Digital Nomad Gear Packing List
The world’s largest experiment seems to have been a success, which has led to a lot more people working remotely on a permeant basis. This digital phenomenon leads to more people becoming digital nomads.
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Many people are taking advantage of this new independence by working while traveling the world solo. As a digital nomad (traveling/working mama) over the last two and a half years, here is the digital nomad gear for working anywhere in the world.
Note: Being a digital nomad isn’t just for backpackers. This mama travels the world while working a full-time job and running our travel blog.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Digital Nomad Gear for Working Remotely
Laptop (Dell XPS 7590)
Being a digital nomad means you can work from anywhere in the world using a laptop. The most important piece of digital nomad gear is a reliable laptop.
The newest Dell XPS 7590 is the latest XPS model from Dell and has amazing reviews. I use the Dell XPS 13 9380 and have been using it for nearly two years.
I am using it right now to write this post, as I have with the nearly 100 posts on our blog.
I love how lightweight, powerful, easy to use, and fast this laptop is. Many people compare the Dell XPS13 to the Macbook Air.
As an avid Windows user, I wanted the performance of a Mac without the operating system. I am the type of person to have 80 tabs open at one time, and speed has never been an issue.
Most of my tasks include streaming videos/music, writing posts, using Canva, and doing some light photo editing. My laptop gives me everything I need to run this blog from anywhere in the world.
The one annoying thing was the C-type, instead of the USB ports, which meant I have to buy adapters. Two years later, this isn’t as much of an annoyance because it seems most electronics will use C-type instead of USB.
Finding the perfect laptop for you requires a lot of research. I researched for nearly three months to find the best laptop to fit my needs.
Popular Laptops for Digital Nomads
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lepow 15.6 Portable Monitor
The Lepow 15.6 Portable Monitor has to be one of the best purchases I have made as a digital nomad. This is the best portable monitor I found at an affordable price.
This portable monitor makes it easy for me to work on multiple things at one time. The best part is how portable it is. It doesn’t take up much space in your backpack and can be set up anywhere with a table.
Next to your laptop, this is the most crucial digital nomad gear for remote workers. You get the convenience of having multiple monitors without the hassle or expense of dragging around huge equipment.
Trust me, this is the one piece of equipment you never knew you needed, but once you do you’ll love it.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
I use headphones all the time, especially for meetings. I recently upgraded to the Bose QuietComfort 35 II after my second pair of headphones broke in less than a year. These Bluetooth headphones are perfect for working and traveling.
I don’t have a lot of meetings, but when I do, the quality is noticeably better than other headphones. Over the last few years, I’ve had issues with other headphones sounding muffled on the other end, so it’s nice to have headphones with quality sound and a clear microphone.
I will admit these headphones come with a high price tag. The price is worth it because when I put them on, the sound around me disappears. The noise-canceling quality is phenomenal.
There is one thing that needs to be improved, and that is the battery life. I’ve had headphones last over 40 hours with moderate to heavy use. The battery life on these headphones is only 20 hours of wireless playtime, which is a little low for me.
Related Post: Best Headphones for Teenagers
Bestselling Headphones for Digital Nomads
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wireless Mouse
Having a wireless mouse is important to me, due to my full-time job. It may not be an essential piece of digital nomad gear for everyone.
I think having a mouse makes it easier to get things done. Thanks to our 2-year-old I have at least three mice because he likes to hide them regularly. I don’t have the time to play hide and seek, so every time he hides one I have a backup.
The wireless mouse that I use only needs to be charged once every 7 – 8 days. I use this mouse at least 6 -10 hours a day nearly 5 -6 days a week without any issues or having to charge it.
Portable External Hard Drive
I don’t need a Portable External Hard Drive for my job, but I use it to store all of our content.
If you store a lot of data, you need an external hard drive. Anything can happen, so you don’t want to lose your hard work.
A few months ago I lost all of our content, and that prompted me to get an external hard drive and back up our work every week.
Laptop Stand
Having a laptop stand makes it easier for you to work anywhere. I don’t have one yet, but I plan to order one when we get back to the US.
I’m currently laying on the couch with a blanket and my laptop on my stomach, which isn’t good for my laptop.
The fans on my laptop are on the bottom, which could cause damage to the components inside my computer. Using a laptop stand will allow the fans to properly cool my laptop while I work.
Laptop Case
Carrying your computer in a laptop case will reduce the likelihood of having an accident that will ruin it.
The case that I use is water-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about my laptop getting damaged if I spill something into my backpack.
Along with protecting it from a potential accident, using a laptop sleeve will keep your laptop looking new. There is less wear and tear on your computer, which could lead to being able to use it longer.
Overall, I wasn’t a laptop sleeve user until recently, and it’s made life easier for me. I can store my external hard drive, mouse, and cords in the sleeve; which keeps me organized when traveling while working.
USB C Adapter
When I purchased my Dell CPS 13, the USB ports were replaced with C-type ports. It was annoying because I had to buy a USB C Adapter for my wireless mouse, phone charger, and external hard drive.
Although I like the C-type ports better than the USB, it was an inconvenience having to buy another piece of equipment.
It looks as though a lot of electronics will be moving to C-type ports, so save yourself the frustration and get an adapter.
Portable Charger
Having a portable charger is crucial for every traveler. There is nothing worse than being out exploring and your phone dying.
This recently happened to us while we were in Antigua, luckily I remembered how to get back to our Airbnb.
Best Selling Portable Chargers
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cable Organizer
Having a cable organizer makes it easier to keep track of all of our chargers, portable chargers, SD cards, and adapters.
The amount of cords we have is ridiculous, so having one place to keep everything makes it easier to find what we need.
The only cords that do not fit our laptop chargers, but it’s nearly impossible to forget those.
We have phone chargers, a headphone charger, Google Chromecast, a tablet charger (our son’s tablet), an external hard drive, and other random cords we collect along the way.
Plus, those digital nomads that need SD cards storing them in this cable organizer will reduce the chances of losing them.
World Travel Adapter Kit
Many people forget there are different outlet types around the world. The world travel adapter kit has everything you need to use the power outlet anywhere in the world.
Oftentimes it’s an afterthought, but save yourself the frustration and add this to your must-have digital nomad gear packing list.
I’m currently writing this from Guatemala, and there are no 3-prong outlets, so I wasn’t able to charge my laptop. Luckily, our Airbnb host has an adapter because I forgot to pack our outlet adapters.
Things Every Digital Nomad should Have
Anti Thief Backpack
I had an Anti-Thief Backpack before we left for our epic journey around the world. The only problem is, I forgot the code (pregnancy brain), so it isn’t as useful.
For those with better memory, an anti-theft backpack is a must-have for digital nomads.
Huawei E5576-320 WiFi HotSpot
I’ve been looking for a mobile hotspot for years, and I finally purchased the Huawei E5576-320 WiFi HotSpot. As a digital nomad, I need Wi-Fi to work my full-time job and run our websites.
After searching for a long time, I took the plunge with Huawei because it has the best reviews, and work in the countries we plan to travel to.
There are a lot of different choices for a mobile Wi-Fi HotSpot, so what works for me may not be the best option for you.
I recommend researching the different hotspots available, and determining if they have service available in the countries you will be traveling to. A few popular brands are GlocalMe, Skyroam, and NetGear.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
I am trying to reduce my use of plastic bottles, so I recently switched to a Stainless Steel Filter Water Bottle.
Although this isn’t an essential item digital nomad needs for work, it’s something travelers could use to help reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Trust me, I am not the type to suggest how people should live their lives. I am just a believer that when people decide to make small changes, big things happen over time. As a traveler, I want to do my part to save this beautiful planet.
Best Filter Water Bottles
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
YETI Stainless Steel Tumbler
As a digital nomad, I spend a lot of time in coffee shops. To help reduce single-use products, I started using the YETI Stainless Steel Tumbler for my coffee. It keeps my drink hot longer, plus it’s easier to walk home with a cup with a lid that closes.
Switching to a stainless steel tumbler helps do your part when it comes to being more environmentally conscious. Although this has nothing to do with work, it’s perfect for coffee or tea addicts.
