As a digital nomad, your backpack is your home. It carries your office, entertainment, and life essentials as you travel the world. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the perfect nomadic travel bag for your needs might be time-consuming.
Fortunately, this article will run you through everything you need to know about choosing the best digital nomad travel backpack.
Why should you care that much about a backpack?
Digital nomad backpacks offer secure storage and are harder to steal or take. As a digital nomad, this is an ideal option, especially when you’re in large cities and use public transportation. Besides, when you use a nomad travel backpack, you allow yourself for even weight distribution, freeing up your hands for tasks like using your smartphone or holding a drink.
What to consider before buying a digital nomad backpack?
As a digital nomad, you’ll want a backpack that meets all your needs while still being comfortable to carry. Here are some things to consider:
- A 25-35 liter backpack that will hold everything you need for work and daily life
- Multiple compartments to organize your things like padded laptop and tablet sleeves, pockets for chargers and cables
- A backpack with padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel
- A durable, water-resistant material like nylon or polyester to protect your belongings from the elements and everyday wear and tear
- Lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and RFID-blocking material for extra protection
With the perfect backpack, exploring the world as a digital nomad will be much easier. Consider your needs, research highly rated options, and find the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Common mistakes digital nomads make when they buy their first backpack
Digital nomads often make mistakes when buying their first backpack. Here are some of the most common ones to avoid:
- Selecting a backpack that is either too big or too small for your needs
- Opting for a backpack solely based on its appearance
- Neglecting quality and durability
- Ignoring organization features
- Overlooking laptop protection
- Neglecting weight distribution
- Buying a backpack without trying it on or testing it in person
Our Recommended 7 Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads
When picking the best digital nomad backpacks, there are a few highly-rated options to regard. Take a look at these seven top-rated backpacks for digital nomads, designed to meet your requirements perfectly.
Nomatic Travel Backpack (40L)
This backpack provides an efficient 40 liters of storage in a sleek, rectangular shape. The full perimeter zip and clamshell design enable easy access to all your essential items.
While it’s high-quality, the thin yet durable material keeps this backpack lightweight. In fact, the minimal, versatile style is suitable for both leisure and business travel. For the organization, capacity, and functionality it equips, the Nomatic Travel Bag offers impressive value for money.
This thoughtfully designed nomad travel backpack takes the hassle out of frequent travel so you can stay focused on the experiences that matter.
Tortuga Outbreaker (35-45L)
This 35-45L nomad travel backpack is made of non-abrasive, water-resistant sailcloth material that protects your electronics from the elements. Its padded laptop sleeve and tablet pocket shield your devices from impact.
The laptop sleeve fits devices up to 15 inches, while the tablet pocket adapts tablets to the size of an iPad Pro. Both pockets are suspended and padded to prevent drops or fall from damaging your electronics.
This backpack is comfortable to carry, thanks to its padded shoulder straps and back panel. The straps are adjustable to customize the fit, and the mesh material prevents overheating. Plus, the padded hip belt stabilizes the load and reduces strain on your shoulders.
Aer Travel Pack 3
For digital nomads and minimalists seeking an efficient yet stylish pack, the Aer Travel Pack 3 blends utility and mobility. This 35-liter pack offers ample storage without being bulky. The main compartment is spacious enough for a few days of gear, with three interior pockets to help organize smaller items.
Its sleek design comes in three durable, water-resistant materials, namely ballistic nylon, Cordura, or ripstop. Padded shoulder straps and back panel make carrying comfortable, even when full.
External features include:
- Side pocket for a water bottle or umbrella
- Zippered front pocket for quick access to essentials
- Hidden security pocket for valuables
- Padded laptop sleeve fits up to a 15-inch laptop
- Sternum strap for extra support
Pac Safe Venture Safe (45L)
The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is a carry-on-sized backpack perfect for digital nomads. This 45-liter backpack has ample space for all your essential gear while fitting in an airplane’s overhead bin.
The main compartment of the Venturesafe EXP45 is roomy enough for clothes, tech accessories, and other must-haves. An organized front pocket keeps smaller items like chargers, pens, and snacks handy.
Weighing only 2.2 pounds, this nomad travel backpack won’t add extra weight to your load. It’s durable, water-resistant nylon, but the cut-resistant eXomesh® panels help prevent theft. The straps are padded for comfortable carrying during long treks through airports or hikes in nature.
For peace of mind while traveling, the Venturesafe EXP45 has locking zippers and straps to secure it to chairs or other fixed objects. An RFID-blocking pocket protects your credit cards and passport from unauthorized scans.
Arcido Akra
The Arcido Akra back padding is soft, thick, breathable, and made of high-quality materials for utmost comfort during long treks or work days. Its shoulder straps feature well-cushioned padding to ease pressure on your shoulders and are adjustable to customize the fit to your body.
Additionally, this backpack has a wide-opening main compartment, giving you easy access to all your belongings. It includes a padded pocket to store up to a 15-inch laptop. The front pocket is ideal for easy access, like your passport, notepad, or pens, while the interior pockets help keep you organized.
Also, the Akra is equipped with lockable zippers to assure security for your valuables. It is made of durable, water-resistant material to protect contents from the elements. Side pockets are perfect for water bottles or umbrellas. Sternum and waist straps provide extra stability and distribute weight for maximum comfort during long treks.
The Knack Pack
Available in various colors, the Knack Pack has a simple yet stylish design that transitions well from city streets to mountain trails. Its minimalist look has an expandable back compartment that can increase its capacity from 24L to 35L, allowing you to pack more when needed.
The expandable section is perfect for packing extras like a jacket, snacks, or other items you pick up along your journey. When not expanded, the Knack Pack maintains a slim profile for navigating crowded spaces.
Aside from that, this backpack features multiple pockets and sleeves to keep you organized. Smaller pockets are ideal for pens, a wallet, a passport, and other essentials. A hidden security pocket keeps valuables safe from prying eyes.
The Knack Pack is suitable for daily use and as a travel carry. Its sleek design and durable, water-resistant material are made to withstand frequent travel rigors. Padded shoulder straps and a back panel make carrying comfortable, even when fully packed and expanded. Front straps also allow you to attach additional gear to the outside of the pack when needed.
Minaal Carry On 2.0
The Minaal Carry On 2.0 is a sleek yet durable digital nomad backpack. Its sophisticated design and high-quality materials make it a stylish and professional option for travelers and remote workers.
The Minaal 2.0 is water-resistant ballistic nylon with padded, adjustable straps for maximum comfort. It opens fully for easy access to your belongings and has multiple padded compartments to keep everything organized.
For digital nomads and minimalist travelers, the Minaal Carry On 2.0 is a premium choice built to last. Its streamlined yet spacious design lets you carry everything you need for a long trip while still looking professional.
Final Words
With the right nomad travel backpack, being a digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. You’ll have everything you need to work and live comfortably on the go.
Consider the features and options carefully to find one suited to your lifestyle. A good digital nomad backpack can make all the difference in your travels.
