The Ultimate Digital Nomad Desk Setup

I travel the world from location to location with a backpack and a carry-on. This is what I pack to be able to work.

I’ve been a primarily digital nomad for years now. While I do keep a home in the US (which I prepare accordingly before I leave it), I am more often hopping between Tulum, Barcelona, Tokyo, and wherever else I feel like going. I’ve been able to continue running (and growing) my agency. Today I'm giving you a digital nomad packing list—specifically my digital nomad desk setup, which is completely mobile.

I've tried different tools and setups as part of my digital nomad workstation, and I've tweaked it for my needs over the years. This blog post shows you my setup in hopes that you will find this useful.

Also, note that I’m skipping over the obvious stuff like clothes or a Macbook—instead, I’m focusing more on the tech and tools.

Keep in mind that your setup will depend highly on the nature of your work. I'm a brand strategist, a keynote speaker, and a podcaster. My setup is built around those needs. Here are my essentials:

☐ Laptop stand

My laptop stand is made by Nexstand. I'm a huge fan of this apparatus. It packs up really nice and small and it is awesome to just carry around. It's also very lightweight but still sturdy. I'm really happy with this because it mounts my laptop up nice and high. And the next one is adjustable which is even better. I pair my stand with a wireless mouse and a wireless keyboard.

☐ Portable external monitor

I like to have a little bit more screen real estate than just my laptop, so I use this handy 15” external monitor by AOC. I love it because it is powered by a USB-C connection that connects to your computer. No additional power source! Also, when you fold the screen protector, it doubles as a stand.

☐ Wireless speaker

In addition to headphones, I love having a high-quality wireless speaker—one that's not too bulky. And my choice is the B&O Play A1. While this speaker isn't the lightest thing on the market, the sound quality is so good. It’s totally worth lugging the extra weight. This one I normally pack into my checked luggage, but it's light enough that you could throw it in your backpack as well. Compared to other speakers on the market, this one is priced well, and I highly recommend it.

☐ USB-C to ethernet adapter

All digital nomads can relate to the frustration of not having a reliable Wi-Fi connection. One of the things I've learned along the way? Don't rely on a Wi-Fi connection. With this handy USB-C to ethernet adapter, you can plug directly into a router with a network cable and access faster Internet speeds with a hardwired connection.

☐ Lightweight camera

When I’m not filming content with my phone, I rely on my Sony A6000 camera. The only thing I don't like about this camera is the sound quality of the built-in microphone, so I recommend an external microphone—like this Movo shock mount microphone.

☐ Sturdy travel tripod

I absolutely love this TYCKA Rangers 56” Compact Travel Tripod. It's not the cheapest one on the market, but it is arguably the most mobile. This tripod packs up super compact, yet it’s incredibly stable. I actually travel with two of them! One to hold the camera that’s recording video, and the second one is used for my teleprompter.

☐ Teleprompter for iPad

I rely on a teleprompter for all of my video courses and YouTube videos. The Glide Gear TMP100 is perfect for turning an iPad into a teleprompter, mirroring the text from the screen onto the glass. With a little bit of practice, your audience won’t think you’re reading. Be very careful when you travel with this teleprompter because it is has a glass screen, and if that glass is broken, it becomes useless. Obviously, you also need to make sure that you use an iPad with a teleprompter software or app on it (many on the market you can choose from).

☐ Flexible desk tripod

In addition to the larger tripod mentioned above, I also use a Joby JB01507 GorillaPod for mounting my camera on a desk.

☐ Podcasting microphone and travel base

For years, I’ve used the one and only Heil PR40 for my podcasting needs, but given it’s a high-quality XLR microphone, it is not traditionally a portable solution. I’ve found this simple but sturdy microphone desktop stand with a weighted base. At 2lb, there’s no chance it will tip over when in use. I normally travel with the base in the outside pouch of my luggage—that way, if airport security wants to know what it is, they can check it right away. I often find myself checking my suitcase to avoid risking this being taken away at security.

☐ Leather mousepad

I’m never guaranteed what surface I’ll be working from, so I opt for this high-quality leather mousepad from Ugmonk—one of my favorite brands. I love how the leather wears with use.

☐ Cord storage

Finally, I stay organized on the road with a suitable storage option for my many cords and dongles. This double-layered electronics accessory organizer is a godsend. I can’t believe how many cords (trust me, there are many that accumulate) fit in this nifty contraption.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Every digital nomad desk setup is slightly different, so go ahead and share what is essential for your setup, or what you plan to incorporate from this list into yours.