- Last Updated: January 4, 2025
As a digital nomad, it is crucial to have essential gears with you on the go. Packing up unnecessary items will make it painful to carry and operate your lifestyle. Whether you set up your office in a quaint cafe or on a remote beach, your tools are your lifeblood as a digital nomad, enabling you to be connected, productive, and effective wherever you are.
Since all of the gears and other essentials are packed in the backpack, you have to be careful and discreet while selecting gears.
Digital Nomad Gear and Essentials
We’ve traveled a lot ourselves, so we’ve had to learn the hard way what’s truly necessary and what takes up valuable space. Through trial and error, we lightened our loads and optimized our configurations to hold only the most essential, budget-friendly, and compact equipment.
In this guide, we’ll explore 21 digital nomad gear that every nomad should pack. From tech gadgets to other travel essentials, these tools will help you work smarter, stay connected, and fully enjoy the flexibility that comes with living a nomadic lifestyle. So without any further delay, let’s dive into it!
[This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you decide to purchase some of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost for you. I only recommend selected products that I’m convinced about and that I would buy (or already did buy) myself.]
Tech & Productivity
Tech gadgets are crucial for digital nomads. As a digital nomad, your entire bread and butter depends on tech products, as remote working is a significant part of your life.
From powerful, lightweight laptop to essential peripherals like portable monitor, portable wifi hotspot, these gears will ease your work life and enhance your productivity to a great extent. Let’s have a look at these essential nomad gears.
1. Lightweight Laptop
Your laptop is the heart of your digital nomad gear kit. Whether you are a freelancer or a remote employee, having the right laptop is a must for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Key factors such as portability, weight, durability, processing power, and battery life need to be considered while choosing a laptop. A lightweight, durable laptop with a good battery life will ensure you can work seamlessly.
Even though it can be tempting to go for the most affordable option, investing in a reliable, high-performance laptop can save you trouble later.
For digital nomads, the Apple MacBook Air M2 can be an outstanding choice. With its sleek design, powerful M2 chip, and exceptional battery life, it strikes the perfect balance between portability and performance.
Whether you’re editing videos, attending Zoom meetings, or writing on the go, the MacBook Air M2 provides you with strong processing power and makes it a reliable option for digital nomads. Apart from this, it is considered the best all-around portable laptop for travel and work.
You may also like this: 13 Best Laptops for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers (2025)
2. Portable Monitor
To enhance your workflow, using a portable monitor can be a good option. It allows you to multitask, provides big spaces for creative work, and enhances the immersive experience. Overall, a portable laptop increases focus and decreases distractions.
While choosing a portable monitor, consider factors like screen size, portability, and ease of connectivity.
For a perfect balance of portability and performance, the KYY Portable Monitor 15.6-inch is an excellent choice. It offers a stunning FHD 1080p resolution, excellent color rendering, and wide compatibility with a variety of devices via USB Type-C and mini-HDMI ports.
With its ultra-slim 0.3-inch profile and lightweight design, it’s easy to carry, making it ideal for dual-monitor setups while on the go.
3. Noise-Cancelling Headphone
While traveling, there will be times when you find chaotic situations that’ll hamper your ability to work properly. A noise-cancelling headphone can help you focus on your work by blocking out all the external sounds.
When choosing noise-cancelling headphones, prioritize sound quality, comfort for extended wear, and effective noise cancellation. There are multiple brands that produce quality, noise-canceling headphones. Some of the popular brands are Sony, Sennheiser, Bose, and so on. They offer outstanding sound clarity, superior noise isolation, and a comfortable, durable design.
Our personal suggestion is the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. It is an excellent headphone that offers high ambient noise attenuation, accurate, linear sound reproduction, and soft earpads for a comfortable fit. Besides, it comes with a tough, single-sided cable.
Perfect for digital nomads, these headphones ensure you can work efficiently and enjoy your downtime, wherever you are.
4. Laptop Stand
A portable laptop stand is crucial for maintaining ergonomic comfort and preventing strain during long hours of work. This helps to maintain good posture, reduces pain, and increases productivity levels.
When choosing a laptop stand, look for portability, compatibility, and stability. The Roost laptop stand is an excellent choice, known for its lightweight yet sturdy design.
It’s fully adjustable, versatile, and easy to carry, making it perfect for digital nomads who need a reliable stand that supports comfort and productivity on the go. The included carrying sleeve adds to its convenience, allowing you to take it anywhere.
5. Portable Keyboard & Mouse
A portable keyboard and wireless mouse are essential for an ergonomic and productive workspace. These gears allow for proper hand positioning, reduce strain, and enhance productivity levels. Prioritize portability, battery life, and ergonomic design while choosing.
Portable keyboards are lightweight and foldable, allowing for a more ergonomic setup. You can buy the ProtoArc Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard, which has multiple features and is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
On the other hand, a wireless mouse allows you to work more freely without getting tangled in cables. Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is one of the best travel mice for remote workers because of its precision, comfort, smoothness, and button customization features. You can also check out the Apple Magic Mouse 2 if you’re looking for a mouse, especially for Macs.
6. External Hard Drive
The next essential piece of nomad gear on our list is an external hard drive. As someone constantly on the move, you’ll generate a vast amount of data, from photos and videos to work files and projects. An external hard drive provides extra storage and backup for this data.
Well, there are multiple reliable brands out there, selling great portable external hard drives. Due to positive feedback, the Seagate Portable 2TB is our suggestion for digital nomads. Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backups a snap—just drag and drop.
7. Portable Wi-fi Hotspot
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is essential to ensure reliable internet access in remote areas or insecure public Wi-Fi. Having a strong, durable, and long-lasting portable Wi-Fi hotspot is an absolute lifesaver for remote workers or even for digital nomads.
You can use SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE Wi-fi hotspot as another nomad gear that offers secure and reliable internet coverage in over 135 countries, ideal for global travel or business trips.
With SIMO’s Virtual SIM technology, it automatically connects to the best available signal, ensuring fast and seamless connectivity wherever you are.
8. Portable Power Bank
Another must-have tech for digital nomads is a portable power bank. For digital nomads, it is quite obvious to run out of device charge as most of the time they are on the road. A portable, durable, compatible, and long-lasting power bank will make your journey more smooth.
Our pick for a portable bank on this list is the INIU 140W 27000mAh Power Bank. It is a powerful and versatile 140W PD 3.1 power bank, designed for fast and safe charging of high-power devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
With a massive 27,000mAh airline-approved capacity, it can charge multiple devices on a single recharge, supporting up to three devices at once with its various ports. Backed by a 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support, it’s a reliable choice for on-the-go charging.
9. Multi-port USB Hub
A multi-port USB hub is essential for digital nomads who need to connect multiple devices to their laptop simultaneously, increasing productivity and versatility.
When choosing a USB hub, prioritize the number of ports, compatibility, and data transfer speed. The Anker 553 8-in-1 USB-C Hub is a top choice, offering massive expansion with 8 ports, including USB-C, USB-A, dual HDMI, Ethernet, and microSD/SD card readers, all from a single USB-C connection.
Additionally, it supports dual 4K HDMI displays and offers up to 85W high-speed pass-through charging.
10. Portable Blutooth Speaker
A portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-have digital nomad gear for those who enjoy music, podcasts, or conference calls on the go. It adds a touch of convenience and entertainment to your travels, letting you share audio experiences anywhere.
The JBL Go 3 is an excellent option that packs surprisingly powerful sound into a compact, waterproof design. You can enjoy up to 5 hours of playtime while streaming music wirelessly from any Bluetooth device, making it the perfect portable companion for your adventures.
Content Creation & Entertainment
If you are into content creation or just simply fond of capturing moments, selecting the right camera with other belongings is important. Key considerations like portability, functionality, durability, and affordability need to be kept in mind while choosing.
11. Digital Camera or DSLR
The first piece of nomad gear in this category is a digital camera or DSLR. It is an important add-on for digital nomads wanting to capture high-quality photos and videos during their travels. Whether for professional content creation or personal memories, having a reliable, portable, and powerful camera ensures you document your experiences beautifully.
Here our pick is the powerful Canon EOS R50 that features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC X processor for stunning image clarity. It offers high-speed continuous shooting up to 15 fps and advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with deep learning for precise subject tracking.
With exceptional low-light performance and 6K oversampled 4K video recording, it’s perfect for capturing fluid, high-quality content. Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable easy file transfer and remote control, making it ideal for photographers and videographers on the go.
12. Drone
For digital nomads, a drone adds a whole new dimension to capturing beautiful landscapes and unique aerial views. To level up your game in travel content creation, it’s a must to make your photos and videos really stand out.
When choosing a drone, prioritize camera quality, battery life, and ease of transportation. There are multiple brands on the market that offer great drones to people. But our personal preference is for the mighty DJI Mavic Air 2.
DJI Mavic Air 2 takes aerial photography to new heights with its 48MP camera and 4K/60fps video capability, powered by a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and a 3-axis gimbal. It has a flight time of up to 34 minutes and intelligent tracking features like Spotlight 2.0 and ActiveTrack 3.0, which make it easy to capture dynamic shots.
13. Action Camera
The next digital nomad gear on our list is an action camera. It is an important add-on for capturing high-energy adventures and immersive experiences on the go. It is built to withstand tough conditions and deliver high-quality footage in dynamic environments.
There are so many action camera brands out there. But GoPro is totally ruling the market for action cameras. From our own experience, they are totally incredible for the job.
With features like a water-repelling lens cover and high frame rates for slow-motion capture, it’s perfect for documenting high-energy adventures.
14. Microphone
A high-quality microphone is essential for digital nomads to ensure clear, professional audio for video calls, content creation and recording. The right mic improves communication and content quality, making it an essential tool for remote work and creative projects.
The Rode Wireless Go II Dual is a versatile, ultra-compact wireless microphone system ideal for filmmaking, vlogging, and streaming. It features dual-channel recording with 40 hours of on-board storage and works with a variety of devices, including cameras, computers, and smartphones.
Its built-in microphone and compatibility with RODE Connect software increase flexibility and audio quality for any recording or streaming setup.
Not that common among digital nomads, but if you are a slowmad or digital nomad who moves slowly, a content creator (especially a poscaster, voice-over artist, or singer), and work from a co-working space, then you can add a condenser microphone in your least.
From a clear sound and budget-friendly perspective, you can use the Rode NT1 SS condenser microphone. It offers great clarity, high sensitivity, and a versatile option.
15. E-Reader
An e-reader is essential for digital nomads who love to read on the go. The great thing about an e-reader is, you don’t need to carry tons of books along with you. It offers a lightweight, portable library with long battery life, which is perfect for travel.
Choose an e-reader with a glare-free screen and sufficient storage for an uninterrupted reading experience anywhere.
The Kindle Paperwhite features a 6.8” glare-free display, adjustable warm light, and up to 10 weeks of battery life. It’s waterproof and designed to be read anywhere, even in bright sunlight.
With Kindle Unlimited and Audible compatibility, you can enjoy thousands of books and audiobooks on the go and reduce boredom.
16. LED Streaming Light
An LED streaming light is an essential digital nomad gear that is needed to create high-quality content on the go. It ensures consistent, flattering lighting for video calls and streams, by improving your visibility and professionalism. Compact and adjustable, it’s perfect for any workplace, anywhere.
The Logitech Litra Glow LED Streaming Light is perfect for optimal lighting for digital nomads. Its TrueSoft technology delivers balanced, full-spectrum light that flatters your skin tone and eliminates harsh shadows, ensuring a professional look.
Adjustable brightness and color temperature, combined with a versatile 3-way mount, make it easy to set up and customize your lighting. Portable and USB-powered, it’s ideal for video calls, streaming, and content creation on the go.
Travel Essentials & Personal Care
Apart from the above nomad tools, there are more travel essentials along with personal care tools that need to be considered while packing up digital nomad goods. Some of them are described in the below.
17. VPN or Virtual Private Network
VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is one of the most essential digital nomad tools. It ensures secure and private internet access, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Choosing a VPN with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and global server coverage is essential for maintaining online security and accessing content from anywhere.
You can try NordVPN, as it offers fast, secure, and widespread server coverage. With advanced encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the ability to bypass geo-blocks, NordVPN is a top pick for digital nomads who value both privacy and performance.
18. Universal Travel Adapter
For digital nomads, a universal travel adapter is a must-have nomad gear. It keeps your devices charged across various plug types worldwide. Opt for one with multiple USB ports and built-in surge protection for added ease and security.
The BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter is a versatile travel essential that converts voltage for US/Japan devices in over 150 countries. It features 4 USB ports and 3 AC sockets, allowing you to charge 7 devices simultaneously with advanced safety protections. Its compact design and international adapters make it easy to carry wherever you go.
19. Fitness Tracker
Staying active and getting the right healthcare on the go is essential for digital nomads. A fitness tracker helps you monitor your health effortlessly. Choose a tracker that offers features like heart rate monitoring, respiration monitoring, calorie burn rate, GPS, and long battery life to keep up with your active lifestyle across different time zones and environments.
Fitbit Inspire 3 is your fitness tracker that provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring, stress management, and detailed sleep insights. With over 20 exercise modes, daily activity tracking, and 10 days of battery life, it keeps you connected and motivated.
Plus, you can enjoy a 6-month premium membership for personalized health insights and advanced analytics.
You may also like: 12 Best Travel Workout Equipment Items
20. Earbuds
Earbuds are essential nomad tools, providing privacy and high-quality audio in both noisy and calm environments. They ensure immersive sound for work calls, music, or podcasts while remaining compact and portable.
Look for features like noise-canceling, comfort, and long battery life to enhance your productivity and entertainment on the go.
Apple AirPods (2nd generation) deliver enriched sound thanks to the Apple H1 chip. They offer great connectivity with automatic pairing and seamless switching between Apple devices. Voice control with Siri is available for hands-free assistance. The AirPods provide over 24 hours of battery life with the charging case.
Additionally, you can share audio between two sets of AirPods on compatible Apple devices.
21. Audio Interface
Digital nomads who are into studio work such as music, podcasts, and content creation often require a good audio interface to smooth their work process. Interfaces help connect microphones or instruments to computer audio software, or DAWs. It’s not mandatory nomad gear for everyone, but it can be essential for many.
Though there are many good and reliable audio interface brands out there, our choice will be the Audient Evo 4. Here you have 2 channels, a DSP-based low latency software mixer, a JFET instrument input opinion, and many more. The coolest and most unique thing that sets this interface apart is the smartgain option, which automatically sets the input levels of your microphones or instruments.
22. Headlamp
Bonus one! If you are a digital nomad who loves adventure travel, such as camping or hiking, buying a headlamp will be a good investment. Headlamps provide hands-free illumination for night work or low-light environments. They ensure safety and efficiency in outdoor activities or emergency situations.
The Energizer LED Headlamp Pro offers hands-free illumination with a powerful 260-lumen LED light. It provides bright visibility up to 80 meters. The headlamp features advanced dimming control, allowing brightness adjustment from 10% to 100%.
Also, it includes three modes—high, spot, and wide—to accommodate various functions. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities, this versatile headlamp ensures reliable lighting in any situation.
In conclusion, we can say that having the right gear is crucial for a successful digital nomad lifestyle. The 21 must-have items listed here are essential for increasing productivity, staying connected, and maintaining your well-being while traveling. From must-need tech gadgets to practical travel gear, each item has been chosen precisely to meet the demands of a laptop lifestyle.
You may also like this- Becoming a Content Creator in 2025 | Digital Nomad Jobs
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