10 Gear Essentials for Working Nomads

The digital nomad lifestyle is often flexible, freeing, and minimalist. 

That said, some items are essential to take with you if you plan to work while you travel.

Read on for our 10 gear essentials that will help you get the most out of life as a working nomad.

1. Backpack

If you’re spending a lot of time traveling, the right kind of bag is a necessity. 

To suit your digital nomad style, you’ll want something that:

• Is lightweight and comfortable to carry
• Is sturdy enough to protect your belongings
• Has pockets and compartments to keep your gear organized

Backpacks are especially handy as they can double up as carry-on bags for your journey and day bags for your day-to-day routine. They’re also easier to travel with than a suitcase, provided you haven’t packed on the heavy side.

2. Laptop

While it might sound like an obvious choice, the right laptop is key to a successful career as a digital nomad.

The exact style and features you go for depend on your specific line of work and your personal preferences. Generally speaking, though, the best laptops for remote work will:

• Be compact
• Be durable
• Come with the right ports and connections (e.g., HDMI, USB-C)
• Have a long battery life
• Have enough processing power for the programs you regularly use

You might choose to opt for a tablet instead of a laptop, but remember that this will require that you bring a separate keyboard and mouse.

3. Smartphone

Another essential tech piece for working nomads is a reliable smartphone.

Stock your phone with the right apps, such as time trackers, translators, and live maps, and it will become your portable office and travel guide all in one.

Just make sure that your phone is unlocked before you travel. Then, you can use it with any service carrier and avoid roaming charges, which simplifies things when moving from country to country.

4. Portable WiFi Hotspot

If you’re a working nomad, you’ll likely need a reliable internet connection to get your work done. But what do you do when the places you’re traveling through have poor (or no) internet service?

The answer is a portable WiFi hotspot, a small, pocket-sized router. These routers allow you to connect your devices to the internet from almost anywhere in the world.

They also provide a more secure connection than public WiFi, so you may choose to use them even when other connection options are available.

5. Noise-Canceling Earphones

Whether you’re working from a busy airport, noisy hotel, or packed cafe, noise-canceling earphones can help you focus and block out unwanted distractions.

They’re especially useful for video calls with clients and any virtual meetings you need to attend.

Additionally, wireless noise-canceling earphones can make things less cluttered when you’re setting up a temporary workspace or working on the go.

6. External Storage

External hard drives and SD cards are a must-have for most digital nomads.

These external storage devices mean you can:

• Free up space on your laptop or smartphone
• Transfer large files
• Back up important files in case of computer disasters

Many external storage options come with USB connectivity, making them easy to charge and use wherever you are in the world.

7. Universal Travel Adaptor

Even a phone or laptop with an impressive battery life will run out of juice eventually. When this happens, a travel adaptor will come in handy.

The best universal travel adaptors will come with various sockets and USB ports, so you can charge all your devices wherever you are in the world.

Just keep in mind that some travel adaptors may cause power surges, so it’s important to look out for key safety features when choosing yours.

8. Power Bank

If you’re a more adventurous working nomad, you’ll also need a way to keep your devices charged when power outlets aren’t available.

Power banks are a great solution when working in more remote locations. Choose one with multiple ports and a quick charge option, and you’ll be able to keep your smartphone, laptop, and other devices ready to go.

9. Cable Organizer 

With all this tech gear to keep track of, things can soon get messy. That’s why a cable organizer is a great tool to take with you on your travels.

These handy pouches keep all your USB cords, earphones, and chargers in one place and usually come with pockets specially designed to prevent any cables from getting tangled or damaged.

10. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

While working nomads can experience a better work–life balance than most, you’ll still be spending a lot of time looking at screens.

Digital screens emit blue light, which causes numerous issues, including:

• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Sleep issues

Blue light glasses are a way to reduce the blue light that hits your eyes and, in turn, reduces these harmful effects.

Plus…

Although it’s not strictly gear, having a flexible job goes hand in hand with being a digital nomad.

We can help you secure this particular essential with our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses, which offer comprehensive training and guaranteed work.

Sign up for a free trial, or see what the course bundle has to offer.

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How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa as a Remote Worker What is a Digital Nomad? (And How to Become One) Why Proofreading Is the Best Remote Job for Expats Why Proofreading Is a Great Remote Job for Former Teachers