25 Best Digital Nomad Gear Lightweight Travelers Need to Have in 2024
Are you a digital nomad moving here and there all around the world? If so, you know that lugging around your laptop, camera, and other digital nomad gear, along with all your daily necessities, can be a real pain.
You want to be able to work from anywhere in the world without having to worry about packing too much. That’s why I’ve put together this list of essential digital nomad gear that I personally use or is on my wishlist. And there aren’t 100 items on it because I’ve chosen only the most versatile, lightweight items and condensed them into one convenient digital nomad packing list.
I would know, having remote work vanlifed for two years and now typing this article from all over Southeast Asia. I am a pretty bare-bones minimalistic traveler, crazy enough to have weighed every single ounce I packed on a food scale before flying out.
So check out our list now and see for yourself what digital nomad gear you should add for your next long-term workcation!
My Essential Digital Nomad Gear
Before we start, I have spent hours upon hours researching how to get the best weight value for my pack. And these are the essential products I have chosen to bring with me on my no-time-limit backpacking staycation.
1. Laptop
Obviously, your laptop is essential for the digital nomad lifestyle. A lightweight laptop with plenty of RAM and storage will make your travels more efficient.
I used a laughable Core M Asus laptop for years before finally making the full conversion to Apple products with a 2020 Macbook Pro M1 (Macbook Air was a close second choice).
Tip: If you are willing to buy a refurbished or used Macbook from at least 2 years prior, you can buy the best for relatively cheap. (Relative, as in under $1000). I waited months for a Macbook with the specs I wanted to come on backmarket.com.
2. Unlocked Smartphone
Your smartphone is your gateway to the world – it will be your map, translator, camera, and the way for you to stay connected with people around the world. So, have an unlocked smartphone to get a local SIM card in any country.
I use an iPhone 13 Pro, but unfortunately, it’s locked, so I also use an iPhone 7. I’m thinking of adding a portable wifi router instead of the old iPhone.
3. Camera Gear
📷 SONY A6400 MIRRORLESS CAMERA: This is my go-to camera for capturing landscapes and wildlife. It’s lightweight, has great image and video quality, and fantastic focus speeds.
📷 DJI AIR 2 Fly More Combo: A must for the best aerial shots and video. If I were to get one now, I would get the DJI Mini 3.
📷 GOPRO 9: I use this for underwater and action shots. I heard the newer models overheat easily.
CAMERA LENS:
- 18-135mm, F3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens: Preferred all-purpose travel lens
- 35mm, F1.8 Fixed Prime Lens: Preferred portrait lens, 50mm was too close-up for me. Note that I have a crop sensor camera
- 10-18mm, F4 Wide-Angle Zoom Lens: Preferred wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture
CAMERA FILTERS:
- UV Clear Filters: I have one for all my lenses for protection. Amazon Basics sells cheap but decent ones.
- Polarized Filter: I have one for just my wide-angle lens for landscape shots.
Best Digital Nomad Gear for Lightweight Travelers
I have separated this post into sections:
- Essential Digital Nomad Gear
- Laptop Accessories
- Camera Accessories
- Packing and Organization Accessories
Vital Tech Accessories All Digital Nomads Need
4. Universal Travel Adapter
The worst thing that can happen while you’re on the road is coming face to face with international outlet incompatibility. Save yourself the trouble of constantly buying new chargers and invest in a versatile travel adapter like this one.
Make sure it covers most countries — preferably all of them — as different digital nomad destinations mean unique plugs and voltage requirements.
Weight: 3.2 Ounces | 90.7 grams
5. Portable External Hard Drive (HDD/SSD)
Seagate 4TB External Harddrive HDD
Whether it’s for backing up your photos and videos or just having additional storage space, getting an external hard drive is essential. The bigger, the better: you want to avoid running out of storage while on the road.
Find a USB-powered one, like the reputable brand Seagate — so you can connect it to your laptop no matter where you are. HDD hard drives are the method I organize all my photos, at least until a more technologically-advanced-than-I volunteer to help me make a NAS storage system.
Weight: 9.12 ounces | 258.55 grams
Sandisk 1TB Portable SSD
If you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight, portable solid-state drives (SSDs) are also available. They’re quite a bit pricier than HDDs, but they’re much faster, smaller and lighter.
Perfect for remote workers who work with large video files and need high transfer speeds, like if you’re rendering anything through Adobe Premiere. You know how frustratingly slow those can be.
Weight: 1.76 ounces | 49.89 grams
6. Noise-cancelling Wireless Earphones (Airpods Pro)
No digital nomad leaves home without a pair of good earphones. I can’t believe I didn’t invest in wireless earphone options until the summer of 2021, which is arguably quite late to the game. And no, I don’t carry bulky headphones around.
While there are various wireless options, I find myself sticking to AirPods Pro, partially due to my loyalty to Apple products.
With its active noise cancellation, decent sound quality, and sweat resistance, AirPods Pro is a great companion for avid adventurers who love listening to music and keep you in the zone when it’s time to focus and work.
Plus, they have up to five hours of listening time on a single charge — and with just a 5-minute charge, you can get an additional hour.
Weight: 2.17 ounces | 61.52 grams
7. USB Adapter Set
Incompampatability issues between different devices can be oh-so frustrating. Digital nomads, here is the solution. A USB adapter set.
This USB Adapter set comes with six adapters so that it can be used interchangeably with various devices. It is also made from durable aluminum alloy, connecting flash drives, phones, tablets, and more to any laptop or tablet with a USB C port. The best part, it adds no weight to your pack at all.
Weight: 0.85 ounces | 24.01 grams
8. Retractable, Multi-Charger Cord (iPhone, USB-C, Micro USB)
The retractable, 3-in-1 multi-charger cord (iPhone, USB-C, Micro USB) is the perfect space-saving solution for minimalistic digital nomad travelers. It has a fast charging speed for multiple devices simultaneously and is tangle free, meaning you can quickly and easily charge your devices without messy cords.
Weight: 2.4 ounces per 2 pack | 68 grams
9. A Powerful Multi-Use Powerbank
Digital nomad or not, I rarely leave the hostel without my power bank, mainly because my phone’s battery is terrible. With how plugged in we are these days, battery life seems to never be able to catch up.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000
I always carry slim power banks that are at least 20,000 maH, like the Anker PowerCore Essential 20K, which can charge my iPhone 13 about 4 times before running out of juice. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously, all for both USB-C and USB ports, and a fast charging port.
Weight: 12.1 ounces | 343 grams
HALO Bolt Wireless Laptop Power Bank – 44400 mWh
For those who want an even more robust power bank, the HALO Bolt Wireless Laptop Power Bank comes with an impressive 44400 mWh. It has an AC outlet which can charge a laptop, enough said. As well as plenty of other devices simultaneously and even jump-start your car.
Note: Something so big is better for domestic travelers on road trips since many flights limit the power bank capacity to 32,000 mAH. Plus, at 1.7 pounds, this is pretty heavy.
Weight: 26.24 ounces | 743.89 grams
Solar Charging Capability Powerbank
The final type of portable charger is for the more rugged traveler, one that is equipped with solar charging capabilities, like the ERRBBIC Solar Power Bank. It’s perfect for off-the-grid camping and rafting excursions and emergency backup. They are typically bulkier than the usual power banks, and the solar charging capability is usually soooo slow.
However, when you need it, this product comes in handy for camping trips or any other time you’re away from society and an electrical outlet.
Weight: 10.79 ounces | 306 grams
Laptop Accessories Gear for Digital Nomads
10. Portable Travel Monitor
Don’t underestimate the power of having an extra monitor on the road! It can help you multitask and be more efficient with your work no matter where you are. You can get a portable monitor that attaches to your laptop or a separate screen, like a tablet.
Sidetrak Swivel Portable Monitor
Consider investing in a Sidetrak Swivel portable monitor. This leading-brand device attaches securely to the back of your laptop, giving you the ability to work on two (or even three!) screens simultaneously, no matter where you are.
With ultra-thin, full HD picture quality, this monitor will make your work life easier. Plus, it’s compatible with all devices and most operating systems.
Weight: 24 ounces | 680.39 grams
Arzopa Portable Monitor
The Arzopa Portable Monitor is an excellent alternative to the more expensive attachable monitor. It has a full HD resolution and is very easy to set up. You just need a mini HDMI cord! It also weighs only 1.1 pounds, making it a very portable screen extender option.
Weight: 17.6 ounces | 498.95 grams
11. 14-in-1 Multiport Adapter Laptop Docking Station
Have the ability to work on your laptop, charge your devices, and access files from external storage simultaneously! The 14-in-1 Multiport Adapter Laptop Docking Station allows you to connect to various devices and save space and confusing cables.
Additionally, the docking station has a fast data transfer rate, a high-speed charging port, and is compatible with most Type C laptops.
Note: The 14-in-1 is a bit of an overkill. I have the 8-in-1 docking station and wish there was one more USB port to it, but overall I’m happy with my choice.
Weight: 5.3 ounces | 150.25 grams
12. Adjustable Laptop Stand
Many digital nomads swear by laptop stands. And if you look around you at any given co-working space, you’ll see what I mean.
If you are working from multiple coffee shop locales, at different heights or angles, adjustable laptop stands help keep your posture in check. Just make sure to check the weight before you buy, as some stands don’t exactly hold up to the heavier laptops or are made with bulkier builds. The Urmust Adjustable Laptop Stand is one of the lighter ones on Amazon with great reviews.
Weight: 25.44 ounces | 721.21 grams
13. Magnetic Phone Holder
Keep your phone accessible without having to pick it up every time, whether you’re using it for Zoom calls or need to extend your screen.
That’s where the Magnetic Phone Holder comes in. It’s a phone mount that easily attaches to your laptop or computer monitor using magnets. This way, you can keep your phone right next to you and view notifications or answer calls without disturbing your workflow.
The Magnetic Phone Holder is also straightforward to install and is compatible with most smartphones between 4-8 inches in size.
Weight: 1.20 ounces | 42.52 grams
Camera Accessories Gear for Digital Nomads
14. Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer (DJI OM 5)
One of the best-in-class camera accessories to take beautifully stable videos and selfie photos while traveling is the DJI OM 5 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer.
This gimbal stabilizes your phone’s video feed and keeps it from shaking, even if you’re literally sprinting through the desert (Yes, I have tested this). It’s perfect for creating content for your blog or social media account.
As with all DJI products, they try to enable users to make the best content as easily as possible with a follow-me feature, autonomous quick-shot maneuvers, and tutorials. Plus, its lightweight design means you can stick this in your side pocket anywhere with you and whip it out quickly with its easy set-up.
Weight: 10.23 ounces | 290 grams
15. DJI Ronin-SC – Camera Stabilizer
The DJI Ronin-SC is a compact camera gimbal perfect for filmmakers and content creators capable of stabilizing cameras up to 4.4lbs payload. It tracks the action and has dynamic stability, even in action-packed scenes.
Additionally, it offers a suite of advanced capturing features to unleash your imagination. The buttons and trigger are easy to reach for every essential control, and a flared battery grip makes extended holding easier.
I was between the DJI Ronin SC and the DJI OM5, and really had to think hard about what I wanted video footage for: to make social media shots or full-fledged videos. Ultimately, the OM5 won out for me based purely on weight.
Weight: 38.88 ounces | 1,102.23 grams
16. Lightweight Tripod (Amazon Basics 50″ Tripod)
Hot take, you really don’t need to get fancy on your travel tripods unless you are a serious professional. In my opinion, there are no good, lightweight tripods, at least at the ultralight weights that I’m searching for.
Ultimately, I went with this super cheap Amazon Basics Tripod Stand that packs small and light. It is a full 50-inch, three-section adjustable height, supports most cameras, and has a quick-release plate. However, it is not recommended for heavy, high-end DSLR cameras.
Weight: 20 ounces | 567 grams
Cool-To-Have, But Not Necessary Digital Nomad Technology Gear
17. Tracker Tags (Apple Airtag | Tile)
To keep all your important stuff safe and sound while you’re on the go, carry a couple of tracker tags. These are usually small and light, like the Apple Airtag or Tile.
Once you attach these to your bag, phone, laptop, etc., you can use the app to track your items. That way, if ever something gets misplaced or stolen, you won’t have to worry about never seeing it again!
Weight: Airtag 0.39 ounces (11g)| Tile 1.4 ounces (40g)
18. Laser Keyboard
Thank you, Instagram ads, for putting laser keyboards on my radar. Although I have yet to try this product, I admire the concept. It’s a small device that you plug into your phone, laptop, or tablet and projects a keyboard onto a flat surface.
This is perfect for those looking to travel light but still want the full keyboard experience. Although reviews do say that it might take some getting used to.
Weight: 4.96 ounces | 140.61 grams
19. Pint-Sized Mini Projector
The Anker NEBULA Capsule Max Mini Projector is one of the coolest devices that I’ve recently seen on the road from an expat. It’s literally the size of a soda can that you can get a “soda cozy” as a case.
It has ultra-sharp HD viewing and can be watched from anywhere with a 4-hour playtime on one charge. Additionally, the smart OS allows you to download and stream YouTube, Netflix, and more. (Note that copyrighted content can’t be directly mirrored)
Weight: 16.64 ounces | 471.74 grams
20. Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
I am totally ok with just a trackpad, but some people need a mouse to be productive. Everyone already knows the standard wireless mouse (mice, mouses?), but vertical mouses are all the rage now. This scientifically-backed ergonomic design encourages neutral wrist and arm positions to combat the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome.
Weight: 3.36 ounces | 95.25 grams
Best Luggage and Organizers For Digital Nomads
21. Digital Nomad Luggage
An entire article can be written about digital nomad luggage. I would always recommend a backpack over rollies or duffel bags, but it depends on what type of trip you are planning on doing and if you have a good back.
Which pack to pick largely depends on what you are looking for. I prioritize weight over most other aspects, such as at the expense of better back support, accessibility, functionality, and even the very cool anti-theft bag features. I migrated from being an Osprey loyalist to Gossamer Gear, one of the best lightweight outdoor equipment brands.
Best Lightweight Backpacks on the Market:
- Mariposa 60 Backpack (best money value and what I use) | Weight: 1.86 lbs
- Arc Blast 55L Backpack | Weight: 2.00 lbs
- 3400 Windrider 55L | Weight: 1.24 lbs
Compare these weights to the much heavier albeit better back-supported Ospreys, which average about 4 lbs for the same pack size.
22. Travel Electronic Organizer Carrying Case
If you’re anything like me and try to keep your digital nomad gear in one place, this carrying case is the solution. This double-layer water-resistant, padded case can store small to medium electronics and cables in its four divided compartments.
This organizer carrying case is perfect for those who are always on the go, as it ensures that your travel essentials are safely organized and stored.
Weight: 9.9 ounces | 280.66 grams
23. QuikFlip Apparel Backpack/Hoodie
I’ve had a QuikFlip ever since seeing it on Sharktank years ago. It’s a hoodie that flips into a string backpack with adjustable straps in 5 seconds.
In warmer countries, this is the only jacket I bring with me. And when my day pack is unnecessarily big or in the laundry, I use my Quikflip to carry things around with me. It is just big enough to fit my 13-inch MacBook and a few accessories.
Weight: 8 ounces | 226.79 grams
24. Memory Card Case (with Plenty of Open Slots)
Content creators know that you should never leave home without spare memory cards along with you. I have maybe 8, for the just in case, just in case moments.
Keep your memory cards safe and well-organized with a memory card case — it’s lightweight, dust-proof, shockproof, and waterproof.
Weight: 2.39 ounces | 67.75 grams
25. Minimalist Slim Wallet
Popsocket Phone Wallet
I, myself, am a Popsocket wallet on the back of a phone person, but most people around me comment on how terrible an idea it is to have all my credit cards on the back of my phone. I completely agree with them, and despite having my phone robbed before, I continue this risky choice for convenience’s sake.
Weight: 1.28 ounces | 36.29 grams
The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet
On the other hand, these clickable minimalistic wallets that have now come into fashion are a great alternative. Many of these slim wallets have features from leather bifold wallets to RFID-blocking cardholders. It’ll keep your cards and bills all in one place, but they suck in countries with lots of coins.
Weight: 2 ounces | 56.59 grams
Final Thoughts: Best Lightweight Digital Nomad Gear
It can be tough to figure out what gear to bring with you on your travels. You don’t want to be weighed down by heavy equipment, but you also need your essentials for working on the go. Traveling lighter should always be the goal, even if you are weighted down by a ton of electronics.
The best way to strike a balance between packing light and bringing all your digital nomad gear is by using space-saving organizers and multi-use gadgets. With weight in mind, these lightweight products can all easily fit into one backpacking bag without sacrificing comfort or function.
