travel backpack will ensure you’re ready for the next day out on the town or backcountry adventure. It also ought to be lightweight and comfortable enough to carry without getting dragged down in the middle of the road.
And since you’re making a complete living out of the laptop, make sure it has an essential compartment dedicated just for stashing your laptop (and perhaps another built-in laptop sleeve).
These backpacks are cabin-size compliant backpacks for the technology-literate modern nomad planning to go nowhere.
2. Important Documents
First step, before you can even reapply for a new country today, a network of legal papers must be completed for every imaginable reason under the laws of your native homeland. Without such documents of travel, you won’t find any compliant airline willing.
For your passport, make sure it is at least 6 months before you leave on suitable validity. Also keep such identity papers as national ID cards and driver’s licenses handy because you will need them for almost any large purchases or around-the-town car rentals. They can serve as backup ID in case you do lose your passport or visa too. Digital nomad visas often require valid and up-to-date documentation, so ensure everything is in order before your trip.
Always carry at least two different debit or credit cards in case of loss or theft. Also consider using cards instead of traveler’s checks. Many places now have an ATM system where you can use your home bank card to withdraw money (and without any additional exchange rate fees).
A hip pack will help you stay organized at the airport check-in counter. With separate slots for your passport, credit cards, boarding passes, and other ID cards there’ll be no need to scramble around your luggage like some frantic treasure hunt.
3. Travel Insurance
And don’t forget your travel insurance. Travel insurance is always necessary on your digital nomad packing list unless you’re living dangerously.
Travel insurance is the service that’s there for you when you need help plus a little extra. Your nomad adventure will be more successful and less risky if you already plan to afford coverage of those possible hospital or accident bills when they hit the road.
Traveling Freelancer Clothing Packing List
Key is light, breathable clothing.
Life as a traveling freelancer means living in different places or city after city. Therefore, the clothes you take need to reflect that kind of life and be packed in a simple way.
Remote Worker Essentials Checklist for Females
These are the items our co-workers have found most useful during their years as nomad women. We have listed the most basic, but it’s up to you to fill in all the special items that you feel might be necessary or useful to place on the open road:
- Pair of leggings
- 2 pair of jeans
- 2-3 pairs of shorts
- 4 tank tops or T-shirts (or a combination of them)
- 5 tops
- 1 sweater (or cardigan) (for when the weather turns cold or during the flight)
- 1 lightweight blazer or jacket (for online conferences with your clients)
- 2 skirts
- 2 pairs of trousers
- 2 Dresses
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 multi-purpose jacket
- 2 swimsuits
- Gym clothes (4 tops & 4 pairs of shorts)
- Underwear
Digital Nomad Packing List for Males
When packing a capsule wardrobe for males, focus on versatile, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant items. You can also consider climate and activities at your destinations to choose the best fit. Remote work locations often vary in weather and culture, so pack accordingly.
- T-shirts, polos
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Convertible pants (shorts and pants)
- Jeans (optional)
- Swimwear
- Underwear and socks
- A light jacket or rain shell
Digital Wanderlust Footwear
In your digital nomad packing list the shoe compartment holds a lot, so be careful about filling a lot. For example, when traveling under rainy conditions you’ll invariably wear trainer-shoes or low-heeled closed sandals (often dubbed ‘jellies’).
Please note that disproportionate weights like heels or trainers-channels can compress clothes leading to uncomfortable clumps in your bag. Carefully select three types of footwear that will cover 85% of your activities.
- Running Sneakers or Walking Shoes
- Sandals or Boots
- Dressy shoes
- Flip-Flops (Nice-To-Have)
1. Running Sneakers or Walking Shoes
As space is limited, we’ve agreed not to carry separate running and walking shoes. If you can handle extra heft (these shoes are not featherweight), then please pack your hiking boots. For example, on a full walking day around a Tuscan village, the thick-soled footwear will double as protection from whatever might confront or lie underfoot. These multi-purpose trainers help remote workers cut down on how many ugly pairs of things they need. Whether it’s soccer, mountain climbing or just something comfortable, those trainers could do it all with ease!
2. Sandals Or Booties
As many nomadic worker are heading south for warmer climates, we always suggest a spare pair of sandals. Sandals are our footwear of choice for slipping on during beach time, a dip in the pool and even shower. For cooler weather, you can slip into booties.
In sandals, there is a huge choice for everyone. Many people wear more closed shoes than open ones. That’s okay on smooth streets, but in most countries, especially in the countryside as well as in town, the footpath is not marble or asphalt but rock.
3. Dressy Shoes
You may want to pack nice pieces of clothing like business casual clothes or flowing dresses based on the city you’re heading to. So, always leave room for dressier shoes that feel more appropriate to go with these items for a date night or business lunch.
4. Flip-Flops (Nice-To-Have)
A pair of flip-flops are unlikely to take up any space that your digital nomad packing list has left, so I suggest adding them to your suitcase. We find these items suitably convenient in those areas where casual wear is the norm despite not being an explicit dress code. A shared shower on the beach or island constitutes such an environment.
Essential Tech Gear
Your remote working setup is the cornerstone of being a nomadic worker. A laptop opens the doors to an office at any time or place. But there are other tech gear items to bring with you which will help keep your digital nomad life running more smoothly. Have a look at this technology packing list:
- Laptop
- Smartphone
- External Hard Drive
- Portable Charger
- Headphones
- Universal Traveler Adapters
1. Laptop
The number one tech essential for your digital nomad packing list is a laptop that is light enough to travel with yet capable of high-efficiency office work. A laptop is also for a working tool no matter what the business, and thirdly it serves as an archive communicator on the road. Carry your laptop on and off planes, trains and buses; from hostel to coffee shop and back again–you won’t mind the duty if it’s lightweight.
Many of our colleagues choose the Apple Macbook for their remote working set-ups since they claim, “strong quality makes it worth the high price.” Some also agree that it has a great screen which makes photo editing a lot easier and more accurate in print colors.
2. Smartphone
This is a key consideration when living the digital-nomad life, after all. You’ll use smart collaboration tools to keep in touch with customers or fellow employees–and so do most other people. And don’t forget that your phone will also be necessary for navigating an unfamiliar city, translating language and running productivity apps to track (and be able to show) how much work has been done.
No matter what you do, don’t forget to unlock your smartphone beforehand you start your journey. Once your phone is unlocked, it is very simple: You just need to buy a local sim card at your destination or eSIMs for anywhere else you go.
3. External Hard Drive
Whether you want to back up video editing or data files or provide yourself with some extra room for your growing library, an external hard drive is the solution for your problems.
With extra storage space, it’s possible to recover all your files even if your laptop is broken down, stolen or damaged.
4. Portable Charger
Have you ever been in the box with a client when your laptop suddenly dies on you? We’ve all hit that pothole. You can’t miss a good portable charger of whatever kind in the best digital nomad packing list.
A portable charger in hand will not only keep your phone at full charge but also provide power for other equipment, such as a laptop or a tablet.
5. Headphones
Cut out the noise and productivity will go up. For a noisy co-working space or café, noise-cancelling headphones are best if one seeks an environment suited to concentration. Bose Headphones 700 is considered the best noise-cancelling headphones for traveling workers.
If you like earpieces, Apple AirPods Pro is also one of the better choices. They’re great for killing time on the train and you can wear them at the gym.
6. Universal Traveler Adapters
An all-in-one multiple adapters will be needed if you plan to use your devices in another country. These sockets can be expensive in airports and many other nations.
We would recommend you keep your adaptor, cables and lithium batteries in one bag so you will check only one place for any nomad tech essentials.
Tools To Level Up Your Nomadic Workstation
These things will make your life better. Use items that motivate you, make you feel at ease, and increase your productivity to personalize your workstation. Here are a few to get you going:
- Laptop Stand
- Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Laptop Sleeve
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- An Inflatable Lumbar Pillow
Optional Tech Gear
Laptop and smartphone are obvious essentials, but several tech gadgets can increase your productivity on the go.
- Camera
- External Mouse
- Surge-Protected Power strip
- E-Reader
- Electronics Organiser
1. Camera
A camera is also a good travel companion for location-independent professional, whether they are photographers. The greatest travel camera for wanderlust professionals can help you capture these priceless moments, whether they are in the dazzling nightlife or the breathtaking scenery. For collecting memories and professional images, it may be a GoPro, mirrorless, or travel-friendly DSLR.
2. External Mouse
Any critical piece of technology that a digital nomad needs to complete their tasks must have an external mouse. There is no better option for optimal ergonomics and versatility than the timeless Apple Magic Mouse. However, the Logitech MX Master is a good place to start if you’re searching for an ergonomic workspace that isn’t associated with the Apple brand.
3. Surge-Protected Power strip
Buying a travel power strip isn’t particularly flashy. When working in a communal area without outlets for your gadgets, however, it can be a lifesaver. To handle many devices at once, make sure your power strip has multiple USB ports and outlets.
4. E-Reader
You will never go without your reading materials if you are both a voracious reader and a global remote worker. One of the greatest e-readers available for digital nomads is the Kindle Paperwhite. Despite being a few years old, this e-reader is remarkably light and compact enough to pack in a small bag.
This Kindle can endure more than a week’s vacation on a single charge.
5. Electronics Organizer
We need more gadgets than we did in the past, and it seems that every gadget has a different cable these days. Naturally, as mobile worker, we strive to have as few devices as possible. To determine the charging cord we need, we frequently lose time fumbling with tangled ones. With an electronics organizer for travel, you can connect and charge your nomadic worker devices without missing a beat.
Toiletries
You can keep your dependable travel bottles for toiletries in loading cubes. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, unless you live off the grid, you may always purchase anything while traveling. Toiletries don’t need to take up valuable room, so don’t forget to pack for 311 regulations.
Using travel-sized toiletries, which all fit neatly in a tiny toiletry bag, is another golden tip. You can extract your moisturizer into a smaller container or transfer your favorite leave-in conditioner or face mist into tiny spray bottles.
First Aid Kit
For minor wounds and common illnesses, think about include a first-aid kit in your packing list for digital nomads. The following healthcare checklist can assist you in handling most minor mishaps and injuries that may occur:
- Band-Aids/Plasters
- Crepe bandages
- Small scissors
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relief medication
- Antibacterial creams
Personal Care Items
Make a list of all the things you’ll use on the move and go over your daily skincare routine. The most fundamental beauty tools for the typical remote worker are listed below. You are welcome to take anything out and replace it with whatever works best for your daily schedule:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Shaving cream or gel
- Makeup remover
- Serum
- Razor
- Mini hair spray or gel
- Contacts
- Multi-purpose lipstick and blush
- Female hygiene products
Others
You’ll need the following additional toiletries when traveling abroad as a nomad:
- Microfiber towel: When every inch of your backpack matters, it’s a terrific idea to have a towel that can be packed and dried quickly. Typically, a towel isn’t provided for you every morning when you book at a hostel or stay at an Airbnb rental.
- Travel laundry detergent: If you intend to do one-bagging, travel washing detergent is essential. Single-use bags or a little bottle for washing clothing by hand.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Use reef-safe sunscreen to shield your skin from damaging UV radiation while also preserving fragile marine habitats.
- Foot Wipes: Use these handy and energizing foot wipes to revitalize your feet after a long day of standing.
- Facial Wipes: Use mild face wipes throughout the day to clean your face, remove makeup, or just to rejuvenate yourself.
Miscellaneous Items
You can stay hydrated and rejuvenated for hours with just a basic water bottle. A successful nomadic lifestyle depends on a surprise cast of diverse personalities, even though the tech necessities are vital. This is your guide to the sometimes overlooked but crucial things that will improve your experience working remotely:
- Travel Water Bottle
- Mesh Laundry Bag
- Daybag
- Travel Lock
1. Travel Water Bottle
By bringing a reusable water bottle, you can stay hydrated while traveling and lessen your carbon footprint. The secret to overcoming jet lag, rejuvenating, and continuing to be productive on your best days is drinking enough water.
2. Mesh Laundry Bag
There will be more laundry on the road if you pack less. To keep your soiled garments in a separate location, you will thus require a portable laundry bag. You may just drop off your bag at your neighborhood laundromat once it is full. At other times, a mesh washing bag can also be used as a stuffing organizer.
3. Daybag
Various people have various ideas on what a daybag is. It could be a small backpack, cross-body bag, or purse. Because they can easily include all the necessities, like lip gloss, credit cards, sunglasses, and a tiny amount of sunscreen, cross-body purses have become our current obsession.
Related Pick: Eye Care Must-Haves for Digital Nomads for 2024 – 25
4. Travel Lock
The life of a digital nomad is never risk-free. Protecting your things is crucial whether you’re staying in a private room at a hostel or an Airbnb.
On Tiktok, the Addalock Portable Door Lock has gained popularity as an easy-to-use and affordable security solution.
Become A Nomad!
We observe that many individuals overcomplicate the process of becoming a nomadic worker. For instance, packing for a mobile worker endeavor just involves organizing your possessions.
Being prepared is essential if you want to live as a traveling freelancer out of your bag. This implies that you will only need to bring the bare necessities on the trip and will have to bid farewell to many of your personal belongings.
In the end, we hope that this packing list for digital nomads will make your life easier and help you become a successful full-time global remote worker. Do forward this guide to other remote worker who are still preparing for their travels.
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