The first week as a digital nomad was a learning experience. After about three days, I realized that I had over-packed. That week, I ditched a rolling carry-on (I know, I know–in my defense, I’d been planning to get an apartment for a few months) in Leon. At that point, I was still left with a big expedition backpack and my “Central America laptop bag”–a regular laptop case stuffed into a large canvas Nautica tote (bought at TJMaxx for $9).
Warning to all digital nomads: never travel with clothing/items you actually care about. It makes them very hard to get rid of along the way.
I cringe as I imagine your reactions to this digital nomad gear list; in the interest of full disclosure, I will not hide any of my ridiculous items. (though the temptation is great) I will say that when I return to the States, I’ll be paring down items to the bare minimum…maybe not as minimal as Kareem’s digital nomad packing list over at HowsTheWifi, but better. 
TECHNICAL GEAR
Dell Studio 17 inch laptop
The single biggest laptop in the whole world–or so it seems when I’m lugging it from country to country. It’s my work laptop, and the HD wide screen is good for video editing.
MacBook laptop
Yes, two laptops. The Dell stays in hiding; no one on the road knows it exists, or that I stupidly travel with two laptops. My beautiful Mac is my personal computer, and comes with me to cafes or in public hostel areas. I’d use it for work, but my company prefers PCs.
Microsoft wireless optical mouse
This little guy is essential for video projects, web construction, or anything that requires extensive use of the trackpad. The receiver snaps into the bottom, and the battery life is excellent. I also have a $2.99 mouse pad that I use frequently.
Standard power strip
One of the best things I packed. Kind of bulky, but in rooms with only one power outlet (not uncommon in Central America), it’s a lifesaver. Next time, I’m going for the more compact travel power strip. I also carry a small converter that I bought in Guatemala for $1.25 to enable me to plug three-prong cords (power strip, PC laptop cord) into two-prong outlets.
