The Ultimate Digital Nomad Packing List
Introduction
So you want to leave home and travel the world? Awesome! But what should you pack? What are the absolute necessities? What should I leave home? I got you! I have compiled a list to get you started on your journeys. You can trust me on this. I have spent over two years being a digital nomad. I have learned lessons the hard way, so that you do not have to. The best piece of advice is to pack for a week, and no more. The last thing you want, is to lug heavy suitcases around everywhere you go. Without any further adieu here is my definitive packing list for digital nomads.
Even if you are not going to be a Digital Nomad this is still a great packing list for short trips, long trips, and everything in between.
Note: Some of these items are completely optional. I want this list to be comprehensive. Accept what is beneficial to you and reject what is not.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking and purchasing through the links, I will earn a small commission (no price is added to the overall value). This pays for my yearly website subscription and allows me to keep writing travel content for you :)
Luggage
Hardshell Suitcase
Make it a hardshell with rollers. Trust me on this. Airlines are not gentle with your luggage. Also, please do not buy a huge suitcase. Nothing is worse than lugging a massive suitcase on and off trains, around cobblestone streets, and up hills and stairs. Additionally it is wise to have a suitcase with a TSA lock. Meaning that only TSA agents can access your suitcase with a special key, and nobody else.
Ease of Movement and Durability.
30-Inch Hardside Spinner by Amazon Purchase HERE
Hardshell Carry ON
Traveling with a carry on is infinitely cheaper. My wife and I would stay at an Airbnb for month at a time and take trips on the weekends with our carry on’s. In Europe you can fly from one country to another for as low as $15, but only if you are traveling light. Budget airlines will generally not charge you for a carry-on and personal item. Having a good carry on is an absolute must.
The Laptop Sleeve and Charger Will Come in Clutch.
Carry On with Laptop Compartment, Usb Port, and Wheels PUrchase HERE
DAy Packs
Out of everything in the luggage category, I use my day pack the most. It serves as your personal item for flights and comes in handy for hikes and day trips. I also use mine to carry my camera equipment (camera, multiple lenses, tripod, and all kinds of tools) and my laptop.
Our Go To. Osprey Daylite Plus.
Osprey Daylite Plus Purchase HERE
Can Double as a Day Pack and Camera Pack.
Camera Backpack with Raincover and Laptop Compartment Purchase HERE
Backpack
For Those Who Pack Lighter. Allows You to Run and Gun.
What I Personally Use.
purchase your Osprey Atmos AG 50 Men's Backpacking Backpack here
purchase your Osprey Renn 50 Women's Backpacking Backpack here
Tech & Tech Accessories
LAPTOPs
Chances are you will be working throughout your digital nomad journeys. Even if you are not working having a laptop is necessary. The goal here is to have something that is portable but yet powerful enough to handle demanding applications. As a photographer I use numerous Adobe applications that would put tremendous stress on a cheaper laptop. I will give you a few options with varying prices based on your budget.
My Wife’s Laptop. She is a Graphic Designer. Runs her Business and Designs on this Laptop.
Apple 2022 MacBook Air Purchase HERE
Radeon Vega 7 Processor. Good for Gaming and Demanding Applications.
ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop Purchase HERE
A Budget Friendly Option. You Cannot Go Wrong With a ChromeBook. Will Perform All of the Basic Tasks with Ease.
Asus Flagship Chromebook Touchscreen PURchase Here
Laptop Sleeves
Your laptop is your breadwinner. Do not risk getting it damaged. Protect that baby!
Handmade Leather Laptop Case.
Fair Trade Full Grain Leather Laptop Case PURchase here
Shockproof, Waterproof, with carrying handle laptop Sleeve Purchase Here
Keyboards
Perhaps you laptop keyboard sucks. In that case, get you a keyboard that you actually enjoy using.
Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows
Arteck Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard Purchase HERE
Purely for Aesthetic Purposes. Good for Gaming, Coding, and Writing.
MageGee Portable Keyboard Purchase HERE
Keyboard Sleeve
Protect the valuable goods.
Felt Keyboard Carrying case purchase here
Mouses
If you are working remotely having a mouse makes you more efficient. Also, I game on my laptop and you cannot do that with a trackpad. Get you a good mouse.
For the Apple Users.
Apple Magic Mouse Purchase HERE
Wireless Mouse.
Uiosmuph LED Wireless Mouse purchase here
Wireless Gaming Mouse With Silent Click Buttons and Adjustable DPI.
T-DAGGER Wireless Gaming Mouse purchase here
External Hard Drives
What if your laptop gets damaged and your hard drive is lost? It would be a shame to lose all those pictures and videos of your world travels. Let’s make sure that does not happen. It is good to have a fail safe. Purchase an external hard drive.
The External Hard Drive That We Use. Works Great.
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive purchase here
Drop, Shock, Dust, and Rain Resistant External Hard Drive.
LaCie Rugged Mini 1TB External Hard Drive Purchase here
Portable Charger
You never know when you will need power. The worst thing is to be lost with a dead cell phone. Talk about panic. Also, on long bus, train, and airplane rides you might have to do some work.
Power Bank with Digital Display. USB A & C Compatible.
LILIO Portable Charger purchase here
Bluetooth Speakers
Necessary for Movie Nights, Beach Days, and Spontaneous Jam Sessions.
A Travel and Budget Friendly Option.
Portable Wireless Speaker Purchase Here
My Personal Favorite Bluetooth Speaker.
JBL Flip 4 Purchase Here
Laptop Stand
Good when working long hours. Also allows you the option of standing while working. Trust me it is a game changer and will save yourself some butt pain.
Purchase Your Nulaxy C1 Adjustable Aluminum Laptop Stand here
Universal Travel Adapter
An absolute must. It is wise to buy a couple travel adapters. Chances are you will lose one or there will come a time when you will need to use two outlets.
Purchase Your EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter HERE
Tablets
A must if you are a designer. Serves a variety of professions well. A good option if you do not want to bring a laptop. However, I would encourage you to get a keyboard if you go the tablet route.
You Cannot Go Wrong With an iPad.
purchase Your Apple 2022 10.9-inch iPad (64GB) - 10th Generation here
Fast Charging, LCD Display, and Pen Included.
purchase Your SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7128GB Tablet w/S Pen Included here
Apple Pencil
A Must if You Have an iPad.
Purchase your Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Here
iphone
I have produced some amazing edits thanks to this phones video capturing ability. It is also unlocked, which is a must when using international SIM cards.
Purchase your Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, 128GB, Graphite - Unlocked here
Smartphone gimbal stabilizer
For Those CRISP Travel Videos.
purchase your DJI Osmo Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer here
Mobile Tripod
All In One. Wireless Remote. Necessary For Amazing Photos & Videos.
purchase your Sensyne 60" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick here
headphones
purchase your Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) here
Noise Canceling. Comfortable.
purchase your Skullcandy Wireless bluetooth Headphones with Mic here
kindle
Books Are Heavy. Buy a Kindle!
buy your All-new Kindle (2022 release) here
Air Tags
Airlines Lose Luggage All The Time, And Sometimes They Have No Idea Where It Is. But You Can Know Where It Is. Get Your Luggage Back ASAP. Air Tags Send A GPS Location Of Where They Are Directly To Your Phone.
purchase your Apple AirTag 4 Pack here
Go Pro
For Documenting the More Extreme Adventures.
purchase your GoPro HERO8 Black Retail Bundle here
Drone
Take Your Travel Videos to the Next Level.
purchase your DJI Mavic Mini Portable Drone here
Cameras
A Good Beginner Camera. Something to Get Your Feet Wet.
purchase your Canon EOS Rebel T7 here
A Solid Choice.
purchase your Nikon D3500 here
Hdmi Cord
Essential For Movie Nights. Hook Up Your Laptop To a TV.
purchase your High-Speed HDMI Cable here
Usb C Adapter
Most of the World Has Transitioned to USB C. This Converter is Necessary for Long Road Trips. It is a Nightmare when Your Cellphone Dies in the Middle of Nowhere.
purchase your Syntech USB C to USB Adapter here
Gps Watch
Good for Documenting All of Those Incredible Hikes and Runs That You Go On. This is the GPS Watch That I Personally Use.
purchase your Garmin Forerunner 35 here
Clothing
Best piece of advice: pack only for a week. I would recommend packing a week’s worth of clothes for spring/summer and a week’s worth of clothes for winter/fall. The last thing you want is having to carry around heavy suitcases. Travel light and you will be happy. Trust me on this.
I would also recommend a capsule wardrobe. Meaning that every bottom goes with every top and vice versa. If it is a stand alone t-shirt/pant then do not bring it. Every item adds unnecessary weight.
packing cubes
Everything Should Have a Place. Your Bag Will be Tossed Around and if You do Not Have Organizers Your Stuff Will Get Messy.
Purchase your Gorilla Grip 6 Piece Packing Cubes for Luggage here
Laundry Bag
purchase your Polecasa Heavy Duty Large Mesh Laundry Bag here
t-shirts
purchase your Burton Men's Classic Short Sleeve T-Shirt here
Purchase your Burton Classic t-shirt Womens here
sweaters
purchase your Sailwind Men's Crewneck Sweater here
purchase your ANRABESS Women Crewneck sweater here
Shorts
purchase your Men's Drawstring Walk Shorts here
Purchase your KINGFEN Women Casual Cotton Shorts here
pants
purchase your BINGHUODAO Men's Linen Pants here
purchase your Women's Straight Pants here
Dress Shirts
Linen is Breathable For Those Hot Summer Days.
purchase your JMIERR Men's Casual Stylish Short Sleeve here
Linen is Breathable For Those Hot Summer Days.
purchase your Casual Stylish Button Down long sleeve t-Shirt here
Dress
purchase your Women Sleeveless Summer Dress here
hoodies
purchase your Carhartt Men's Loose Fit Midweight Sweatshirt here
purchase your Women's Casual Lightweight Hoodie here
Jacket
Lightweight, Packable, and Water Resistant.
purchase your Calvin Klein Lightweight Puffer here
purchase your ROYAL MATRIX Women's Lightweight Puffer Jacket here
Rain Jacket
purchase your Columbia Men's Watertight Jacket here
purchase your OTU Women's Waterproof Rain Jacket here
Workout Clothes
Just pack one pair of workout clothes. Anything beyond that is excess. So what if your workout clothes get a little stinky! I workout everyday and my clothes don’t stink.
Work out t-shirts
purchase your Under Armour Men's Short Sleeve T-shirt here
purchase your Under Armour Women's Short-Sleeve T-Shirt here
Workout shorts
purchase your NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Shorts here
purchase your Blooming Jelly Women's Quick-Dry Shorts here
Bathing Suit
purchase your maamgic Mens Swim Trunks here
purchase your CUPSHE Women's Bikini Set here
Long Johns
I used my long johns almost every day in the winter. I would advise you to get polyester long johns. They are moisture wicking which means you will not be cold if you sweat.
purchase your Thermajohn Long Johns Thermal Underwear for Men here
purchase your Thermajane Long Johns Thermal Underwear for Women here
underwear
Once again, I recommend wearing polyester. Cotton tends to hold odors in and is not moisture wicking. Polyester you can wear multiple days without it stinking.
purchase your adidas Men's Performance Boxer Brief here
purchase your New Balance Women's Performance Bikini here
purchase your Olga Women's Signature Support Satin Bra here
purchase your Under Armour Women's Sports Bra here
Once Again, Stay Away From Cotton. Polyester = No Stink
purchase your Saucony Men's Performance No-Show Socks here
purchase your Saucony Women's Performance No-show Socks here
Gloves
purchase your HOLDINA Winter Gloves Men here
purchase your Women's Winter Warm Touch Screen Gloves here
Scarf
I Literally Used My Scarf Everyday in the Winter.
purchase your Alpine Swiss Mens Plaid Scarf here
purchase your 100% Merino Wool Everyday Knit Scarf for women here
Beanie
My Go To Beanie.
Purchase your Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie here
purchase your Sherpa Fleeced Lined Chunky Knit Pom Pom Beanie here
Hats
purchase your Carhartt Men's Canvas Mesh-Back Cap here
purchase your adidas Women's Saturday Relaxed Adjustable Cap here
Belts
purchase your CHAOREN Click Belt for Men 2 Pack here
purchase your SANSTHS 2 Pack Women Leather Belts here
SunGlasses
purchase your KALIYADI Polarized Sunglasses for Men here
purchase your AIEYEZO Chunky Rectangle Sunglasses for Women here
shoes
Comfy, Classy, and Versatile.
purchase your New Balance Men's 574 V2 Sneaker here
purchase your Reebok Women's Classic Leather Legacy Az here
Good for Running, Hiking, and Working Out.
purchase your New Balance Men's 520 here
purchase your New Balance Women's 520 V7 here
For When You Need to Dress Up a Little Bit.
purchase your Cole Haan Men's Grand Crosscourt II Sneakers here
purchase your MUSSHOE Mules for Women here
purchase your ONCAI Mens Sandals here
purchase your CUSHIONAIRE Women's Lane Cork Footbed Sandal here
Toiletries
Toiletry Bags
purchase your Vorspack Toiletry Bag Hanging Dopp Kit for Men here
purchase your BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag here
Toiletry accessories
purchase your Mrsdry Travel Bottles for Toiletries here
purchase your Haven Toothbrush Cover here
purchase your Plus Ultra Bamboo Toothbrush here
purchase your Paddle Hair Brush & Comb HERE
purchase your 2 Pack 8 Compartments Travel Pill Organizer Box here
purchase your Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup here
purchase your 3 pcs Nail clippers set here
purchase your Stainless Steel Slant Tweezer here
Razors & Hair Care
purchase your Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 3000 here
purchase your Harry's Razors for Men here
purchaser your Venus Razor 3ct here
What I Personally Use When Traveling.
purchase your Cremo Barber Grade Sandalwood Shave Cream here
Bathing & SkinCare
purchase your Soft Silicone Shower Brush here
Quick Dry Towel For When You Are Bouncing Around From Place to Place.
Purchase your Microfiber Towel here
purchase your Bar of Soap with Travel Container here
purchase your TRESemme Moisture Rich Shampoo & Conditioner here
purchase your TULA Skin Care Purifying Face Cleanser here
purchase your men & Womens Native Deodorant here
purchase your Aveeno travel Daily Moisturizing Oat Lotion here
Definitely a High Priority Item. Do NOT Get Skin Cancer
purchase your Neutrogena Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion here
purchase your Burt's Bees Lip Balm here
purchase your men’s Stetson Original cologne here
purchase your mini Versace Bright Crystal perfume here
purchase your Professional Makeup Kit Set here
You Do Not Want Your Liquids Leaking All Over Your Belongings.
purchase your Ziploc Reusable Travel Bags here
Miscellaneous
purchase your LARS NYSØM Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle here
Make Sure Your Stuff Is Safe. Lock Up Your Luggage Securely in Lockers.
purchase your TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Locks here
Keep The Crazy People Outside.
purchase your Travel Door Lock here
Keep Your Passport, Drivers License, and Important Documents Safe.
purchase your Fireproof Bag for Documents here
I Journal Everyday. It Help Me Immensely With My Travel Blog. Also a Good Place to Permanently Store Memories.
purchase your Travel Journal here
For My Religious Peeps.
purchase your CSB On-The-Go Bible here
My Go To Pen.
Purchase your PILOT G2 pens here
Good For Sleeping on Airplanes and Noisy Hostels.
purchase your Reusable Soft Silicone Ear Plugs here
purchase your MZOO Sleep Eye Mask here
purchase your napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling here
purchase your INHERENT Premium Traveler's Face Mask here
Purchase your Windproof Travel Umbrella here
Hidden So You Do Not Look Like a Dork.
purchase your Hidden Travel Money Belt here
I Personally Use an All-In-One Trainer 5 Days a Week. You Can Get Workout Your Whole Body With This.
purchase your Resistance Training Kit here
purchase your Retrospec Train Resistance Bands Set here
purchase your Thrive Travel Essentials Mini First Aid Kit here
A High Priority Purchase. It Will Save You Money. In Other Countries You Have to Pay for Grocery Bags at the Store.
Purchase your Hem & Harvest Reusable Bag here
purchase your Bamboo Travel Utensil Set here
You Have No Idea How Handy This Will Be. It Is Hard to Find Can Openers When You Need Them.
purchase your Nogent Super Kim Safety Can Opener here
As a Coffee Snob, This is the Best Coffee Maker for Your Money.
purchase your Aeropress here
purchase your Travel Milk Frother here
purchase your STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup here
Conclusion
Pack light. You will need far less than what you think you need. Take it from me, I donated a massive amount of clothes in the first couple of months simply because I did not actually need them. If you are on the fence about if you actually want to bring an item, then chances are you do not need it and should not pack it.
Once again, this list had a lot of optional items. Not every item is necessary. Accept what is beneficial and reject what is not to you.
Happy Travels! :) - Matt
