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, 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. Here they provide an incredibly extensive list of items, which I have collapsed into dropdown menus for your convenience:
One Bag Checklist
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
Luggage
travel pack or shoulder bag (& luggage cart?)
daypack (fanny pack? purse?)
lightweight duffel/laundry bag
luggage lock(s) (cable?)
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
Repairs
safety pins, cord, fasteners
sewing kit, including large needle to accommodate dental floss
(Ziploc®) plastic bags, garbage bags
repair tape (packing tape? glue?)
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?)
Comforts
inflatable travel pillow
earplugs (sleep mask?)
sleep sack (sleeping bag? bivouac sack? blanket? tent?)
Laundry
detergent
(surgical latex braid) clothesline (carabiner?)
universal (flat) sink stopper
inflatable hangers [to dry clothes]
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?)
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]
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]
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.