Digital Nomad Packing List: What I Actually Bring

Packing ultra light sounds great until you’re uncomfortable, unproductive, and dreading opening your laptop.

After trying to work from a kitchen table in Argentina for a month, I learned that the hard way. My back hurt, my setup was terrible, and I started to resent work while traveling (which I thought would never happen).

Since then, I’ve worked remotely from seven countries for weeks and months at a time, and through a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out what actually makes remote work sustainable on the road.

This isn’t a “pack everything” list. It’s the exact setup I rely on: the non-negotiables that make working from cafés, Airbnbs, and anywhere else comfortable, productive, and honestly… enjoyable.

If you’re a digital nomad or someone who works while traveling, this packing list will help you avoid the mistakes I made and build a setup that actually works.

Table of Contents

Digital Nomad Work Setup Essentials

Your laptop (and cover)

I mean, duh, you need to bring your laptop, but it had to be said. I also put a plastic case on mine to minimize the inevitable scratches from putting my laptop in my bag and pulling it out constantly. Here’s the one I use – it’s cheap, comes in tons of colors, and has protected my laptop from tons of scratches.

A laptop stand

Getting a lightweight, portable laptop stand was a game changer for my remote work setup while traveling. Hunching over your laptop for an afternoon is fine, but do it a few days in a row and you’ll be a whole lot less fine.

I went with the NextStand K2 because it’s lightweight enough to carry daily but sturdy enough that it doesn’t wobble on uneven café tables. Plus, it was half the price of other recommended products.

A mouse and keyboard

Unfortunately, as you start using a laptop stand, wireless keyboard and mouse are now a necessity. My brother gave me his Apple keyboard and mouse and I like them a lot because they’re compact enough to throw in my bag without thinking, which matters when you’re moving around.

While I find that the design isn’t particularly ergonomic, so far they haven’t caused issues! I’ll report back if I ever get carpel tunnel.

If you’re building your own setup, start with the laptop stand and adapter—those made the biggest difference for me right away.

Tech You Actually Need

Multi-plug adapter

I finally got one of these before my trip to Argentina last year, and I can’t believe I waited so long. It has a USB, USB C port and plug. It’s also an adaptable universal design so it’ll work anywhere you go. You can check out the one I use here.

VPN

I didn’t understand why I needed a VPN for the longest time. But once I got one, wow, there was no going back. I think a VPN is worth it for its security features alone. Especially if you’ll be using public networks.

But its more tangible uses, like being able to access your bank account online, or any other service online is huge. It also doesn’t hurt that it helps you watch streaming services as if you’re in a different country.

I tried a few options and ended up with Surfshark VPN, which I’m super happy with. I have it installed on my computer and laptop and find the interface really user friendly and easy to toggle on and off.

Cell Service

If you’re working remotely abroad, you need cell service. You have two options here: you can get a local sim card whenever you land somewhere new (cheaper, impractical). Or you can get an e-sim card online, using Airalo or a similar service (pricier, easier).

If you don’t mind the impracticality and will be staying in one place for a while, go with the local provider. If you like to have things done with the least friction possible, online all the way.

Noise canceling headphones

These aren’t a requirement strictly speaking, but they are SO useful. Crying baby on the plane? Chatty group at a coffee shop while you try to focus? Working out while abroad? Just put your headphones on. Personally, I like in-ear ones for their compactness.

I was recently gifted a set of Airpods Pro, and am really liking them so far. I haven’t tried their translation feature yet, but I can’t wait!

Bags and Luggage for Remote Work Travel

A carry on (or two)

If you’ll be away for just a month, a carry on is all you’ll need. But what about my…(insert thing you don’t actually need here)?..you may ask. Trust me, you can do it, and it will make your life a whole lot easier.

Depending on how much hopping around I’ll be doing, I’ll either bring a regular roller bag or a travel backpack. I have an older version of this one by Tortuga that’s amazing and still going strong. Getting on and off buses, walking on cobblestone streets, and going up stairs are all so much easier with a backpack.

If you’re going to be away for more than a month, then you might consider more than one bag, especially if the weather will be changing. In this case, bring another carry on (although you’ll always have to pay to check it anyway).

A small backpack

You’ll need a backpack to bring your laptop with you occasionally, but also to go on day trips or a hike, or anything else really! I bring my Osprey Daylight which is technically a hiking backpack, but you can use it for whatever you want. Check out the Osprey Daylight Pack here.

Packing cubes

I didn’t use packing cubes on my first long trip and ended up digging through my entire bag every time I needed a T-shirt. After a week, everything was wrinkled and impossible to find. Packing cubes completely fixed that: they basically turn your backpack into drawers.

Clothing Must-Haves

I used to over-pack “just in case” outfits I never wore. After a few trips, I realized I rotate the same 5–7 pieces constantly—and everything else just adds weight. Now I pack knowing I’ll do laundry at least every other week, and it’s made traveling so much easier. My recommendation is:

5-7 T-shirts or tank tops
2-3 shorts or pants
2 pairs of comfortable shoes
2 sets of workout wear
1 set of pajamas

Toiletries for Long Term Travel

Toiletry bag

I have two that I love and use for slightly different purposes. I pack my Peak Design toiletry bag when I won’t be going from place to place so much and am not very constrained space-wise. It’s great at organizing toiletries, but a bit bulky.

Otherwise, it’s my Sea to Summit toiletry bag. It’s super lightweight and has a hook you can use to hang it in a small space.

Travel bottles

You can buy anything you need at your destination, so you won’t be in a tough situation. But generally, I like to come with my stuff to avoid having to hunt down what I’m looking for. Travel bottles are a staple.

The rest is up to you!

Small Items That Make a Huge Difference

Travel towel

These towels are thin, absorbent, and dry quickly. More importantly, they don’t take up much space. Even when my accommodation has included towels, I’ve found that having my travel towel has saved me when going to the beach or a lake countless times.

Aeropress

If you’re coffee obsessed like I am, you have to bring an Aeropress. I have two main reasons for this: not all destinations have good coffee (sad but true), and sometimes I just want to have a cup of coffee at “home” in my pajamas.

I got a bag of Tanat beans on a recent trip to Tbilisi after trying it at Brewio. I continued on to Estonia, where there actually is great coffee, but making myself an espresso from the comfort of my apartment on a cold, rainy morning was pure bliss.

Kindle

Look, I know, nothing beats the feel of a physical book in your hands. Actually turning the pages, earmarking sections you want to back to–that’s irreplaceable. But the Kindle is just so incredibly practical (and not like looking at a screen at all!). It allows me to bring multiple books, and take out new ones from my local library – all while I’m thousands of miles from home.

There are tons of new models of the Kindle but I still think the compact OG is the best. Check it out here.

Eye mask

You never know if the place you’ll be staying has decent blinds or not. I originally started packing an eye mask for overnight flights, but soon found myself reaching for it elsewhere.

Travel Insurance

I used to skip travel insurance to save money. But after having to cancel a couple of trips unexpectedly and hearing of medical-bill horror stories, I started opting in. That was enough to convince me it’s not optional, especially when you’re abroad for weeks or months.

When I spent several months in Spain, I went with Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions. I never filed a claim, so I can’t report on that aspect. I was looking for medical coverage above all, since my Chase Sapphire credit card offers general travel insurance.

If you’re putting your packing list together, I’ve linked all the exact items I use throughout this post to make it easier.

How to Afford a Month Abroad (Without Roughing It)

What Living Abroad for a Month Actually Feels Like

Must-See Places in Argentina That Belong on Your Bucket List