5 Backpack Hacks for Digital Nomads

Hacks to ensure a smoother travel experience and additional resources for beginners.

What is a Digital Nomad?

Digital Nomad; A person who has a remote full-time job that allows them to work from various cities nationally and internationally.
Learn more about how to become a Digital Nomad.

The Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Digital nomads are constantly on-the-go, which requires the ability to up and leave any location at any given moment. Having too many things can make it more difficult, and slow down the moving process. Overtime the ability to live a minimal lifestyle becomes easy, but at first it can be overwhelming.

As a frequent traveler, you begin to build your own guidebook on do's and don'ts of packing, but if you don't want to learn the hard way, here are five backpack hacks to ensure a smoother travel experience and additional resources for those just beginning their digital nomad journey.

1. Prioritize Lightweight and Multi-functional Gear

With a small amount of space you need to get creative with what you pack. Multi-functional yet light items will be your best bet in maximizing your space.
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2. Organize with Packing Cubes and Pouches

Frequent travel requires you to utilize your backpack as if it is a dresser on the go. What does a dresser have that allows for organization? Drawers, and dividers. To mimick this it is best to utilize packing cubes, and pouches to better organize your clothing, tech, and other essentials.
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3. Get Smart with Your Tech

Thin laptops, portable battery chargers, and universal adapters are golden for digital nomads. It's important to be able to charge your electronics on-the-go, and choose tech that weighs the less.
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4. Plan for Any Weather Circumstance

Traveling for an extended period means experiencing various seasons. For cold weather, it's better to layer rather than pack multiple bulky jackets that take up too much space.

It's advisable to pack one large jacket and one small one for layering in case it gets cold. Depending on where you're traveling, you can always buy another jacket if needed. Warm weather tends to be easier to pack for since the clothing is naturally thinner.

5. Maintain Comfort with Ergonomic Features

Traveling often, and carrying a bag through the airport is exhausting, and having a bag that does not fit comfortably will make the experience even worse. Finding a travel bag that has optimal ergonomic features is highly suggested.

Backpack Ergonomics Checklist:
  • Chest Strap
  • Padded Straps and Back
  • Backpack stands straight when set down.
  • Adjustable Straps
  • Easily accessible pockets.

Gear Recommendations for Digital Nomads

Travel Backpack
Ergonomically designed with expansive and multi-use compartments.
Prolight for Video Conference
Mini light to ensure any destination has perfected lighting for conference calls.

Additional Resources: Finding Community

Traveling solo can become lonely, but finding a community of people living a similar lifestyle can be helpful, as they can also share their own backpack hacks! It's inspiring to read or watch other digital nomads' stories, but it's another thing entirely to actually meet them.

There are organizations that have created unique ways for digital nomads to connect while abroad. Each organization is unique and caters to different needs.

WiFi Tribe is a flexible program where, once you arrive in the country, you can plan your own trip with the group because there is no set itinerary. Each location is called a chapter with 15-25 people, and you will be split up into different housing with one another.

If you are unable to join a chapter right away, your membership allows you to instantly connect with other members on Slack. There are set home bases like New York City, Playa del Carmen, and Barcelona, so if you're near these cities, you can meet up with other members.

Check out the travel calender to see what countries the tribe will be next!

Annual Membership Fee: $490
Chapter Costs: $1,200 - $2,800 each, this varies on location season and quality of their accommodations.

Follow on Instagram: @wifitribe.co
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Digital Nomad World is for the remote worker who desires to set their own travel plans, and travel independently. Digital Nomad world focuses on providing online resources, like community for insights from digital nomad visas to city guides, and digital nomad jobs.

No Cost for Signup

Follow on Instagram:
@thedigitalnomadworld
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Venture with Impact is a 4-week co-working retreat that focuses on connecting digital nomads with a volunteer project while living abroad. There are two locations available: Mexico City, Mexico and Lisbon, Portugal.

While abroad you will live in a 2-3 bedroom apartment with private rooms, and be matched with a skills based volunteer opportunity. There is an option to take language courses arranged by the program.

Program Cost:
Mexico City, Mexico: $2600 with a 10% discount for alumni
Lisbon, Portugal: $2975 with a 10% discount for alumni

*$300 discount for program fees submitted four months or more prior to the program month.

Follow on Instagram: @venturewithimpact
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From backpack hacks to learning about digital nomad communities we hope this article was a great spring board for your digital nomad journey!