The Ultimate Packing List for Digital Nomads in Tech

Web3 and remote work have made digital nomad careers viable. Many tech professionals and Web3 workers travel while working. Working from Southeast Asia, Europe, or Latin America while employed at US or European companies is increasingly common.

However, traveling while working requires different packing than regular travel. You need equipment that works reliably. You need backup systems. You need to stay productive while moving between locations. This guide covers what to pack for a sustainable digital nomad tech career.

Core Tech Equipment

Your tech equipment is the foundation of your digital nomad life. Invest in quality gear.

Laptop: Your most critical piece of equipment. Choose based on your needs:

• MacBook Pro 14": Popular choice for developers. Excellent build quality. Good performance. Pricey.
• Dell XPS 13/15: Alternative Windows option. Good performance and build quality.
• Framework Laptop: Repairable and modular. Good for long-term travel.

What matters:

• Reliable build quality (you can't easily repair in random countries)
• Performance sufficient for your work
• Reasonable weight for carrying
• Good battery life (3+ hours minimum)

Portable monitor: A 15-16" portable USB-C monitor gives you a second screen anywhere. Huge productivity boost. Brands: ASUS ProArt, Lepow, Lenovo.

Benefits:

• Significantly improves productivity
• Relatively lightweight
• Works with any laptop via USB-C or HDMI
• Worth the extra weight

Mechanical keyboard: A compact mechanical keyboard improves typing comfort. Travel options:

• Keychron K6 or K8: Wireless, compact, affordable
• Nuphy Halo75: Small, good quality, custom
• Anne Pro 2: Budget option

Why it matters:

• Typing on laptop keyboards all day causes repetitive strain
• Mechanical keyboards are more satisfying and better for posture
• Travel keyboards fold or are compact

Mouse: A portable mouse for comfort and precision:

• Logitech MX Master 3: Premium option
• Logitech MX Anywhere 3S: More portable
• Budget options exist too

Trackpads work in a pinch, but a mouse significantly improves comfort.

USB-C Hub: Essential for connectivity:

• Provides USB-A ports for older devices
• HDMI for external monitors
• SD card reader for photos
• Ethernet for stable internet when WiFi is unreliable

Anker and Belkin make reliable hubs.

Power Equipment:

• Multiple USB-C chargers (keep one in your bag, one in accommodation)
• USB-C power bank (20,000+ mAh)
• Voltage converter if traveling between regions (US 110V vs Europe 220V)
• Power strip with USB ports for hotels/apartments

Cables and Adapters:

• Multiple USB-C to USB-C cables (leave some places as backup)
• USB-C to USB-A adapter
• HDMI cable and adapter
• Headphone jack adapter (if needed)
• Lightning cables/USB-C adapters for other devices

Internet and Communication

Reliable internet is critical for your work. Plan for redundancy.

Mobile hotspot: Backup internet when WiFi fails.

• Get a SIM card in each country (or use eSIM if your phone supports it)
• Test connectivity before committing to location
• Consider paying for fast data plan (not budget plans)

Portable WiFi: Additional backup option if phone hotspot fails.

• Brands: Skyroam, GlocalMe
• Less essential if you have good mobile hotspot

Ethernet adapter: USB-C to Ethernet adapter for direct connection when WiFi is unreliable. Significantly faster and more stable than WiFi.

Backup plans:

• Identify coworking spaces you can use if home internet fails
• Have contact info for local IT support or tech-savvy friends
• Understand time zone constraints (if you need to call support)

Connectivity and Tools

Webcam: Many nomads use external webcams for better appearance on calls:

• Logitech 4K: Good quality, reliable
• More expensive options exist
• Built-in webcams on newer laptops are fine too
• Only necessary if appearance on video calls matters to you

Microphone: Quality audio matters more than video.

• Blue Yeti or Rode NT-Mini USB: Good budget options
• AirPods Pro: Sufficient if you don't have dedicated mic
• Invest here if your job involves lots of meetings

Headphones:

• Noise-canceling wireless headphones for focus: Sony WH-1000XM4/XM5, Apple AirPods Max
• Budget option: Soundcore Space A40
• Need for travel and focus while working in cafes/coworking

Phone: Secondary device for communication and backup.

• Smartphone essential for:
  • Local communication (WhatsApp, calls)
  • Looking up addresses
  • Mobile hotspot
  • Navigation
• Any modern smartphone works

Work Setup

Creating productive workspace anywhere matters.

Laptop stand: Elevates laptop to eye level:

• Prevents neck strain
• Most portable: Collapsible aluminum stands (Twelve South, Roost)
• Weighs under 1 lb
• Improves posture significantly

Monitor stand/arm: If using portable monitor, elevate it:

• USB-C powered monitor stands exist
• Adjustable arms for flexibility
• Reduces neck and eye strain

Ergonomic setup basics:

• Laptop at eye level (use laptop stand)
• External monitor at eye level if using one
• Keyboard and mouse at elbow height
• Feet flat on ground
• Don't work from bed long-term

Desk: Depends on your mobility:

• If staying in one place months, get a real desk
• In Airbnbs/hotels, work at existing furniture
• Coworking spaces provide desks

Backup and Data Security

You can't afford to lose work or get hacked.

External backup drive: Backup all work regularly.

• 1-2TB portable SSD (Samsung T5, Crucial X6)
• Keep backup separate from laptop (different location)
• Backup weekly at minimum

Backup system:

• Use cloud backup (iCloud, Google Drive, Backblaze, Acronis)
• Or periodic external backup
• Or both (belt and suspenders approach)

Password manager: Essential when using different networks/devices.

• 1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass
• Stores passwords securely
• Accessible anywhere

VPN: Use when on untrusted networks:

• ProtonVPN, NordVPN, Mullvad
• Encrypts traffic
• Prevents hacking on public WiFi
• Some countries block VPNs (research before traveling)

Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA on critical accounts (email, cloud, banking).

• Use authenticator app (Authy) not SMS when traveling (SMS doesn't work in all countries)

Travel Gear

Non-tech items matter too.

Lightweight luggage: Carry-on size if possible.

• TSA-approved locks
• Lightweight but durable (100% polycarbonate)
• Consider compression packing cubes to maximize space

Cable organization: Keep cables organized.

• Cable bags or packing cubes
• Prevents tangled mess
• Easy to find what you need

Surge protector: Use in countries with unreliable power.

• Protects expensive equipment
• Provides multiple outlets

Travel toiletries:

• TSA-approved sizes
• Or buy at destination
• Some nomads use solid shampoo/conditioner to save space

Medications and documents:

• Prescription medications in original containers
• Insurance documentation
• Passport, visas
• Travel insurance papers
• Vaccination records (if required)

First aid kit: Basic supplies:

• Pain relievers
• Cold medicine
• Allergy meds if needed
• Bandages and ointment

Comfort Items

Long-term travel requires comfort.

Good mattress pad: Hotels/Airbnbs often have bad mattresses.

• Memory foam mattress topper or sleeping pad
• Improves sleep quality
• Weighs ~2 lbs, space efficient

Pillow: Travel pillow or take a pillow case and ask hosts for pillows.

Quality sleep items: Bad sleep affects work.

• Eye mask for bright rooms
• Earplugs for noisy places
• Noise-canceling headphones double as sleep aids

Comfortable clothes: Pack for:

• Work (you might need video-call-appropriate clothes)
• Exercise (running clothes, gym clothes)
• Going out

Exercise equipment: Maintain fitness while traveling.

• Resistance bands (light, useful)
• Jump rope (light, compact)
• Or use coworking space gyms

Work/Life Setup

Creating routine helps productivity.

Accountability system: Working alone requires self-discipline:

• Set regular work hours
• Use productivity tools (Pomodoro timer)
• Join coworking spaces for accountability
• Work from same place regularly

Social connection: Isolation is real challenge:

• Coworking spaces provide community
• Digital nomad meetups
• Working from cafes occasionally
• Setting up regular social plans

Time zone management:

• Schedule meetings at consistent times
• Use tools like Timezone.io to manage time zones
• Set clear boundaries on when you work

Budget Approach

If you're on a tight budget:

• Laptop: Spend money here. Used premium laptop better than cheap new laptop.
• Monitor: Skip if budget-constrained. Laptop screen is fine.
• Keyboard/mouse: Start with built-in trackpad, upgrade if budget allows.
• Backup: Essential but can start with cloud backup only.
• Internet: Get good data plan, this is critical.
• Comfort: Save on comfort initially, invest if you stay long-term.

The Packing Workflow

How to actually pack:

Step 1: Lay out everything you think you need.

Step 2: Remove 50%. Most items get used less than you think.

Step 3: Roll clothes instead of folding. Saves 30% space.

Step 4: Keep essentials easily accessible:

• Laptop and charger
• Travel documents
• Medications
• Cables for immediate tech needs

Step 5: Keep backup items separate:

• Laptop backup in different bag than laptop
• Cables in organized pouch
• Power adapters accessible

Pro Tips

**Minimize": Less stuff means:

• Easier airport security
• Faster movement between locations
• Less mental overhead
• Less replacement cost if lost

Modular setup: Arrange gear so you can:

• Use any portable monitor with laptop
• Work from laptop alone if needed
• Have backup for every critical item

Insurance: Consider travel insurance covering tech equipment.

Cloud everything: Use cloud tools instead of local install when possible.

Electricity: Research power systems in destination (US is 110V, most of world is 220V).

When You're Settled

Once you've been somewhere 1+ months:

• Upgrade your chair and desk setup
• Use local furniture, return when you leave
• Set up a real workspace in accommodation

The Bottom Line

Successful digital nomad tech careers require proper equipment investment. Your laptop and internet are your livelihood. Don't skimp on these.

Ergonomics and backup matter more than most nomads realize initially. You only notice this after weeks of bad ergonomics or losing work.

Start minimal, add gear as you figure out what you actually need. Most digital nomads discover they packed too much and use only 60% of what they brought.

Investing in quality equipment and redundancy pays dividends. You work more productively, stay healthier, and avoid catastrophes from lost data or equipment failure.