I'm really a terrible nomad from a luggage weight perspective. I have many friends who are ultra minimalists and try to shave every gram they can off their weight. I however, regularly travel with about 60kg of stuff
I have a large 24" main suitcase that is usually around 25kg, a carry on that is about 15kg and my tech bag which is probably about another 20kg!
In my tech bag I carry this stuff
Travel Adapter - Essential!
I like the ones like this. They have multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, universal in/out, pin lock so the pins don t retract, fast charging, etc. Doesn t have to be this specific one, but look for ones with more portss. Only down side is they are big so the sometimes cover up the other outlet
Lightweight Extension Code
Plug it into the travel adapter when the outlet is far away in the room. I like this style where the 3rd outlet is on the other side. I used to carry a power strip, but it s bulkier and heavier, so I use this instead. get a 6 foot or 10 foot your choice.
DSLR and Lenses
Canon 6D Mk II, Canon 28-135mm, Canon 24-70mm, Canon 50mm, Tokina 12-24mm
The irony is that since I have my Samsung S26 Ultra, I carry around my DSLR much less frequently. I still use it for photoshoots, but it's a lot of weight for infrequent use.
Go Pro 12 + Accessories
primarily used for underwater video when scuba diving
Insta 360 One X5 + Accessories
I love this camera. It can be so creative. I have the basic underwater housing and, to be honest, I am not that crazy about it. It's plastic and introduces a lot of glare and degrades the image quality. There is a pro version that is glass, but it is significantly larger and I am deciding if the extra volume is worth it.
DJI Mavic Air Drone + controller + 2 batteries and charger
I am well overdue for a drone upgrade.
iPad
mostly for movies on the plane
Macbook Pro + charger brick
Google Chromecast
when the TV isn't Smart but still has a HDML port
Nintendo Switch
used to carry this, but I wasn't playing enough so I got rid of it
Meta Quest 3 + Controllers
Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
I had the Sony WH-100XM4 which I loved, but I lost them in transit. They are bigger and bulkier but over the ear so do a better job of noise cancellation.
Now I have the Anker Soundcore Sport x20 earbuds. I like that they have the over the ear hooks. The noise cancellation and volume are no where near as good as the Sony, but they also cost about 1/3 of the price (and are smaller and lighter).
Mini Travel Router
My newest tech addition. Have you ever been in hotels where they have "captive portal" WiFi sign in? (That's where you have a login page for the wifi rather than just a regular SSID and password. This TPLink travel router solves the problem and it is lightweight and tiny.
Power banks
External Hard Drives
Misc cables, SD cards, adapters, chargers, etc
- Recommended ATM and Credit Card (US Customers Only)
- Schwab Checking account - you ll have free ATM use worldwide. (well, they reimburse you the fees at the end of the month)
- Chase Reserved Travel Card - seems expensive at $550 a year, but you immediately get $300 back on travel related expenses, free Priority Pass Lounge access when you fly, triple points from travel related purchases, no black out dates when using points, etc
- International Driver's License
- you mostly don't need it, but when you do you need it. I want to get my motorcycle license too because in Vietnam I had to
bribepay a fine to the policeman when I rode a motorcycle on the Ha Giang Loop. Sometimes this is also requires for smaller scooters too, but not usually.
- you mostly don't need it, but when you do you need it. I want to get my motorcycle license too because in Vietnam I had to
- Finding Events and Social Networking
- Nomads.com - great Nomad community and a cool database of nomad friendly cities worldwide. You can also see which members are in the city you are in. There is a Telegram channel to connect with members wherever you are in the world. You can have a monthly subscription or pay once for a lifetime membership. Connect with me there - I'm @zszs157
- NomadTable - an app designed for nomads meetups and activities
- Meetup.com - great for finding activity and hobby groups, business meetups, etc
- Facebook - search groups for local stuff - also look for Local Events
- Timeout.com - I always like going here in the cities I m in.
- WhatsApp groups - these are great but sometimes harder to find. Ask around when you meet people
- Couchsurfing - used to be great, now it is dying. some cities still have active communities that get together for social events
- Dating Apps - Besides obvious ones like Bumble / Hinge / Tinder try Badoo or search for other popular local apps