Digital Nomad Backpack Guide & Packing List

Have you ever dreamed of breaking free from the dreaded 9 to 5 grind? Being free to explore, work, and live life on your terms while traveling to your favorite destinations? If so, you’re not alone!

Although this digital nomad lifestyle was once seen as unusual, it has now become a popular choice in recent years. This is supported by figures as well: in 2024, there are over 40 million digital nomads worldwide, and this figure keeps on rising.

So, who exactly are digital nomads? Digital Nomads are people who have ditched the traditional office setup so they can work remotely while traveling. This lifestyle gives you the best combination of work and adventure so that you can continue to work while you are also satisfying your wanderlust. 

Now, since, as a digital nomad, you are going to be on the road for quite a long while, you need to have a trustworthy backpack by your side. Your backpack is not just a piece of luggage; it is your mobile office, your wardrobe, and your survival kit. A good backpack would keep all of your essentials secure during transit. A poorly chosen laptop will make travel a hassle, while the right one makes your journey hassle-free and enjoyable.

In this digital nomad backpack guide, we are going to cover it all. Starting from the essential items for a digital nomad's travel to efficient packing tips and everything in between. Our guide will help you create a digital nomad packing list that suits your lifestyle. 

Quick Summary

• Digital Nomads are people who have ditched the traditional office setup so they can work remotely while traveling.
• As a digital nomad, you are going to be on the road for quite a long while; you need to have a trustworthy backpack by your side. Your backpack is not just a piece of luggage; it is your mobile office, your wardrobe, and your survival kit.
• For digital nomads, packing smart isn't just a convenience; it is a necessity, as digital nomads travel all the time. Because of the limited space and the ever-changing destination, every item in your backpack needs to serve a purpose.
• When choosing a backpack, check for durability, comfort, multiple compartments, water-resistant material, size, and added compartments for your laptop and tablets.
• To organize your backpack, you should use packing cubes. Moreover, you can assign different compartments to different categories, such as one for electronics, one for clothes, and one for snacks. Keeping heavy material close to the back also helps. 
• If you want to pack light, you should stick to neutral colors, pack only two pairs of shoes, and minimize the number of devices you are carrying; rather, pick devices that can be used for both work and entertainment needs.

Why Packing Smart Matters for Digital Nomads?

For digital nomads, packing smart isn't just a convenience; it is a necessity, as digital nomads travel all the time. Because of the limited space and the ever-changing destination, every item in your backpack needs to serve a purpose. But that’s just not it; packing smart has many other advantages for the digital nomad. Here are a few:

• Packing smart means you would not overpack. Overpacking can lead to heavy loads, unnecessary fees, and travel fatigue.
• If you are packing smart, you will not forget any important items. Forgetting important items can affect your workflow, especially when working remotely.
• If you do not pack smartly and choose the wrong backpack, you will be left struggling with discomfort during transit.

With a well-thought-out digital nomad packing list by your side, you will be prepared for every scenario, whether you’re working from a cozy café, hiking to a remote location, or waiting for your next flight in a busy airport.

Features to Look for in a Digital Nomad Backpack

Before we start talking about packing tips and tricks and items you need to pack, it is important to choose a backpack, as the right backpack is an investment. When choosing a backpack, here are a few features that you should keep an eye out for.

• Your Backpack Needs to be Durable
  Since you will be traveling long distances with your backpack, it needs to be durable. Look for materials like ballistic nylon or polyester that withstand wear and tear. Choose backpacks that have sturdy zippers and reinforced stitching.
• Choose Comfortable Backpacks 
  As you will be wearing your backpack for a long while, you need to choose one that is comfortable. What does that mean? This means your backpack should have adjustable, padded shoulder straps and ergonomic back panels that reduce strain, making them comfortable to wear for long hours. 
• Go for Backpacks with Multiple Compartments 
  Choose a backpack that has multiple compartments. With multiple compartments, you can keep everything organized; moreover, it becomes easier to separate clothes, tech, and toiletries.
• Protect your Valuables With Water-Resistant Backpacks
  You never know when the weather will change and it will start pouring, which is why it's important to invest in a water-resistant backpack. A water-resistant or waterproof exterior protects your gear from unexpected weather changes.
• A Padded Laptop Sleeve 
  As a digital nomad, your laptop is your office, and you will be carrying it everywhere with you. Choosing a laptop with a padded laptop compartment is necessary, as it secures your most valuable tools.
• Consider The Size of the Bag
  Choosing the correct backpack size is really important. A backpack between 40-50L strikes the perfect balance between spaciousness and carry-on compliance.

Need help choosing your next destination? Check out the best cities for digital nomads to plan your next adventure, and visit Everki to choose a backpack that matches your lifestyle.

Best Backpacks For Digital Nomads

As a digital nomad, you might have found yourself struggling with finding the right backpack. This is why we have compiled a list of some of the best-rated backpacks for digital nomads. So, without further ado, let's get into it:

Altas Backpack

The Atlas Backpacks from Everki are travel-friendly laptop backpacks. Here is what they have to offer:

• Adaptable Laptop Compartment: 
  Fits laptops from 13 inches to 17.3 inches snugly and securely.
• Multiple Compartments: 
  It has multiple compartments that keep everything safe and secure.
• Checkpoint-Friendly Design: 
  Separate laptop and tablet compartments so you can remove them easily during airport security checks.
• Quick-Access Features: 
  It has a top pocket for boarding passes or phones and a magazine/newspaper slot for convenience during flights.
• Ergonomic Comfort: 
  5-point balance strap system with lumbar support for weight distribution and breathability.
• Trolley Handle Pass-Through: 
  Easily attach to luggage handles for easy transportation.
• Durable Zippers: 
  Heavy-duty metal pulls ensure longevity.

Business 120

The Busines 120 Backpack from Everki is for larger devices. Let's have a look at its features:

• Spacious Design: 
  A spacious backpack that can accommodate backpacks up to 18.4 inches. 
• Multiple Compartments: 
  Includes felt-lined pockets for tablets and separate spaces for chargers, files, and media devices.
• Checkpoint Friendly: 
  The 180-degree fold-out design makes airport security checks easier.
• Padded Compartments and Water-Resistant Covers: 
  Multiple padded layers, security straps, and a water-resistant cover keep your devices safe.
• Ergonomic Comfort: 
  5-point balance strap system padded back panel, and airflow channels for maximum comfort.
• Durable Build: 
  Heavy-duty zippers with lock holes and weather-resistant materials.

Concept 2 Backpack

The Concept 2 backpack is a premium backpack from Everki. Here is what it offers:

• High-Quality Materials: 
  Made from water-repellent ballistic nylon with leather accents for durability and style.

   

• Laptop and Tablet Protection: 
  Patented corner-guard system and felt-lined pockets for up to 17.3-inch laptops.

   

• Checkpoint Friendly: 
  Simplifies airport screening with a separate technology compartment.

   

• Hard-Shell Sunglasses Case: 
  Protects sunglasses and includes a nylon pocket for additional small items.

   

• RFID Protection: 
  With RFID protection, you can rest assured that your passports and credit cards are safe from unauthorized scans.

   

• Trolley Handle Pass-Through: 
  Easily attach to luggage for easy travel.

   

• Heavy-Duty Zippers: 
  Built to last with large metal pulls.

Whether you are looking for a compact yet functional bag or a spacious, stylish backpack, Everki has plenty of options for modern professionals.

Organizing Your Digital Nomad Backpack

An organized backpack saves time and reduces stress. Follow these tips to learn how to organize your digital nomad backpack:

• Use Packing Cubes: 
  Separate clothing, tech gear, and toiletries for easy access.
• Designate Compartments: 
  Make a plan and assign a place for each category, for example, your electronics in one compartment, clothes in another, and documents in another. 
• Place Heavy Items Close to Your Back: 
  Placing heavy items closer to the back helps distribute weight evenly.
• Keep Essentials Handy: 
  Keep items like passports, headphones, and wallets in easily accessible compartments.

Check out Everki’s guide on how to organize your backpacks for more insights.

Efficient Packing Tips for Digital Nomads

Here are some of the efficient packing tips for digital nomads.

• Roll Your Clothes: 
  Rolling saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
• Pack Versatile Fabrics: 
  Wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and easy to wash.
• Create a Daily Essentials Pouch: 
  Include power banks, earbuds, and snacks.
• Review Your Packing List: 
  Make sure it is made based on climate and trip length.
• Use Compression Bags: 
  Bulky items like jackets won’t take up a lot of space.

How to Pack Light as a Digital Nomad

Do you struggle with packing light? Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you pack light as a digital nomad:

• Go For a Minimalist Wardrobe: 
  Opt for neutral colors and a capsule wardrobe to mix and match easily. When packing, stick to lightweight, quick-drying fabrics.
• Limit footwear: 
  Carry just one pair of multipurpose sneakers and sandals for casual and professional use.
• Digitalize everything: 
  You can even save space by opting for e-books, digital notebooks, and scanned copies of important documents.
• Cut down on unnecessary tech: 
  Instead of carrying multiple devices, choose ones that can be used for all your work and entertainment needs.
• Use lightweight luggage: 
  Choose backpacks specifically designed for digital nomads. Such backpacks usually have smart compartments and minimal weight.
• Pack for the weather: 
  Research your destination’s climate and pack accordingly. Avoid packing heavy, seasonal clothing unless absolutely necessary.

Essential Items for Digital Nomad Travel

Your packing list depends on your specific needs, but here’s a comprehensive digital nomad packing list covering the basics:

Work Essentials

• Laptop and Charger: 
  Choose a lightweight, high-performance model.
• Portable Hard Drive or SSD: 
  Keep backups of your important files.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: 
  Block out distractions in noisy environments.
• Universal Adapter: 
  Essential for international travel.
• Power Bank: 
  A lifesaver for keeping your devices charged on the go.

Clothing

• Quick-Dry Clothes: 
  Ideal for washing and drying overnight.
• Layering Options: 
  Lightweight jackets, hoodies, and scarves.
• Comfortable Footwear: 
  A pair of sneakers and flip-flops is a good combination.
• Activewear: 
  Activewear can be worn for both workouts and casual outings.

Toiletries

• Travel-Sized Essentials: 
  Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
• Compact First Aid Kit: 
  Band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes.
• Reusable Toiletry Bottles: 
  Eco-friendly and space-saving.

Travel Accessories

• Travel Insurance Documents: 
  Keep both digital and physical copies with you.
• Compact Umbrella or Rain Jacket: 
  Be ready for sudden showers.
• Reusable Water Bottle: 
  Stay hydrated without creating waste.
• Packing Cubes: 
  For better organization.

Leaving for a work trip soon? Have a look at Everki’s packing list for work trips.

Creating a Minimalist Packing List for Digital Nomads

Here is how to create a minimalist packing list for digital nomads:

• Stick to Neutrals: 
  Neutral colors can be mixed and matched easily for various styling options. 
• Limit Shoes: 
  Pack a maximum of two pairs—one for daily wear and one for specific activities.
• Pack Multi-Functional Items: 
  You can even consider packing multi-functional items, such as jackets that double as pillows and scarves that work as blankets.

For more tips on staying organized, have a look at Everki’s guide on how to organize your backpack.

Final Thoughts

Your journey as a digital nomad can become much more efficient and easy if you choose the right gear. Having a digital nomad packing list like this one, as well as a spacious backpack that can easily store everything you need, can make your journey a success. Pack light with our packing tips, stay productive, and enjoy the adventures ahead. 

Check out Everki’s premium backpacks and gear designed for travelers like you.

FAQs

Q: What is the ideal backpack size for digital nomads?

A: Although the ideal backpack size depends on the length of your travel, a 40-50L backpack is perfect for balancing space and mobility.

Q: What are the best backpacks for digital nomads?

A: Some of the best backpacks for digital nomads are the Atlas Backpack, Concept 2 Backpack, and the Business 120 Backpack from Everki. 

Q: How can I pack light as a digital nomad?

A: If you want to pack light, you should stick to neutral colors, pack only two pairs of shoes, and minimize the number of devices you are carrying; rather, pick devices that can be used for both work and entertainment needs.