Packing for your lifestyle as a digital nomad can feel like a daunting task – and it is a significant endeavor to be sure you have the things you most want and need. However, many things are available around the world, so it’s important to not overthink and stress too much about what you bring and what you leave.
When we think of traveling or living on the road, we worry about having the right things – everything we’ll want and need. In the “Packing” posts of our blog, we’ll be offering up questions and suggestions to help you figure out what you do (and don’t) need to bring.
Curious about luggage? We’ve got a post on that too!
What to Wear Around the World
Since you’ll be living out of your bag, it’s a funny paradox of needing to have exactly what you most love and need while also realizing much of it will get worn out and replaced more quickly than at home.
The lighter and less you pack, the more you’ll likely rely on more “techy” clothing that is quick dry and will be washed frequently in sinks (like living off 6 pairs of underwear).
Not everything you buy and bring needs to be “travel gear / clothing” specifically, however, and it’s often more expensive than normal clothing (though just as often well-made and high quality). Decide what items you want to invest in for long-term use, and which things will serve shorter terms as you wear through them.
Layer Up
You may also decide to stick to a uniform so that your clothing rotation is less obvious and makes mixing + matching easier. Layering is critical – think about bringing items that coordinate and can layer together for various weather conditions rather than standalone, single-use items.
Where will you be going? Do you need hot, beachy clothes and accessories or cooler mountainwear? Will you be in cities and want some nicer outfits for networking events, fancy dinners, and performances?
Depending on whether your itinerary will feature destinations with similar climates or a wide variety, your packing list may need to include a range of items that can add up to a warm outfit for colder weather & outdoor activities, and your base layers should be comfortable in summery cities and beaches.
Dress for your Lifestyle
Think about any other items that you may want to have in your daily life. While you don’t want to overpack, it’s also important to be thoughtful of this as a lifestyle and not a vacation.
So perhaps it’s worth it to you to bring slippers or a bathrobe or a yoga mat or workout bands or boxing gloves or whatever will make your day-to-day feel like normal life. What do you need to feel happy and healthy? See what you can fit into your packing list and luggage that will help you feel comfortable and productive.
In addition to considering the climates of your destinations, think about the activities you’ll be participating in.
Do you like to go out to nice restaurants, see performances, or go to professional networking events? Then you’ll want to bring at least one nice jacket, pants, or dress. In general, it’s good to have at least one outfit for when opportunity knocks.
If you will spend time outdoors and in nature, make sure you have the right shoes and weather gear to enjoy your hobbies. A good rainjacket will almost always come in handy eventually, and a bathing suit is a small but useful thing to keep available.
Basic Packing List
Here’s a starter packing list that will ensure you’re ready for a range of activities. Consider the questions above to determine what additional clothing and accessories you’d like to have with you.
- 1+ regular pants
- 4+ regular tops
- 1+ workout outfits
- 1+ nice outfit
- 1 long layer
- 1 light jacket
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 bathing suit
- 8+ underwear
- 4+ socks
- Accessories: hats, scarves, headbands, etc
- Shoes: running / outdoors, sandals / flats, flip flops (universally useful)
- Toiletries
- First aid kit + basic medicine, prescriptions
Katherine’s packing prep for a 4-day camping trek to Machu Picchu. The company provided tents & bedding and a small duffle to be carried by donkeys. Each hiker carried a small personal day pack of their own.
Can’t Go Without Gear
What do you need to live and work? What additional tech is important to your work and personal projects?
Gear and tech can quickly add up to significant space and weight in your luggage, so only bring what you most need. Many people bring extra gear and tech that they never use but don’t want to scrap because it’s more valuable.
However, while much is available in airports, malls, and retailers abroad, buying or bringing exactly the hardware you need, having it under warranty, and testing it at home before you leave is a good idea.
We’ll talk more about digital nomad tech elsewhere, but a basic list to consider:
- Laptop
- Unlocked smart phone
- Camera (GoPro, drone, DSLR, etc – only bring if you really use it)
- Work tools and tablets, etc – only if you really use it
- Headphones
- Other: travel adapter, portable charger, portable speaker, external hard drive
Preparation
Make sure to do a test pack once you have almost everything together, at least a week before you leave. This way you can evaluate what does and doesn’t fit, and as you continue to get last minute items, you will know what easily can make the cut.
Some people swear by packing cubes. Some are strong believes in rolling clothing where others insist on flat packing. There’s no one right way to do it, and exactly what you bring and what you’re packing it in will impact how best to pack it.
Weigh your luggage when it’s fully packed to ensure it’ll meet airline restrictions – excess baggage fees can add up and are often shockingly expensive abroad (at outlandish per kg fees at airport check-in desks).
Make sure you can carry and transport your luggage on your own. If you’re moving into apartments and homes on your own, you’ll likely not have a porter carrying your bags to your room. Know that you can get you and all your stuff door-to-door as you take various modes of transportation from one housing setup in one country to another.
Katherine’s packing process leaving Koh Phangan, Thailand.