10 Minimalist Packing Must Have Items for Digital Nomads

As a digital nomad, it can be difficult trying to narrow down your packing list to only the necessities. Many people may feel like they need something they don’t or may pack emergency items or things that are only used once. This can create a long list and make traveling from destination to destination more difficult and energy-consuming.

Think like a minimalist when trying to survive as a digital nomad. You don’t need more stuff, you need less. You want to make your life as easy as possible when you are traveling. By keeping your packing list centralized and focused, you are making your travels easier. The goal is to try and fit all of your belongings in one bag, so drop the items that are extremely bulky or the ones that will take up too much space. Consider this list of essential items that a digital nomad must pack.

1 – Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are essential because you will be moving on your feet more than you realize. Digital nomads are always on the go and don’t necessarily own vehicles, so there is a need for comfortable shoes durable enough to withstand frequent and daily use. You want to have versatile shoes that can get you through any weather. Invest in a couple of pairs of versatile tennis shoes to be prepared for when one gets ruined.

2 – Laptop

Digital nomads work online so you need a quality laptop or computer to do your work on the go. There are many electronic devices a digital nomad must carry but a laptop is essential for the work they do on a daily basis. Laptops or tablets are great portable devices that can easily fit into a backpack or small bag. Try to minimize the number of items you are carrying to eliminate extra weight and create space.

3 – Smart Device

Smartphones are crucial to digital nomad’s daily life. You are responsible for managing your own work and time so making sure you have a mobile device of some kind on you is important. You want to be prepared for emergencies and unusual situations that may call for the use of a smartphone. These devices are needed for easy and fast communication with colleagues and other important people. Sometimes you need to utilize a GPS system and you can utilize your phone for that as well. You can also utilize your smartphone to gain access to content and media. Regardless if you need to watch a video, listen to a file or want to enjoy some of your favorite movies, having a smartphone on you is greatly beneficial.

4 – External Hard Drive

Having a central place for your files is important for every digital nomad. You are working on the go and will need to store your information somewhere. Having an external hard drive is crucial to managing your files and sensitive data. You also want to be prepared for accidents and mishaps. If you lose your laptop or something happens to it, you have your hard drive with your information stored. It can save you a lot of trouble by getting an external hard drive.

5 – Waterproof Bags

While you are moving and traveling all across the world as a nomad, you want to have secure bags that can withstand water. Having waterproof bags are essential to a digital nomad’s daily life. You will most likely have to carry your things around and you want to make sure that your valuables are safe against water and rain. Electronics are the only way these professionals get their work done and make money, so you want to have a safe place to store them while you travel.

6 – Maps and Guidebooks

Carrying physical maps of your area can be extremely beneficial to those who enjoy traveling in general. It’s important to have a physical copy f a map or guidebook for the moments when electronics fail. You don’t want to depend too much on your electronics when it comes to finding your way around. Not only will a physical map help you learn your area faster, but be more reliable.

7 – Cash

Cash is something you must keep on you at all time when traveling. As a digital nomad, it is ideal to have just enough cash on you to make sure you are prepared for moments you aren’t able to use a debit or credit card. Try not to carry too much money around as it can be risky. Carrying enough for your necessities and your daily costs is the best thing to do, especially if you are always on the go.

If you are able to, it is advised that digital nomads have a fee-free bank or credit account. Getting a credit card the don’t charge foreign fees to your account when you make purchases out of the country is a great thing to do to avoid having to pay more money.

8 – Headphones

Headphones are essential as well. You want to be able to zone in and out of your environment when you are working. Headphones are great for phone calls and video chats. Try to opt for less bulky headphones like over the head headphones and use wired ones that can fit in your pocket. Earbuds will save you lots of space and will eliminate the hassle of keeping up with them.

9 – 7 to 10 Days Worth of Clothing

Clothing matters to a digital nomad but shouldn’t be something that a lot of focus is placed on. Digital nomads shouldn’t be materialist people as they must have the minimum items and belonging to make their travels easier. Minimal packing is essential to long term travel. Bringing enough clothes for about a week can be enough for your travels. Digital nomads often pack just enough clothing for a short amount of time and rewash them throughout their travels.

You want to pack items that are suitable for any weather condition. Use the weather of your destination to help you decide what clothing fits best. Long term travel usually requires a variety of clothing for a wide range of climates to be prepared. Here are some essential items to include on your clothing list:

• Travel vest
• Hiking pants
• Shorts
• Swimsuit
• T-shirts
• Thin fleece
• Lightweight raincoat
• Flip flops
• And more

10 – Medical Kit

Medical kits are important to include on your packing list because you want to be prepared for medical emergencies or situations where you may accidentally hurt yourself while traveling. Having the right tools to tend to cuts and abrasions is essential to a traveler in general.