The Packable Gear Travelers Need to Comfortably Work From Anywhere
As a full-time digital nomad, I’ve experienced my fair share of mishaps while trying to work from the road. I have set up an office at coffee shops, in hotel lobbies, Airbnbs, coworking spaces, and even the back seat of a Chevrolet Suburban with Wi-Fi. Over the years, I realized just how important it is to have the right tools. Although you can get away with just a laptop and a charger, having a few work accessories can elevate your experience without adding too much weight to your suitcase.
I have the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip, so the products on this list are compatible with Apple. Most are products I use daily, and the rest are recommended by fellow remote workers that I am eager to try. Here are eight coffee shop workstation essentials to help you work from anywhere around the world.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
ElfAnt laptop stand
My laptop stand is a game changer when it comes to productivity and comfort. I am very tall, and tables at cafes or Airbnbs are often so low that they hurt my neck after just a few minutes of working. I purchased this laptop stand a year ago and am very impressed with the quality. It’s lightweight but very sturdy and durable. It has two tiers, so you can adjust it easily for the perfect height.
Apple Magic keyboard
As an Apple fanatic, I opted for the Apple Magic keyboard. You can choose from a few variations, but I decided on the basic model to keep it compact enough for travel and affordable enough on my budget. When researching different wireless keyboards, I almost chose a cheaper option from Amazon, but most of those required batteries. The Apple keyboard charges through the same cord as an iPhone, making it much more functional for travelers.
Apple Magic Mouse
For the same reasons I chose the Apple wireless keyboard, I opted for the Apple wireless mouse. It’s straightforward to connect via Bluetooth and has excellent battery life. I find that it lasts for around a month, depending on usage. Apple also sells a wireless trackpad, but I was concerned with durability as I moved from location to location, so I chose the mouse.
Asus ZenScreen portable monitor
Although I haven’t used one yet, a second screen is on my imminent list of purchases I’d like to make when I’m back in the US. Second screens and monitors come highly recommended by my fellow nomad friends who use them. They can benefit someone working in just about any industry. As a writer, I would appreciate being able to have research on one screen and my document on another. This could also be helpful for project managers, engineers, or anyone who wants to be more productive while on the go.
Simo Solis Portable Hotspot
If you’ve tried working remotely in different countries, you know how unstable Wi-Fi can be. There have been times when I’ve gotten fully set up at a cafe, ordered my coffee, and organized my to-do list, only to realize the internet has stopped working. So, I drank my coffee, packed up, and moved to a different cafe a block away. To prevent this from happening, you can get a hotspot that allows you to connect to Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world. I haven’t tested the Solis hotspot, but the reviews speak for themselves.
Anker Prime 20,000mAh power bank
I love Anker products. I think they are intuitively designed and perfect for all travelers. I have a portable charger by Anker that I take with me everywhere I go. I have yet to try the power bank, but they seem like a fantastic investment. There have been numerous occasions where I’ve found a cozy cafe but had to leave because there were no outlets to charge my laptop. One of the most powerful power banks can charge a MacBook Pro 50 percent in just 28 minutes.
Paperage Dotted Journal
A journal or notebook seems pretty self-explanatory, but it serves more than one purpose. I love writing in my journal, organizing my to-do lists, and setting myself up for a productive work session. However, one of the biggest reasons I take my journal to the coffee shop is to use it underneath my mouse as a mouse pad. There are many times when a table at a cafe is sticky or has a coating that makes it difficult for the mouse to register movements, so I always have my journal on hand to ensure a smooth experience.
Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack
The best backpack for remote workers will be lightweight with lots of storage. I love the Everywhere Zip Backpack from Away. It easily holds my laptop, stand, mouse, keyboard, water bottle, journal, AirPods, wallet, and anything else I need to take with me for the day. Even when full, the backpack is easy to carry and feels comfy on your shoulders. It's so light that I’ve stopped to be sure I actually have my laptop with me because the bag feels empty. When moving between cities or countries, I pack the backpack in my Away checked bag with all my working essentials safely stored inside.
