The Essential Travel Developer Gear List
One of the key elements to successfully living the Digital Nomad lifestyle is keeping every aspect of your life organized. Financially, work-wise, logistically, and last but definitely not least — the gear you physically travel with!
There are just as many MUST NOT’s as MUST brings, so think about what you ABSOLUTELY NEED before packing. If it isn’t a need and you can pick it up in another country — leave it behind. Below I’ve listed and provided links to all of the key things I travel with…
*Note: some things completely depend on your lifestyle — for example a surfboard is required in my life ;)
Organization
Tortuga Backpack — This thing is the boooomb. Made of waterproof sailcloth it’s a perfect DN backpack. A little pricey but well worth it.
Bellroy Travel Wallet — If you’re on the move you’ll have to have your passport with you regularly. I despised having 2 ‘wallets’ — one for cards and money and another little pouch for my passport, airline tickets, etc. This bad boy is a little big but solves that problem.
Clothing
1 dress shirt for going out to a respectable place — Merino wool is my go-to. Light, wrinkle-free, BO-free.
1 lightweight jacket — cold, wet, etc. this will become your best mate. Pick one as lightweight as possible…unless you’re going to Alaska duhhh.
1 pair of ‘travel pants’ — Basically pants that can go through a lot of wear and tear and still look good.
2 pair of amphibian shorts — Waterproof and great everyday shorts
3 pairs of boardshorts (Go less if needed-I’m in the water everyday 😉
6 t-shirts — Whatever you choose here works. Again I suggest merino wool/cool-dri but obviously you’ll want some of your personal favs here.
1 pair of lems boots — Epic boots. Lightweight, foldable and stylish. So worth the money invested — I highly suggest.
1 micro fiber towel — Microfiber dries quickly and most importantly is lightweight and packable.
Toiletries
1 small bottle of travel soap (shampoo and soap)
Medical Supplies
Anti-itch cream —If you’re an adventurer this is a must! You will inevitably rub up on some stuff that’s got you itching like crazy!
Neosporin — Magic/science I’m still unsure.
Eyedrops — For those late nights working, partying, or simply getting dirt in your eyes.
Eye mask — The art of napping is quite a skill. This is just a supplement to your acquired skill.
Doctor-prescribed antibiotics — Anything specific to your needs obviously.
Electronics
Macbook Pro — Once you go Mac, you’ll never go back.
Sony Camera — I go Sony but anything will do really.
iPhone 7 — #lifeline
Wireless keyboard and trackpad/mouse — If you’re spending a lot of time at a coworking space or at a desk, having an elevated computer or external screen will help.
Laptop Stand — Good use with the wireless trackpad and mouse. Saves neck strain for long hours on the comp.
Olloclip active — Don’t want to bring another camera? Your iPhone’s camera is probably good enough already. This little thing will boost it’s performance to make sure you’re really grabbing epic pics.
Lifeproof case — This is a must have in my eyes. You can basically treat your stupidly expensive iPhone like a hacky sack.
Kindle — Must have. #always.be.learning.
Car adapter with USB charging port — If you’re living out of a car/camper for a bit you’ll definitely want one of these. Keeps all of your electronics (your DN lifeline) charged.
Aux cord — Long road trip essential for bumping tunes.
Surf Gear
Travel Bag (size up to fit clothes/things inside)
LenZo Camera Case — This thing is rad!!! A must grab if you want to take great underwater pics with your iPhone in complete safety.
Smaller surf backpack — get one that has storage for wetsuit/wet boardies.
Surf Ears — Ear infections are the woooooooorst! Epic way to combat weeks (or longer if you can’t keep out of the water) of this lingering, pain-in-the-ass infection.
Miscellaneous
Pacsafe — You’ll inevitably find yourself in some sketchy hostels/hotels. This thing gives you a little extra protection by making your essentials like phone, computer etc. extra hard to steal. Robbers want ease of theft they’ll go after your roomies easy grab first.
Travel pillow — I go inflatable as it keeps packing light.
If you prefer spreadsheets here’s a link to a Google Sheet of everything listed. Also, if there’s anything you never leave home without please list it in the comments below!
