You booked your flight and now you’re looking at your digital nomad gear wondering where to start? Packing as a digital nomad isn’t the nicest thing to do, let’s be honest.
Although, it doesn’t have to be draining. If you already know what you need for your upcoming trip, it should be easy. So, that’s exactly what you’ll find here. An easy and uncomplicated digital nomad packing list that includes all the digital nomad essentials.
Before we start, let’s discuss the basics – should you travel with carry-on luggage or should you take a piece of check-in luggage with you?
Carry-On vs Check-in Luggage for Digital Nomads
There are a few questions you should ask yourself before making this decision.
There are pros and cons for both options, so you need to keep in mind a few criteria to make the smartest decision when it comes to digital nomads luggage.
Are you on a tight budget?
If some major airlines give you the right to bring check-in luggage up to 23 kg, you should know that it isn’t the case for every airline. For example, in Southeast Asia or in some low-cost airlines, you will have to pay extra to add a piece of luggage to your flight.
Truth to be told, it’s not always super cheap.
Do you have a lot of digital nomad equipment?
If your laptop is heavy or if you need a lot of camera gear, you might need to consider bringing check-in luggage as it will simply be too heavy for the cabin requirement. Usually, cabin luggage (also known as carry-on) has a maximum weight of between 7 and 10 kg.
It does depend on the airline, so you might need to get a piece of extra luggage if you have to bring heavy stuff along with you. Basically, if you have too much nomad travel gear, you may want to consider having check-in luggage.
How long will you be abroad for and what kind of seasons will you be facing?
If you’re going to be getting a tan on beaches, you might need lighter clothing options, but if you’re planning a ski trip in Japan, you will likely need to bring more luggage.
Winter clothing takes up more space, but also, you might need to bring a bigger wardrobe that suits all the temperatures you’re going to face.
I personally experienced both – I traveled with check-in luggage for 2 years, and I traveled with a carry-on only for 3 years. I prefer the latest option as it means I don’t need to wait for my luggage at the end of the flight, my luggage never gets lost, and I do not possess a lot of things. It just makes more sense to me.
Although, sometimes, my partner and I add one piece of extra luggage to bring more stuff along. With an extra 23kg between the two of us, it’s more than enough.
Traveling with carry-on luggage as a digital nomad
Traveling with a carry-on has several advantages. You do not lose your luggage, you don’t have to wait for your luggage when you land, you don’t have to walk around with very heavy luggage. It’s definitely easier. The packing and unpacking will be faster, and, of course, you’ll save money on low-cost airlines.
It’s a great option if you can travel in a minimalist way, if you don’t care too much about your wardrobe and if you’re going somewhere where winter isn’t part of the picture.
That being said, you’ll have to limit yourself to a weight that can seem small at first. Some airlines might be weighing your luggage, so you will have to make sure you are respecting the rules.
You won’t be able to bring certain items, and you may be limited in liquids. Finally, you might struggle to find room in the overhead compartment at times.
I promise you, though, your life will be drama-free.
Choosing your digital nomad carry-on luggage
You have three main options when it comes to choosing your carry-on luggage. You can choose between a backpack, a suitcase or a backpack with wheels.
The latest has been my favorite for the past months and honestly, I simply love it. You can read more about backpack with wheels.
Ideally, you want to make sure your luggage fits the requirements for cabin luggage anywhere in the world – so you should take a universal-sized carry-on.
Here are the top picks for each category:
Digital Nomad Backpack: Nomatic 30L – Check the price.
Digital Nomad Suitcase: Samsonite Carry-On – Check the price.
Digital Nomad Backpack with Wheels: Eagle Creek – Check the price.
Traveling with check-in luggage as a digital nomad
On the other hand, traveling with check-in luggage has other advantages. If some people get stressed with the weight of their cabin luggage, it won’t be the case here.
Of course, you still have to respect the weight limit but it’s higher! That said, you can bring bigger quantities of liquids and bring that heavy stuff of yours.
Packing might be easier because you won’t have to limit yourself.
Although, you will have to drop your luggage off and wait for it at the airport – which is a small price to pay in patience.
But what about lost luggage? Well – you should definitely make sure you have all the essentials in your cabin luggage, so you won’t freak out if the airline loses your check-in luggage.
Choosing your digital nomad check-in luggage
Again, you will have to choose between a suitcase, a backpack, or a backpack with wheels. I prefer the latest as you get both options in one. You can use the straps when you need to walk, or you can roll the luggage when you feel tired.
Here are the top picks for each category:
Digital Nomad Backpack: Osprey 70 litres – Check the price.
Digital Nomad Suitcase: Samsonite large – Check the price.
Digital Nomad Backpack with Wheels: Eagle Creek Cargo – Check the price.
Digital Nomad Packing List & Travel Essentials
So, you got the digital nomad luggage part sorted, it’s time to look at what you should pack!
What to pack for digital nomads? We didn’t mention anything about the clothing part, but this list has one goal – making sure you bring everything you really need. And that includes your laptop and travel documents.
Oh – and please, who really needs 4 pairs of shoes? As long as you have something comfortable to walk in and some flip-flops for the beach days, you should be fine!
Packing Cubes for Digital Nomads
So many experienced travelers swear by packing cubes and for a good reason. They are inexpensive and help keep your backpack or suitcase organized.
Stick everything important for work in one designated cube and forget the hassle of unpacking your whole bag to find what you need.
Padlock
If you are planning on staying in hostels while traveling or sharing a space with strangers, a padlock needs to be on your packing list. Most commendable hostels provide lockers, but not all of them provide locks and require you to provide your own.
A padlock takes little space in your bag, and it keeps your belongings safe while you are out exploring your surroundings.
Raincovers for your backpack or suitcase
No matter where you end up, there is a chance you might find yourself stuck in the rain and the last thing you want is to have all your belongings damaged.
Add a good rain cover that fits and protects your whole bag to your digital nomad packing list to make sure that you can avoid any preventable damage to your most important gadgets.
Foldable day pack
Foldable daypacks are a perfect addition to any nomad travel list. By packing a compact bag like this, you can save space but also have something to take your laptop with you to a workspace without having to lug your large backpack around.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be foldable, but having a day pack is essential!
Quick-dry towel
With limited space, forget about carrying a big fluffy towel along. Instead, a quick-dry towel would do the trick.
It’s usually compact, it dries quickly and it’s definitely the best option. It’s important to bring a towel as sometimes, you won’t have a towel included in your accommodation. Also, if you’re planning on going to a beach, it’s necessary.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses have made this list for one simple reason – they are so easy to forget, aren’t they?! Regardless of the season, they are pretty useful and especially, if you’re heading in tropical weather.
Toiletries
Having a small pouch to regroup all your toiletries is essential. Make sure you bring your razor, blades, toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, and any other things you would need to take care of your pretty face.
Must-Pack Tech Gear for Digital Nomads
Universal travel adapter
The most important gadget that should be one every digital nomad packing list is a universal adapter.
This makes sure that you can stay plugged-in regardless of where you are in the world.
Back up batteries
Along with the idea of keeping a battery pack around, back up batteries for your camera are essential for any nomads.
It saves a lot more time and energy to just simply change out your battery vs. stopping somewhere to charge your camera somewhere (which might not even be possible on your excursion.)
Tripod and Bluetooth shutter remote
Up your photo game with this compact device that a lot of digital nomads can’t leave their homes without. A tripod doesn’t only help you take photos of yourself, but it also stabilizes your camera to make sure you take the crispest photo possible.
That said, you should not forget to pack your camera.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
For long rides or hostel nights, a pair of headphones is a must for anyone’s packing lists. Invest in some noise-canceling headphones to give you the freedom to really work anywhere. No coffee shop is too noisy to work at.
Cable organizer
A small extra thing to pack that will save any nomad a world of headaches. Having a cable organizer is a necessary piece of digital nomad gear to help organize and keep track of your chargers for all of your important devices.
Portable hard drive
Keep all of your working files safe with a portable hard drive. Your files are the most important thing in your job as a digital nomad so it would be silly not to add these small devices to your packing list.
Extras to Not Forget in Your Carry-On Luggage
A blue or black pen
You might be rolling your eyes at this suggestion but stick with me. We all know how trying the immigration process can be when all you want to do is go out and discover the new city that you have arrived in.
Time is money. Keep a pen on you, fill out your documents before landing, and zoom through immigration with no stress. Instead of buying any pens, take a look at this list of zero waste pens.
Earplugs and eye mask
When you are constantly in a routine of traveling and working, you want to make sure you stay refreshed and get a good rest.
These simple things (earplugs and eye mask) can assist your slumber no matter where you are; on a train, plane, hostel, or hotel room.
Reusable water bottle
Every traveler knows that it is important to stay hydrated. There are a variety of bottles that have features for any traveler.
You can take a reusable water bottle with you everywhere and never have to worry about overpaying for airport water again.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomad Essentials
We hope you have your digital nomad packing list ready and that you found all the items you’ll need for your upcoming trip.
Read more about the digital nomad lifestyle:
