As Muggle-born digital nomads, we cannot afford to have Hermione’s beaded handbag to carry our bulky cargo. But, what we can afford to have is the perfect nomad backpack.
For a digital nomad, the nomad travel backpack is a portable office. It must carry everything from laptops to power banks and microphones to cameras. A perfect backpack has enough room for everything and ensures the safety of everything inside.
Sifting through the clutter in the market can be a difficult task. To make it easier for you, we made a list of the top 7 nomad backpacks for you to choose from.
But before we get into this, let’s understand what makes a perfect nomadic travel backpack.
The Perfect Nomad Backpack
1. Light Weight
Needless to say, you need to travel light when you’re on a long journey. But for most of us, the fear of a worst-case scenario prompts us to pack as much as possible. In such cases, a light backpack can come handy.
A light backpack can keep you comfortable, save you from backaches, and help you walk long distances.
2. Multiple Compartments
As a digital nomad, you’d have many gadgets to carry. You’d have different priorities, and not all devices are needed simultaneously. A bag with multiple compartments can help you categorize your equipment.
Additionally, compartments save you from the hassle of untangling wires.
3. Sturdy
The gadgets inside your backpacks are fragile. Your laptop, camera, microphone, speakers, and other devices cannot last a fall. But if you’ve got a sturdy bag, you’ll ensure these are always safe.
The trick is to find an ideal balance between sturdy and lightweight backpacks.
4. Anti-theft
Concealed zips, pockets, and other safety features can make the bag foolproof against thievery. This way, you can wear your bag in any comfortable position without worrying about someone pulling out things from your backpack.
5. Water-resistant
If traveling to a tropical location or closer to the equator, you should prepare for rainy days. Your backpack needs to be either moisture resistant or should have an inbuilt rain cover for rainy days.
An outdoor-ready backpack is a must to brave the harsh weather conditions you might face.
6. Worth Your Money
The bag should be worth the price you paid. A good backpack is practical and gives value for money. While luxury brands may attract some eyeballs, they may not always be the best from a utility standpoint.
The idea is to buy utilitarian nomad backpacks that serve all purposes of a digital nomad.
Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to pick the right one.
Top 7 Nomad Backpacks in 2022
1. Nomatic Travel Pack- 30L
With a 30L capacity, the bag weighs about 4 pounds. The spacious bag can easily carry 15″ laptops. It has multiple compartments and a ton of useful features.
Unique Features
- The bag is initially 20L. It expands to 30L.
- The strap allows you to convert it into a briefcase from a backpack.
- Magnetic water bottle pockets.
- Hidden pockets.
- RFID safe storage.
- Minimalist design.
Cons
- It is expensive. .
- It is heavier compared to other backpacks.
The large size and collapsible features make the backpack highly versatile and travel-friendly. The unique features with hidden pockets and RFID storage makes it a great choice.
We recommend this product as an excellent one-time investment to not only carry your expensive gadgets but also to keep them safe.
2. Lowepro ProTactic
The 25L bag has sturdy padded exteriors and a 15.6″ laptop compartment. The pack also has a built-in rain cover to protect your fragile electronics from harsh tropical or equatorial rains.
Unique Features
- Compartments for your camera. It’s the best bet if you’re a shutterbug.
- Rain cover to protect your bag on wet days.
- USB ports to charge your devices.
- Supports shoulders and waist.
Cons
- No hidden pockets.
- The bag has too many pockets dedicated to camera equipment. It won’t be pleasant if you’re not keen on photography.
The bag is a must-buy if you’re looking for a single backpack for office gadgets and camera accessories. It can be beneficial if your work involves handling the camera and using the tripod.
3. Osprey Farpoint 40L
The Osprey Farpoint has an impressive storage size of 40L and can carry 15″ laptops. The light wire frame transfers weight from the harness to the hip belt, making it easier to carry.
Further, the duffle style of the backpack sets it apart from other nomad backpacks and gives it a trendy appearance.
Unique Features
- The meshed back panel gives enough breathing space for your back.
- It has scratch-free pockets to protect your sunglasses and other devices.
- It has two front mesh water bottle pockets.
- Both the top and the sides are padded, providing much-needed protection from unfortunate impacts.
- The laptop and tablet sleeves have lockable features.
Cons
- Not many hidden pockets.
- Too big. It can be a problem when you want to take only the essentials to a nearby cafe/ workspace and leave the rest in your hostel/ hotel.
This bag is for the over-packers among us. It allows you to carry as much as possible with a whooping 40L storage.
4. Peak Design 20L
The 20L model comes with customizable compartments and internal dividers. The high versatility makes it ideal for digital nomads with many pieces of equipment. It can be a great choice if you’re looking for bags that you can carry from your dorm rooms/ hotels to the nearest work areas/ cafes.
Unique Features
- The wrap-around zipper allows you to look at the contents in your bag in a cross-section. It saves you the trouble of digging through your bag.
- It has two hidden compartments on the exterior for easy accessibility.
- The protected laptop sleeve can hold 15″ laptops.
- There are padded grab handles on all sides of the bag.
Cons
- Storing large camera accessories like a zoom lens can be tricky.
- The bag is for every day trips from your hostels/ hotels to your favorite work area. It may not serve your purpose if you’re looking for a single bag for all your stuff.
The bag is well made and has a sturdy exterior. It is a must if you like to separate your office essentials from personal items.
5. Bellroy Transit Backpack
This backpack comes with a 28L capacity with a 15″ laptop sleeve. It is perfect for carrying work gear along with other personal items.
Unique Features
- The main compartment is large and versatile. The 270° zipper allows you to access all parts of the backpack.
- Four hidden external pockets store essentials like a passport, wallet, sunglasses, water bottle, and more.
- The water-resistant fabric is perfect for the outdoors.
Cons
- It’s expensive.
- No dedicated compartment for the camera and other accessories. It can increase clutter.
The bag fits more than just your electronics. So, if you’re an efficient packer, this is a great choice.
6. Tortuga Setout 45L
The Tortuga Setout has a generous 45L capacity. While it has two variants for males and females, there is no functional difference between them. This is it if you’re looking for a single bag for your journey. It can carry everything you need, from your clothes to electronics.
Unique Features
- You can pack your clothes like you’d pack your suitcase.
- The 270° zipper gives you all-around access to its interior.
- The laptop sleeve allows you to carry 17″ laptops, and a separate tablet sleeve can fit a 9.7″ screen. There is also additional space for all your chargers.
Cons
- The backpack is large. It sometimes becomes difficult to segregate items- making it cluttered.
- If you like separating your office essentials from your personal items, this is not the bag for you.
The bag is big enough to carry enough luggage for 7 to 8 days. If you’re a light packer and don’t mind mixing your office equipment and personal items in a single bag, this is the bag for you.
7. Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
The 40L Tomtoc backpack with a large laptop sleeve for 17.3-inch laptops is one of the cheapest of its kind on the market. The bag has two main compartments- to separate the office essentials from personal items. The all-around zipper for both compartments makes packing and unpacking easier.
Unique Features
- The compartment for office essentials can fit a 17.5″ laptop and a 12.9″ tablet. This compartment has an additional pocket for chargers, power banks, and other electronics.
- The front compartment has ample space to pack your clothes and other accessories.
- The all-around zippers make it easier for quick security checks at the airport.
Cons
- Too big. It can be a problem when you want to take only the essentials to a nearby cafe/ workspace and leave the rest in your hostel/ hotel.
- It does not have hidden pockets or other anti-theft features.
This is a multipurpose bag and can come in handy if you want a quick getaway from your hostel/ hotel. The large size of the bag makes it easy to carry many things at once. Separate compartments for office essentials and personal items make everything easily accessible.
Choosing the right backpack is as essential as planning the trip. Moreover, your plans usually revolve around what you can carry and how long you can carry them. This makes backpacks the center of your digital nomad journey.
Another thing as necessary as the backpack is what you put inside it. So, here are a few tips to assist you with your ultimate packing list.
Things To Keep In Mind While Packing
- Carry only 4-5 days’ worth of clothing. Most dorms/ hostels/ hotels have laundry facilities to assist you with an extended stay.
- Carry umbrellas, sunscreens, and other essentials to beat the weather.
- Protect your bag with a waterproof cover during wet days/ nights.
- Carry only the essential toiletries. Don’t overpack.
- If you’re working with many devices, carry a cable organizer.
- Make sure to carry sleep masks and earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
- Swiss army knives and pepper spray will come in handy should anything unfortunate happen.
So now that you know what backpack suits you the best, you don’t need Hermione’s beaded handbag or magic to fit in all your essentials. Packing is no sorcery; it’s an art. And the perfect backpack is just what you need.