--- icon: "{fas}`lightbulb`" date: "2024-09-16" --- # Nomad Build If one wishes to live a nomadic lifestyle, what items should they own? Here I will present an item list which all fits inside a single 40L backpack. This ensures that you don't need to rely on any storage, or vehicle to move things around. Additionally, having it all in a backpack keeps your hands free when on the move. ## Item list **Clothes** - 3 Shirts - 2 Pants - 5 Socks - 5 Underwear - Singlet: Can be worn as nightwear, or for extra warmth. - Swim Trunks: Lightweight and enables swimming. Doubles as shorts. - Jacket: Waterproof. Can be used for the rain or for warmth. - Shoes - Flip-flops: Avoid stepping on dirty shower floors. **Luggage** - 40L Backpack: Can be brought on a plane as a carry-on, and enables your hands to be free. - Non-TSA Luggage Lock: Attached to backpack. Avoid TSA as they have a security flaw, allowing random people to open them. Additionally, TSA locks were designed for check-in luggage, not carry-on. - Messenger Bag: Used as a daypack for carrying around e.g. a water bottle. - Packing Cubes: Better backpack storage management. **Daily Use** - Hand Sanitiser: Put in daypack. When your out but can't wash your hands. - Water Bottle: Stay hydrated. **Technology** - Phone, Phone Charger - Laptop, Laptop Charger, Laptop Case: Avoid if you can as can be quite heavy and annoying. - Earphones - Earphone Case: Coords don't get tangled or ripped. - Door Lock: For security and peace of mind. **Toiletries** - Toothbrush, Toothpaste: Dental care is important. - Tweezers, Nail Clippers: Can be extremely annoying without. - Face Towel: Avoid dirty hostel towels. **Comforts** - Earplugs: Mute loud noises when attempting to sleep, e.g. snoring hostel guests. - Sleeping Bag: avoid dirty bedding. **Documents** - Passport - Driver's License ## Personal experience I have yet to do long-term travelling, so this list primarily comes from my experience on a few short trips. However, I'll continue to update this list when necessary. ## Researching existing item lists Out of curiosity, I also did some research to discover what other people's nomad build looked like. First I went to [The Digital Nomad subreddit wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalnomad/wiki/quick_start/#wiki_what_to_bring), though surprisingly it did not contain anything too useful, and only provided a vague idea of packing light. The next resouce I went to was the One Bag subreddit. The subreddit wiki links to the [One Bag website](https://www.onebag.com/). Here they provide an incredibly extensive list of items, which I have collapsed into dropdown menus for your convenience: ::::{dropdown} One Bag Checklist :::{dropdown} Wardrobe - dressy jacket - 2-4 shirts/blouses/tops - 2 pairs trousers/skirts (shorts?) - 3+ pairs socks - 3+ pairs undergarments - long (lightweight) underwear - swimsuit - dark (cardigan) sweater - rainwear (umbrella?) - parka, coat, or equivalent - long T-shirt or sarong (nightclothes?) - necktie, scarf, shawl, hairband, bandanna - gloves / mittens - sun hat / knitted cap, hat clip - 1 pair dressy shoes (laces?) - 1 pair walking shoes/boots (laces?) - flip-flops or sandals - belt ::: :::{dropdown} Luggage - travel pack or shoulder bag (& luggage cart?) - daypack (fanny pack? purse?) - lightweight duffel/laundry bag - luggage lock(s) (cable?) ::: :::{dropdown} Tools - alarm clock/watch (batteries?) - flashlight, headstrap, extra batteries (bulbs?) - knife, screwdrivers, pliers, scissors - spoon (fork? chopsticks? spork?), (coffee tin lid) plate or bowl - compass - whistle - door lock ::: :::{dropdown} Repairs - safety pins, cord, fasteners - sewing kit, including large needle to accommodate dental floss - (Ziploc®) plastic bags, garbage bags - repair tape (packing tape? glue?) ::: :::{dropdown} Toiletries - toothbrush, cap, tooth cleaner, floss - razor, blades, shaving lubricant - comb and/or hairbrush - shampoo, bar soap & container - deodorant - nail clippers - [unbreakable] mirror - viscose towel (washcloth?) ::: :::{dropdown} Comforts - inflatable travel pillow - earplugs (sleep mask?) - sleep sack (sleeping bag? bivouac sack? blanket? tent?) ::: :::{dropdown} Laundry - detergent - (surgical latex braid) clothesline (carabiner?) - universal (flat) sink stopper - inflatable hangers [to dry clothes] ::: :::{dropdown} Health - toilet paper, water squirt bottle, antibacterial wipes - (chemical or mechanical) water purifier - analgesic of choice - diarrhea treatment of choice - infection treatment of choice - malaria tablets - insect repellent, mosquito net - sunscreen, lip balm - tweezers - bandages (other first aid?) - menstrual, contraceptive, and/or prophylactic supplies - vitamins, necessary medications - (collapsible) plastic water bottle & cup - dark glasses, retainer, case - lens cleaning cloth/supplies, copy of prescription (spare glasses?) ::: :::{dropdown} Paperwork - pen(s), small notebook, glue stick [for notes, addresses, diary, …] - personal address book (stamps?) - maps, guidebooks, phrase books, Post-it® notes, restaurant lists, membership cards, business/calling cards, telephone access numbers - reading material - large envelopes [to mail things home] ::: :::{dropdown} Valuables - passport, visas, extra passport photos, vaccination certificates - copies of important documents - (international?) driver's license, health insurance information - travel tickets - charge & ATM cards, cash (traveller's cheques?) - 2 personal cheques - security pouch [worn under clothes] ::: :::{dropdown} Specialty Items - camera (lenses? flash? tripod? extra cards & batteries? charger? download adapter?) - cellular telephone (charger/adapter(s)/battery?) - travel computer (flash drive? power cord/adapter(s)? network cable(s)?) - jump rope - (solar) calculator - foodstuffs - gifts ::: :::: Initially I wasn't even going to mention this list as it seemed to be more akin to an apocalypse survival kit than a lightweight nomad build. However, I then saw that the authors advised that this list should serve instead as the scope of all possible items you could possible bring, i.e. if you were considering taking something on a trip which was **not** on this list, it definitely should not be brought. Additionally, the One Bag site provides extensive descriptions on the use cases for each item to assist you in filtering it down to your individual needs.