Digital nomad, noun: a person who chooses to embrace a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle that allows them to travel and work remotely wherever their wanderlust (and Internet connection) takes them.
While the first known use of the term was in 1993, according to Merriam-Webster, the lifestyle didn’t take off until the pandemic hit. By 2025, Upwork estimates 22% of the workforce will be working remotely. That’s 36.2 million Americans — and each one needs the goods and the gear for working on-the-fly.
Here are some products that help remote workers live their best digital nomad life.
The Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Commuter Slim Backpack 16” Laptop Computer & Tablet keeps travelers organized with a roomy front compartment and front exterior featuring an easy-access zipper pocket and a zip-down pocket with a padded tablet pocket and an RFID-protected business organizer. Its checkpoint-friendly EZ-scan feature complies with TSA guidelines, and a full-length zipper pocket and two smaller zippered tech/accessory pockets add storage for tech essentials.
Tough and tear-resistant in 1680D polyester, it accommodates most laptops and tablets. Rounding out features are an ultra-padded air mesh back panel with airflow system, extra padded backpack straps and trolley tunnel for hands-free carrying.
On-the-go travelers stay organized with the Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Commuter Slim Backpack 16” Laptop Computer & Tablet. Available in Black. 18” x 14” x 7.5” deep. MSRP: from $225
Sales contact: Heidi Klein, custservice@herit.com, 630-752-1930
A perfect get-up-and-go bag, McKleinUSA’s ENGLEWOOD 17” Leather Carry-All Weekend Laptop Backpack is designed for on-the-move business professionals who appreciate extra support and sophisticated style. Stay on top of the game with business organizer, laptop and tablet pockets, multiple storage compartments and overnight packing space with interior snap straps. It can be worn as a backpack or slid over a luggage handle.
A slim silhouette, a comfortable carry, a looker in soft pebble grain calfskin leather — this bag is at home in whatever destination digital nomads set their sights on.
McKleinUSA’s ENGLEWOOD 17” Leather Carry-All Weekend Laptop Backpack keeps belongings in their proper place while on the move. Available in Brown and Black. 12.5” x 7.5” x 18”; 3.5 lbs. MSRP: $190
Sales contact: Andrea Martin, salessupport@mckleincompany.com, 773-235-0600
Nomatic’s Travel Pack with built-in expansion is here to change the way you travel. Sporting a sleek minimalist style, it is made for everyday use but can expand to hold everything needed for a weekend getaway and transform into a briefcase when business is on the agenda. Storage spaces include top-access, hidden and RFID-safe pockets, laptop and roller bag sleeves, shoe compartment and magnetic water bottle pocket.
Durable and water-resistant, this TSA-ready bag offers an innovative strap system, mesh divider and cord pass-through, and has a full perimeter zipper for ease of access.
Nomatic’s Travel Pack combines the best of travel bags and traditional luggage with both full-zippered front access and clamshell-style opening. 18.5” x 12” x 6-9.5”. MSRP: $299.99
Sales contact: Todd Switzler, todd@nomatic.com, 801-369-8853
Working wanderlusters can enjoy their experiences without worrying about theft with Pacsafe’s patented Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack, two stylish anti-theft bags in one that can be worn as a backpack or folded down to a handbag.
Pacsafe’s anti-theft security features, including cut-resistant fabric, lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets and more protect belongings. Internal storage, including a pocket for an 11” tablet, keeps gear organized. A detachable strap can be stowed neatly away. As a bonus, some versions of the bag are made sustainably from fishing nets upcycled into ECONYL fabric.
It’s safer cities with Pacsafe’s Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack with cut-resistant anchor strap that secures around a fixed object. Available in ECONYL Storm, ECONYL Black, Nightfall, Merlot, Blush Tan and Black. 13.4” x 10.2” x 4.7”. MSRP: $119.95
Sales contact: Kat Eisenhardt, keisenhardt@pacsafe.com, 206-858-7977
With the Rainier Collection, Skyway Luggage Co. has created its first ecotravel group of soft bags made from recycled fabric. Among the five casual backpacks and travel bags is the Weekender Backpack 40L. With its generously sized main compartment, large-zipped pockets and two side zipper pockets, this is a bag that lets travelers know they are going on a big adventure.
A padded back pocket fits the largest laptop. Multi-attachment options provide flexibility. Highly functional with top loop and back webbing grab handle, the bag’s dual zipper main opening beneath protective flap makes contents accessible and easy to see.
Skyway Luggage Co.’s Rainier Collection, including the Weekender Backpack 40L, meets the needs of digital nomads exploring the world. Available in Zion Gray, Tahoe Blue, Moab Red and Kohala Black. 18.75” x 11” x 9”. MSRP: $119.99
Sales contact: Paul Sarazin, psarazin@ricardobeverlyhills.com, 425-207-1930
If working remotely is about discovering a new place, then day trips are a must — and the compact Eagle Creek washable and water-repellent Pack It™ Reveal Org Convertible Pack is the ultimate organizer for digital day trippers. With room for phone, cords, back-up charger and pens, the pack also has a zippered pocket with key fob for stowing the smallest accessories as well as money.
Zip it open and flip it inside out and voila! — you have a slim-line daypack with two exterior pockets that will fit a water bottle or light layer, and electronics and personal items are now hidden inside.
Eagle Creek’s Pack It™ Reveal Org Convertible Pack Convertible Pack provides plenty of organization, including a folding board to minimize wrinkles. Available in Black, Sahara Yellow, Mossy Green, AZ Blue/Gray. 10.25” x 16.75” x 3”. MSRP: $40
Sales contact: Tim McGuire, tmcguire@eaglecreek.com, 720-387-6484
The LiteGear Dash SmartPack with Joey Technology combines everyday function with tech-savvy capabilities in a spacious bag that features the patented Joey console. Joey’s got travelers covered with phone alarm, Find Phone feature, juice jacking protection, charge timer, digital clock, LED in-bag task lighting, dual charging and remote display of battery level and battery function. And speaking of battery power, Joey also lets users add 25 hours of talk time to their phones.
All of this in a lightweight bag with spacious main compartment, padded laptop sleeve and assorted organizing pockets, including a zippered RFID-blocking pocket, plus comfortable padded air-mesh back, shoulder harness and carry-handle.
LiteGear’s Dash SmartPack with Joey Technology features Finger Touch Sensors among its many tech elements. It is available in Black Magic and Blue My Mind. 16” x 12” x 7”. MSRP: $199.95
Sales contact: Magi Raible, magiraible@aol.com, 707-319-7371
Walter + Ray’s Daytripper Travel Backpack’s menswear-inspired look belies a bevy of practical features like padded laptop storage, headphone port, insulated snack tote and a water-resistant exterior. Transforming effortlessly from satchel to crossbody to backpack, the bag slips neatly beneath plane or train seat.
Fifteen spaces, including exterior RFID-blocking pocket and mesh pockets for umbrella and water bottle, hold a variety of gear and essentials. A clear zip pouch and insulated snack tote are included with the bag.
The Daytripper Travel Backpack from Walter + Ray is 100% vegan. Available in Suit Gray. 16” x 12” x 5”. MSRP: $95
Sales contact: Tania Rodrigues, sales@walterandray.com, 415-992-2997
Three words: versatility, organization, protection. WANDRD’s Tech Bag delivers what’s dear to the hearts of digital nomads everywhere: a bag that can be carried as a sling or around the waist, keeps gear organized and accessible and protects belongings in weather- and abrasion-resistant 420D ripstop nylon.
The pouches work on their own or together to adapt to changing gear and travel needs, with the small bag fitting into the large one for extra organization. Organizing features include a variety of pockets, sleeves and pass-throughs. An optional carry strap that attaches to any size bag is available.
Each size of the WANDRD Tech Bag has been thoughtfully designed with unique organizational elements and built out of the highest quality materials. Available in Black, with new colors launching in the fall. MSRP: $34/small; $49/medium; $64/large
Sales contact: Lucas Maughan, lucas@wandrd.com, 360-481-2111
All who wander are not lost. Nor are they without means to power up their electronics, especially when traveling with the Wanderer 6W Foldable Solar Power Bank by Elios. Featuring a slim, non-slip waterproof case, it offers solar charging that is three times faster than single panel power banks and a powerful 10,000 mAh battery that charges on the go — up to two devices simultaneously via two USB outputs. It has a micro USB input for fast charging and 6W solar panel charge from four solar panels.
For outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, emergency preppers, minimalists and technophiles, Elios’ Wanderer 6W Foldable Solar Power Bank keeps all important devices powered and in service anywhere, always. 3.3” x 5.5”. MSRP: $79.99
Sales contact: Josh Cross, josh@myelios.com, 971-246-7584
HYDAWAY’s® portable and insulated Traveler Tumbler transforms in seconds from a sturdy 16 ounces of your favorite drink to one inch of lightweight, easy-to-stash food-grade silicone. Its rigid construction and spill-proof lid let you enjoy smoothies, coffee and other drinks without losing a drop.
Non-toxic, planet-friendly and plastic-free, the tumblers are intuitively designed and ideal for travels everywhere. Bonus: They’re also easy to clean.
Enjoy any drink, anywhere, all the time with HYDAWAY’s Traveler Tumbler, a portable, insulated hot-and-cold drink tumbler. Available in multiple colors, themes and patterns. MSRP: $27.95
Sales contact: Jessica Loewen, sales@hydawaybottle.com, 844-493-2929
Remote workers can stay healthy wherever they roam with SpectraSpray’s™ oral spray vitamins. These require no water, can be taken anywhere, absorb three to five times better than pills or capsules and are all natural.
The Daily Defense Oral Spray Vitamin Kit with Multi and Immune sprays has vitamin D, B12, C, E, zinc, lysine and daily nutrients and helps support energy levels, immune response and metabolic function while providing vitamins that are often deficient in diet alone. The Immune Power Kit with D3 and Ks with Immune + D3/K2 sprays supports complex immune health, offering 2500 IU’s of Vitamin D3 and the highest quality K2 spray to ensure your body is absorbing the vitamin D.
Manufactured in the USA, SpectraSpray’s™ oral spray vitamins are TSA compliant as well as non-GMO and sugar-, gluten- and dairy-free. Daily Defense Oral Spray Vitamin Kit — MSRP: $38.95/30 servings each. Immune Power Kit with D3 and Ks — MSRP: $42.95/30 servings each.
Sales contact: Janet Ryan, support@spectraspray.com, 973-417-7994
Featured in our photo are Elios’ Wanderer 6W Foldable Solar Power Bank and Nomatics’ Travel Pack.
Model: Eleanor Hartwell
McKlein Company’s Morgan 83346, a 17” Litigator Laptop Briefcase in full grain cowhide leather finished with silver hardware and a 3-digit combination lock, launched in the new burgundy colorway. MSRP: $250
Contact info: Parinda Saetia, psaetia@mckleincompany.com, 312-636-9615
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