What's in my backpack 2026

Hey Freaking Nomads,

I’ve been living out of a backpack for over five years now (and I still can’t quite believe it!)

Different countries, climates, routines... But the same question every single time I move:

What actually deserves space in my backpack?

I’ve learned this the hard way. I’ve overpacked things I never used, and I’ve underpacked things I desperately needed.

This is what has made it with me over the years:

First, the obvious one. My laptop.

It’s the only thing that really matters. I don’t travel with a backup or anything fancy. One machine, well looked after. If this dies, everything stops, so it gets priority!

Noise-canceling headphones.

This is probably the single biggest upgrade I ever made. Cafes, colivings, airplanes, random street noise... this is how I create my own bubble. I used to think I didn’t need them. I was wrong.

A foldable laptop stand.

I ignored posture for years. Then my neck started reminding me daily. It’s light and I use it every single day.

...Then there’s the unsexy but essential stuff.

A universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports.

One socket, everything charging. Simple, but life-changing when plugs are in weird places.

A power bank I trust.

This one is my favorite. It charges fast, handles multiple devices (even my laptop), and has never caused issues at airport security.

A mobile hotspot.

I started carrying this after working from a few places in Africa. Having my own connection removed a lot of stress. I don’t use it every day, but when I need it, I really need it.

And finally, here's the stuff I wish I started carrying earlier:

External keyboard and mouse.

I was skeptical at first as a minimalist. Then I stopped using them for a week and my wrists really felt it. That was enough to convince me.

A foldable yoga mat.

Not just for yoga. It has better grip than most travel mats and comes out whenever the floor isn’t great or a towel doesn’t really cut it. It’s light, takes no space, and I use it more than I expected.

A reusable water bottle.

Not exciting, but being constantly dehydrated while traveling is a real thing.

At this point, I follow a very simple rule:

If something isn’t used regularly, isn’t hard to replace, or doesn’t clearly make my days easier, it doesn’t come with me anymore.

Nomad life already has enough friction. Your backpack shouldn’t add to it.

If you feel like it, reply to this email and tell me one thing you always carry (or one thing you finally stopped packing). I’m genuinely curious.

Talk soon,

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I don’t trust airlines. Or buses. Or even myself when I’m tired...

That’s why I have my Apple AirTag live permanently in my backpack.

It works through Apple’s Find My network, meaning your bag pings its location anytime it’s near an iPhone, even if it’s nowhere near you. I just open my phone and see where my stuff actually is.

They’re tiny, the battery lasts about a year, and you forget they exist until the moment you really, really don’t. Which is exactly the point!

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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋

Written by Luca Mussari

Digital nomad and co-founder of Freaking Nomads. After leaving a corporate job in London, I co-created Freaking Nomads to inspire others to embrace remote work and find happiness wherever they go.

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