Digital Nomad Equipment & Gear: 31 Essential Items
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 lived 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 often overlooked pieces 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.
Noise-canceling headphones can be must have tech gear for digital nomads. These headphones allow you to block out all external sources of noise, such as traffic, conversation, and other background sounds, in order to focus on your work or listen to music without distraction.
11. Lap Desk
TOP PICK
EHO Portable Lightweight Laptop Pad
I use this all the time. It’s lightweight and super handy.
Face it, laptops don’t really work that well on your lap. They get overheated from your body heat and lack of air circulation and it’s just not comfortable.
I don’t like sitting at a desk or table so I use this lap desk all day every day. It has a slide-out mouse pad that can go on either the right or left side. It’s lightweight and easy to pack away.
Even if you prefer a desk, there are always times one isn’t available. You may be working in an airport or on a bus and a lap desk will be a lifesaver.
12. Mouse
TOP PICK
LeadsaiL Rechargeable Wireless Computer Mouse
With a rechargeable mouse, you don’t need to worry about batteries.
I don’t like using the touchpad mouse on my laptop. I prefer an external mouse. This one is compact and rechargeable. It uses a dongle instead of bluetooth. There’s a magnetic slot for the dongle to be stored under the mouse so it doesn’t get lost.
The battery actually lasts a long time. I only charge mine every couple of months. Unlike some wireless mice, this one can be used while it’s plugged in.
I use this little protective case while I’m traveling. It fits the mouse perfectly without adding extra bulk.
13. External Power Bank
TOP PICK
BoxWave Power Bank
With a solar-powered backup power bank, you will always have a full charge.
If you travel a lot you will find yourself needing to charge your devices. While outlets are plentiful in the U.S., that’s not the case everywhere in the world. Also, in many countries, power outages are not uncommon.
I like this solar-powered bank. I just keep it in the window and it stays charged up. It’s nice to know that even if the power goes out for an extended period of time, I’ll still be able to charge my phone.
14. VPN
One of the most important pieces of any digital nomad’s equipment is a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs provide secure access to the internet by encrypting data and hiding your IP address, keeping your online activities private.
This is especially important when using public wifi, like in an airport.
A VPN can also be used to bypass restrictions put in place by companies, allowing digital nomads to access websites and services that might otherwise be blocked in the country they are traveling in.
I’m currently living in Mexico. When I log into my bank accounts using a Mexican server I have to go through some extra authentication steps. By choosing a server in the U.S. I can bypass that.
I use Nord VPN and it works great. They have a huge number of servers to choose from all over the world. I can use it on my laptop, tablet, and phone.
15. Personal Wifi
TOP PICK
GlocalMe
Make sure you always have internet with a portable wifi device.
Personal wifi devices keep you connected wherever you go. They provide a secure and fast connection to the internet similar to a mobile hotspot.
It’s a good idea to get a personal wifi device that uses different cell phone carriers than your phone. That way, if one of them doesn’t have service, the other one might.
I use GlocalMe. It has a pay-as-you-go plan so I just pay for the data I need. It works all over the world. Just be sure to load some credits before you need it.
16. Cloud Storage
TOP PICK
pCloud
Keep your files in the cloud. Automatically backs up all your devices, including photos on your phone. It’s safer than an external hard drive.
Cloud storage provides a secure place to store data, documents, and photos without having to worry about physical space or hardware. It also offers the convenience of being able to access this data from any device, anywhere in the world.
Be sure to look into cloud storage solutions that offer good data security and a lot of storage space. Additionally, the service should be available on all your devices.
I use pCloud. It automatically backs up everything on my laptop, tablet, and phone. As soon as I take a picture with my phone, it gets uploaded to pCloud.
Even though I use Google Docs for nearly everything, I still end up with stuff downloaded to my laptop. It’s nice to know that if my laptop is stolen or broken, I won’t lose any of my files.
17. Bluetooth Speaker
TOP PICK
JBL Go 3
This is the best little speaker. Great sound in a tiny package.
Often I’m staying in a place with no television so I use my laptop to watch movies a lot. The sound on my laptop is not great so a separate Bluetooth speaker is a must.
I love this little JBL speaker. It’s compact but has great sound. I also got this case for it.
This may not be the most essential of my digital nomad accessories, but it’s one I appreciate almost every day.
18. Camera
TOP PICK
GoPro Hero 11
This little camera is perfect for all your adventures.
I was reluctant to buy a camera. After all, my phone takes fine pictures. But I want to take pictures while snorkeling, or in the rain, or in other places where I don’t want to risk my expensive phone.
Luckily GoPros are tiny and light so they add practically nothing to my suitcase. I started wearing mine around my neck so I can more easily snap a photo.
Plus, in some countries, an iPhone is worth more than some people make in a year. I’ve heard of way too many people having their phones snatched while they were taking a picture.
Sure, GoPros aren’t cheap, but they’re harder to grab. They also take amazing pictures and videos.
19. Power Adapter
TOP PICK
Unidapt Universal Travel Adapter
Be prepared for any power situation in any country.
If you’re traveling outside North America, you’re likely going to need a power converter. This one is compact and light and works in 160 countries. Best of all, it’s all one piece so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of different plugs.
20. Extension Cord
Older homes don’t always have many electrical outlets. An extension cord is often a necessity. I like this one because it has USB ports.
At the very least, your digital nomad tech should include a simple extension cord to make your life easier.
21. Electronics Organizer
TOP PICK
Lacdo Electronic Organizer
Make your life easier with a case for all your cables and small electronics.
This organizer saved me a ton of weight and space. I was using individual cases for each item. Plus I had cables tangled everywhere and basically a big mess. This case keeps everything organized and safe.
22. E-Reader
TOP PICK
My Kindle is the first thing I pack no matter where I’m going. Sure it doesn’t have the same effect as a real book with that new book smell. But carrying books around isn’t an option. I can store thousands of books on my Kindle.
Plus e-books are cheaper. Many are even free. My Kindle paid for itself in the first six months!
Other Essential Digital Nomad Gear
23. Digital Nomad Insurance
TOP PICK
Safety Wing
Don’t travel without good insurance.
I always recommend travel insurance. When you travel full-time it’s a necessity. There are so many things that can happen – you get sick or injured. Your family at home gets sick. You need to evacuate for a hurricane.
Or even less drastic things like your luggage getting lost or your flight being canceled.
I use and recommend Safety Wing. They have different plans so you can pay for just what you need. They are highly rated and have excellent customer service.
One important note: Beware of a yearly plan. On my first foray into the digital nomad life, I bought an annual plan from a different company (not Safety Wing). My dad got very sick and nearly died so I flew back to the States, forfeiting thousands of dollars of flights and non-refundable Airbnbs.
I filed a claim, got the doctor to complete the form, and jumped through every hoop. In the end, my claim was denied because the annual plan defines a trip as 30 days or less. My trip was for six months. Even though it contained many smaller trips, since I was out of the US for six months I got nothing.
My fault entirely. I should have read the fine print better. Not only was I out thousands, but the $500 I paid for the policy was a waste.
24. Small Flashlight
TOP PICK
Mini Led Flashlight
Power outages are frequent in many places. Be prepared.
A small, rechargeable, flashlight is a necessity. I’ve been in several power outages. A flashlight is also handy for watching out for scorpions on middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom.
25. Lightweight Travel Blanket
TOP PICK
Cloudz Compact Travel Blanket
I use my blanket for so many things, including emergency curtains.
Even if you’re traveling through the tropics, a small blanket is good to have. Buses and airplanes are often cold. I use mine as a shawl when I travel back to the States for Christmas.
They also double as beach blankets. Or use it to cover a bright window. Or as a pillow on the train. I find my blanket to be worth the bit of space it takes up.
26. Travel Pillow
TOP PICK
Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support
I absolutely love this for sleeping on airplanes.
There are so many travel pillows out there. I think I’ve tried them all. I have terrible trouble sleeping on an airplane. First I only like sitting on the aisle. I hate feeling stuck and having to disturb people to get up. Second, I just have trouble sleeping in general.
The Trtl is great because it keeps your head from flopping forward. It works great and is actually pretty comfortable. It’s the only way I’ve been able to sleep sitting up. It’s not the cheapest option, but on a 14-hour flight, I will pay anything to get to sleep.
27. Reusable Water Bottle
TOP PICK
A reusable water bottle is a must. Not only do you reduce the use of plastic, but your water stays nice and cold. I like this one because it has a filter built in.
28. Door lock
TOP PICK
I stay almost exclusively in Airbnbs or private rentals. So far not one has had any kind of chain or bar. Who knows how many people have a key to the house. I sleep much better with this little lock on my door.
29. Personal Alarm
TOP PICK
Birdie
This is a great personal alarm. It’s small but super loud.
As a female solo traveler, I have to be extra careful about safety. But even men should consider carrying one of these little alarms. Just pull the pin and it lets out an ear-piercing alarm.
I actually carry a couple. One is permanently clipped to my purse. I keep a second by my bedside. (You know, in case someone gets past my portable door lock – I may be a little paranoid…)
30. Travel Umbrella
TOP PICK
I take my little umbrella with me pretty much everywhere I go. If I don’t need it for the rain, I may need it for the sun. So that means I need a small, lightweight umbrella.
But I still need it to be decent quality. This one is just right. I love the little case because I can tuck it back into my purse wet without getting everything in there soaked as well.
31. Dog Carrier
Okay, clearly this isn’t a necessity for everyone. But if you travel with a pet, this is the way to go. I travel full-time with my Yorkiepoo, Shelby.
This carrier is the best. I can carry her on my back. Then when I get on the plane, I just tip the carrier on its side and it slides under the seat.
Actually, I usually carry this on my front and my carry-on backpack on my back. It works quite well and leaves my hands free.
Wrap-Up: Digital Nomad Equipment & Gear
Whether you’re an aspiring or seasoned digital nomad looking to upgrade your gear list, this guide should help equip you with everything you need for success along your remote working adventure.
Ladies, join my free, private Facebook group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads. It’s a safe place to connect, learn, and thrive as a digital nomad. You don’t need to be over 50 but you do need to be a woman.
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- Navigating the World of Digital Nomad Housing
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