Do you regularly travel with your laptop, tablet, mobile phone, and the accessories that go with them? Is it essential for you to have access to all your electronic devices at any given time? If so, you might just be a digital nomad.
Digital nomads comprise a unique segment of society. They are usually technophiles that can’t be away from their electronic devices for even a minute. Whether for work, play, or leisure, digital nomads have a pressing need to be connected wherever they are.
As you could imagine, this special breed of tech-savvy individuals have unique requirements from their equipment and accessories. They need a more robust and more convenient carrying and storage solution than what most off-the-shelf bags can provide.
Enter the digital nomad backpack. These ingenious accessories come in many shapes and sizes and boast features that would make even the most jaded tech-geek sit up and take notice. If you are in the market for a bag that delivers the performance, security, and convenience that you demand in this technology-driven world, this guide to the best backpacks for digital nomads is for you.
How to Pick the Right Digital Nomad Bag
Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about the qualities that make for a good backpack for digital nomads.
Picking a backpack is about more than just choosing the right size. There are several other important factors to consider, such as:
1. Weight
Backpacks are only as useful as your ability to carry them. Although having a large backpack might be tempting, its benefits will be negated if you can’t carry it without struggling.
Try to go for the lightest backpack that provides the size and features you need. If you have the opportunity to purchase it in person, see if it is comfortable to wear with a good number of items in it.
If possible, choose a backpack that has padded shoulder straps in addition to chest and waist straps. Although these won’t reduce the weight of the bag, they will at least distribute the weight more evenly and make the load easier to manage.
2. Size
Although size isn’t the most important consideration, it is still an essential factor when choosing a backpack. Weight and manageability aside, you will want a bag that is big enough to contain everything you need to carry.
It’s also a good idea to choose a backpack that has a good number of pockets and compartments. This will make it easier to keep your things organized and you avoid having to unpack everything if you need to retrieve a particular item.
3. Physical protection
Your bag should be able to protect your laptop and other devices from pressure and impact. Adequate padding is necessary to prevent your things from being bumped, scraped, and crushed.
If possible, go for a bag with a rigid shell underneath the extensive material. Individual compartments will also prevent bigger and heavier items from pressing against smaller ones.
4. Security
Make sure your bag provides adequate protection from theft. Although you might not be able to prevent a determined thief from grabbing your bag and running away with it, built-in security features could prevent thieves from pulling out your things.
Look for a bag with concealed zippers and pockets as well. These could make it more difficult for pickpockets to reach in and lift out your valuable devices.
5. Moisture resistance
Digital nomads frequently find themselves having to brave the great outdoors. This puts sensitive electronic equipment at risk of exposure to the elements.
A waterproof bag is essential for protecting laptops and other electronic devices from moisture damage. An exterior made from waterproof material should provide adequate protection, but consider getting a bag with a waterproof cover as well.
6. Suitability for travel
If you do a lot of traveling, get a backpack that you can bring on a plane as carry-on luggage. This will save you the cost of check-in fees and the inconvenience of having to wait for your bag at the carousel when you get to your destination. Having your laptop and other devices in your carry-on also means fewer worries about theft and damage.
7. Cost
Cost is also an important concern for digital nomads. You don’t necessarily want to get the cheapest bag in the store, but you shouldn’t pay more than you have to either.
It is always best to go for value for money within the price range you are comfortable with. Decide how much you are willing to spend for a backpack and select one with the features you want in that price range.
The Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads
Based on the previously mentioned factors, you should have a good idea of what makes an ideal backpack for a digital nomad such as yourself. Here are some of the top choices currently available, each of which we feel is worthy of your consideration:
1. Nomatic
The Nomatic is a popular choice among tech-savvy commuters for many reasons. It has loads of features that make it ideal for carrying a full complement of high-tech gadgets without the risk of damage.
You could fit pretty much anything you need for work or play into the roomy interior of the Nomatic. It expands to a 24-liter capacity if necessary, and folds down to 20 liters if you’re traveling relatively light. And with features such as a magnetic water bottle holder and concealed pockets, the Nomatic could be the only backpack you’ll ever need.
2. Osprey Farpoint 40
The Osprey Farpoint 40 wins top marks for sturdiness and reliability. The 40-liter capacity makes it one of the most generously-sized backpacks in this roundup, but it remains small enough to carry with you on a plane.
The Farpoint 40 is also amazingly light, with a unique design that combines the characteristics of a suitcase and a backpack. Check out the padded laptop sleeve and the stash pockets, and you will agree that this is a backpack that is well equipped for the demands of the modern traveler.
3. Kopack Anti-Theft
The Kopack travel backpack is a stylish and modernistic accessory that any digital nomad would be proud to be spotted wearing. But more than just good looks, this lightweight marvel also boasts anti-theft and shockproof features that make it an excellent alternative to other backpacks on the market.
The Kopack comes in two sizes to accommodate 15” and 17” laptops. Both versions are made from water- and tear-resistant material and have rear-concealed zippers and hidden side pockets. It even has a headphone port so you could listen to tunes or podcasts with your phone safely hidden away inside!
4. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45
With a whopping 45-liter capacity, this anti-theft backpack is just what you need for long trips and demanding field work. The front compartment alone is big enough to hold a laptop, and it has additional zippered mesh pockets for carrying smaller items.
The Pacsafe is made of anti-slash material that keeps your belongings safe from thieves and pickpockets. The zipper to the main compartment also has an opening so that you could secure it with a padlock.
5. Tortuga Backpack
Finally, check out the aptly-named Tortuga for a carry-on-sized bag that still has plenty of interior storage space. Whether you go for the 35-liter or the 45-liter model, you will be able to carry all your devices on the plane with you. The thick padding keeps your things protected from bumps and falls, and it even has a suspension system that you could adjust for maximum comfort.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the most durable and reliable backpacks available for digital nomads. With their outstanding features, rugged build, and high-quality materials, you can’t go wrong whichever you choose. Go for the model with the capacity and features you like, and you can rest assured knowing that your devices will be safe and secure on the road.
