Digital Nomad Packing Tips: How to Prepare for the Unexpected

One of the greatest challenges of the digital nomad lifestyle is figuring out how to pack efficiently. Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach or a mountain retreat, mastering the art of packing is essential for every nomad. The key is to be prepared for the unexpected while still traveling light.

In this post, I’ll share my top digital nomad packing tips—gained from years of traveling and adjusting to a life that’s always on the move.

Packing for the Unexpected

I last packed my backpack in May when I visited my parents, where I store all my belongings. Back then, my partner and I were planning to escape winter, and Morocco was on the horizon. So, I felt safe packing light: one pair of jeans, one sweater, and a rain jacket.

Well, as it turns out, the plan changed. Now, we’re headed to Manchester at the end of October to help a friend set up her coliving space. And though I’m excited, I’m definitely not prepared for the cold and rainy British weather!

This is just one example of how, no matter how well you think you’ve packed, the digital nomad lifestyle will surprise you. But honestly? That’s one of the things I love most about it. If you don’t like a place, you can move somewhere else. If you want to visit a friend, you can be there a few days later. Flexibility is key.

Backpack vs. Suitcase: What’s Right for You?

Before diving into my digital nomad packing tips, let’s address one of the biggest packing questions: Should you use a backpack or a suitcase?

I personally travel with a 50L backpack from Decathlon and a smaller one as a carry-on. It’s not the most glamorous way to travel—I have one big pack on my back and the smaller one in front, which always makes public transport a bit of an adventure! 🙈

Here’s why I choose two backpacks:

Lightweight Travel: My total luggage is only about 12 kg.
Mobility: Backpacks are great for uneven streets, stairs, or quickly navigating airports.
Carry-On Friendly: Though my backpack is larger than typical carry-on size, I’ve never had issues taking it on the plane with me.

Another key reason? It saved me during a flight adventure I had a few months ago.

My Plane (Mis)adventure: Why I Always Choose Two Backpacks

For those following me on Instagram, you might remember my chaotic flight from Burgas to Paris. First, my flight was canceled the day I was supposed to leave. I had to rebook a flight with a layover in Manchester, and the self-transfer meant going through customs twice in just two hours.

The first plane landed late, and I ran like crazy to make my connection. The only reason I managed to board that plane was because my big backpack counted as a carry-on. If I had been lugging a suitcase, I would’ve been stuck in Manchester overnight, missing the wedding I was supposed to attend.

While this situation isn’t typical, it’s a reminder of how traveling light can save you in unexpected moments.

What Type of Luggage Should You Bring?

Ultimately, the type of luggage you choose depends on your priorities:

Suitcase: If comfort and bringing more options matter to you, a suitcase might be your best bet. Just be prepared to pay extra for hold luggage.
Backpack: If you’re comfortable with fewer items and prefer easier mobility, go for a double backpack setup like mine.
Hybrid Option: There are also wheeled backpacks for the best of both worlds, but they can be pricey.

What’s in My Backpack? The Essentials I Travel With

3 packing cubes (life changing, it has allowed me to bring much more clothes) and 2 pouches
1 tote bag (for groceries and going to the beach)
8 plain colored T-shirts
1 long-sleeve shirt
1 pair of jeans
1 yoga pant (I see it as chilled pants, that I use for yoga and hiking when it’s colder)
1 light and flowy pair of pants (when I want to be covered and dressed up but don’t feel like putting jeans on)
1 pair of shorts
1 pair of gym shorts
1 rain jacket
2 dresses (one long and one short)
1 week and a half worth of underwear
1 sweater (would probably bring 2 next time)
1 pair of open shoes (for me Birkenstock)
1 pair of snickers (for everyday life, going to the gym but also when hiking. However, if I know I am going to a place where I’ll do a lot of hiking, then I’ll switch to a pair of hiking boots)
1 microfiber towel (perfect for the beach)
1 pair of sunglasses
Contacts for 6 months + my glasses
Earplugs
2 eye masks (my sleep is so very important to me)
1 computer
1 computer stand
3 notebooks (one for my coachees, one for writing stories and the last one for everything else)
1 e-reader (life changer when you read as many books as I do)
Self care: 1 body cream, 1 face cream, 1 cleanser (all of which I can find in pharmacies around the world), nail clippers, 1 hairbrush – I don’t wear makeup
1 menstrual cup, I found it the easiest and stress-free to travel with
1 emergency kit: bandages, disinfectant, tweezers
1 Powerbank (to be honest, it’s not mine, I borrow my boyfriend’s)

I buy shampoo and soap directly in the locations I go to.

And as of recently, I’ve started carrying a travel yoga mat—though it rides along in my boyfriend’s suitcase. 🙈

The Beauty of Imperfection

Here’s the truth: no one packs perfectly. Sometimes you’ll overpack, sometimes you’ll forget something essential. And that’s okay.

If you overpack, take notes on what you didn’t use and adjust for your next trip. If you underpack, it’s an opportunity to learn what’s truly necessary. The goal is to find your own balance, and with time, you’ll discover what works best for you.

Final Thoughts: Packing for the Digital Nomad Life

Packing for the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t about perfection—it’s about adaptability.

Each journey will teach you something new about what you need and what you can live without.

So whether you choose a suitcase or a backpack, just remember: it’s all about staying flexible and open to the unexpected.

Safe travels!
Chloé

Hello, I am Chloé ! I am a Business and Life Coach who helps female business owners lead an anti-hustle life !

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