My digital nomad packing list! Tech, clothing & more

Discover the ultimate digital nomad packing list! Essential tech, clothing, and gear for long-term travel, optimized for minimalism and functionality.

Digital nomadism offers unparalleled freedom, but packing for a life on the move requires careful planning. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting, curating a packing list that balances functionality, minimalism, and comfort is critical. This comprehensive guide details a battle-tested packing list for digital nomads, focusing on tech, clothing, and essential gear, designed to fit within carry-on limits while supporting a productive, nomadic lifestyle. Drawing from years of experience as a YouTuber creating city guides and a former web designer, this list prioritizes versatility, durability, and efficiency.

Why a Thoughtful Packing List Matters

Digital nomads face unique challenges: frequent moves, unpredictable climates, and the need to stay productive without the comforts of a permanent home. A well-crafted packing list ensures you carry only what you need, avoiding excess weight while maintaining the tools for work and life. This guide avoids fluff, focusing on practical, high-quality items that have proven their worth on the road. From lightweight clothing to compact tech, every item serves a purpose, fitting into a carry-on backpack and a secondary filmmaking bag for a “one-and-a-half bag” approach.

Packing Philosophy: Minimalism Meets Functionality

The goal is to travel light while being prepared for diverse environments, from bustling cities to remote beaches. Key principles include:

• Carry-on only: No checked luggage to streamline travel and avoid fees.
• Versatile clothing: Synthetic fabrics for durability and odor resistance, with minimal Merino wool due to itchiness.
• USB-C ecosystem: Standardized cables for simplicity.
• Barefoot shoes: Lightweight, multi-purpose footwear.
• TSA-compliant toiletries: Hassle-free for security checks.

This list assumes a warm-to-temperate climate but includes options for colder weather, ensuring adaptability. Below, we break down the essentials into categories: bags, clothing, tech, toiletries, filmmaking gear, and miscellaneous items.

Bags and Organizers: The Foundation of Mobility

Choosing the right bags is critical for organizing gear and staying mobile. The focus is on durability, space efficiency, and carry-on compliance.

• PAKT Travel Backpack ($295): A 35L carry-on backpack with excellent organization. One side holds bottoms and shoes, the other accommodates tops, jackets, and a dedicated toiletry compartment. Its clamshell design simplifies packing and unpacking.
• PAKT Packing Cube Set ($65): Custom-designed for the PAKT backpack, these cubes maximize space and keep clothing organized. They compress clothes effectively, reducing bulk.
• PAKT Packable Tote Bag ($30): A lightweight, foldable tote for groceries or overflow items. It’s a practical addition for day trips or unexpected purchases.
• PAKT Rainfly ($25): A waterproof cover for the backpack, protecting against heavy rain while handling light showers natively.
• WANDRD PRVKE Lite 11L ($199): A compact filmmaking backpack for camera gear, including cameras, lenses, and a tripod. Its roll-top design offers extra space when needed.
• Chums Surfshort Wallet ($15): A minimalist wallet with compartments for ID, credit cards, and cash—essential in countries where cash is still king.
• Zero Grid Passport Wallet ($22): Stores passports, additional cards, and small documents. Includes a pen for filling out visa forms on the go.

Bag Packing Strategy (Chart)

Clothing and Accessories: Versatile and Lightweight

Clothing must be functional, stylish, and packable. This list prioritizes synthetic fabrics for odor resistance and quick drying, with a focus on Western Rise for their quality and aesthetic.

Tops

• Western Rise Session Tee (4x, $58 each): Lightweight, odor-resistant, and stylish. Three black, one ash. Ideal for daily wear or layering.
• Western Rise Session Sun Hoody ($68): A long-sleeve option for sun protection during hikes or transit.
• Bluffworks Threshold Crew Neck T-Shirt ($45): Soft and lightweight, doubles as a pajama shirt.
• Western Rise Airlight Shirt ($98): A button-down for professional settings or weekends, with plans for material upgrades.

Bottoms

• Western Rise Evolution Pants 2.0 (2x, $129 each): Lightweight, stretchy, and polished. Perfect for travel or casual outings.
• Western Rise Boundless Shorts ($88): Stylish shorts suitable for swimming or hot days.
• Western Rise Movement Shorts ($78): Quick-dry shorts for sports or surfing.

Outerwear

• Buff Neckwear ($20): A simple, reliable neck warmer for cold weather.
• Western Rise Adapt Zip Quarter ($98): A lightweight sweatshirt for chilly malls or flights.
• Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket ($198): Packable, water-resistant, and warm, doubling as a pillow when packed.

Underwear and Socks

• ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief (4x, $26 each): Durable, odor-resistant, and available in multiple colors.
• Cariloha Bamboo Athletic Socks (3x, $14 each): Comfortable, Merino-free socks for daily wear.
• Western Rise Strongcore Merino Socks ($30): A single pair of Merino socks, itch-free and durable.

Footwear

• Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG ($160): Vegan, barefoot shoes for hiking or daily wear. Durable but nearing replacement after a year.
• Wildling Flying Fox Shoes ($149): Stylish barefoot shoes for going out.
• Shamma Warrior Sandals ($90): Lightweight sandals for hiking or casual wear.

Accessories

• Arcade Adventure Belt ($32): Plastic buckle for easy airport security.
• Western Rise Versa Hat ($48): Crushable and lightweight for sun protection.
• ROAV Foldable Sunglasses ($149): Compact and durable for travel.
• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel Large ($35): Quick-dry towel for swimming or emergencies.

Clothing Packing Breakdown (Table)

Toiletries: TSA-Compliant and Minimal

Toiletries are kept to a minimum, focusing on essentials that are TSA-compliant and multi-purpose.

• Peak Design Wash Pouch ($60): A well-organized pouch for all toiletries, with compartments for easy access.
• Chicago Comb Carbon Fiber Comb No. 2 ($15): Durable and practical with a grip-friendly design.
• Crystal Mineral Deodorant ($7): A natural, compact deodorant that fights odor effectively.
• Gravel Travel Liquid Bottles ($20): Stackable bottles for conditioner and toothpaste.
• Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottle ($13): A single bottle for emergency shampoo.
• Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case ($13): Keeps soap bars dry and contained.
• Matador Waterproof Travel Canister ($15): Stores pills securely.
• Occo Bobbo Solid Cologne ($25): A solid, travel-friendly cologne.
• Parker Safety Travel Razor ($30): Compact razor compatible with Gillette heads.
• Tweezerman Stainless Steel Slant Tweezer ($23): For grooming needs.
• Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clippers ($20): Durable and compact.
• Matador Travel Earplugs Kit ($15): Includes a keyring pouch for noisy environments.

Tech: The Digital Nomad’s Lifeline

Tech is the backbone of a digital nomad’s work. This list focuses on Apple’s USB-C ecosystem for compatibility and reliability.

• Apple MacBook Air M1 ($999): A lightweight, powerful laptop for editing and work. Still performs well, with plans to upgrade to M3.
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro ($999): A versatile smartphone with an excellent camera, serving as a secondary filming device.
• Apple Watch Ultra ($799): Rugged and feature-rich, ideal for tracking and notifications.
• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249): Improved sound and tracking features, with touch controls for volume.
• Apple MagSafe Duo ($129): Wireless charger for iPhone and Apple Watch.
• Apple AirTag ($29): Tracks bags and gear for peace of mind.
• Aer Split Kit ($45): A compact pouch for tech accessories.
• Anker PowerPort III 2-Port 65W ($40): Charges multiple devices efficiently.
• Anker USB-C Cable Bio-based 6ft ($15): Durable cable for MacBook and other devices.
• Anker Lightning Cable Bio-based 3ft ($13): For MagSafe and iPhone charging.
• Futurizta Pixy Go Portable Charger 10000 ($35): Wireless and USB-C charging for on-the-go power.
• Kikkerland Universal Travel Adapter ($15): Adapts to global outlets.
• uGreen SD Adapter ($12): For quick camera data transfers.
• Samsung SSD Portable T5 2TB ($150): Extra storage for large files.
• inCharge Cable ($20): A compact multi-connector cable for emergencies.
• Nintendo Switch OLED ($350): Portable gaming for downtime.
• Tomtoc Switch Case ($25): Protects the Nintendo Switch during travel.

Filmmaking Gear: Compact and Professional

For creating city guides, compact and high-quality filmmaking gear is essential.

• Sony A7C Camera ($1,598): A compact full-frame camera for professional video and photos.
• Sony Shotgun Microphone ECM-B10 ($250): High-quality audio in a compact package.
• Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens ($899): A lightweight wide-angle lens for versatile shooting.
• Sirui 3T-35 Tripod ($90): Compact tripod for selfies or stable shots.
• Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber ($599): Lightweight and sturdy for elevated shots.
• Moment ND Variable Filter 67mm ($129): Adjustable light filter for dynamic shooting conditions.
• Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap ($45): Secure and comfortable for carrying the camera.
• Peak Design Capture Clip ($70): Clips the camera to the WANDRD backpack.
• Peak Design Cuff Handle ($35): Alternative camera grip for tripod use.
• Neewer Dual Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 ($40): Charges two camera batteries via USB-C.
• Insta360 X3 ($449): Versatile 360-degree camera for action shots.
• GoPro Hero 8 ($199): Reliable for surfing or diving.
• DJI Mini 3 Pro ($759): Compact drone with high-quality footage, including Fly More Combo.
• Tenba BYOB 9 Camera Insert ($40): Protects drone gear.
• DJI Wireless Mic ($159): Versatile audio for studio or on-the-go recording.
• Rode Lavalier GO ($79): Discreet mic for use with DJI Wireless Mic.
• Rode VideoMic Go II ($99): USB-C mic for voiceovers.
• Ulanzi MT-08 Handheld Tripod ($20): Stand for Rode microphone.
• VSGO Camera Cleaning Kit ($25): Keeps lenses and sensors clean.
• Alpaka Element Tech Case ($50): Stores less frequently used camera accessories.

Miscellaneous: Small but Mighty

These items enhance comfort and convenience without adding bulk.

• Matador Pocket Blanket ($30): A compact blanket for beach or park visits.
• Matador Droplet Water-Resistant Stuff Sack ($15): Protects non-waterproof gear.
• Vapur Eclipse Flexible Water Bottle ($12): Packable and reusable for hydration.

Packing Strategy: Balancing Work and Life

The total item count is 88, fitting into the PAKT Travel Backpack and WANDRD PRVKE Lite. This “one-and-a-half bag” approach accommodates clothing, tech, and filmmaking gear while remaining carry-on compliant. The key is to prioritize multi-purpose items and avoid redundancy. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro doubles as a camera, and the AirLoft Jacket serves as a pillow.

Item Category Distribution (Pie Chart)

Lessons from the Road

• Durability Matters: Western Rise tops show minor peeling after a year but remain functional and odor-resistant.
• Adaptability is Key: Clothing and gear must handle varied climates and activities.
• Minimalism Saves Weight: Avoid packing items available at destinations, like shampoo or towels.
• Tech Streamlines Work: A reliable laptop and smartphone reduce the need for additional devices.

Final Thoughts

This packing list is a roadmap for digital nomads seeking freedom without sacrificing productivity. Each item is chosen for its utility, durability, and compactness, ensuring you’re prepared for work, adventure, and everything in between. Whether you’re filming city guides or working remotely from a beachside café, this list equips you for the journey.

For a visual breakdown, check out my YouTube video detailing each item, or explore Pack Hacker’s packing list tool for further inspiration. Happy travels!

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Until you can read, 7 Best Jobs to Be a Digital Nomad: Work and Wanderlust