There's never been a better time to be a digital nomad. The internet is faster and has better coverage than ever, tech has become smaller and more powerful, and coffee shops and co-working hubs welcome freelance designers, artists and video editors with open arms and fresh brews.
However, there's a bewildering array of portable tech to choose from, whether it's the laptop that sits at the heart of your mobile workstation, the accessories that keep you comfortable and productive, or the laptop backpack bag you use to carry it all.
In this round-up, I've focused on the kit that bridges the gap between professional-level power and get-up-and-go mobility. I’ve included Apple's MacBook Air – my favourite portable laptop for design work – the best Bluetooth headphones that block out background noise, and the best power bank, best mouse, and best monitors that are built with portability in mind.
Of course, this isn't just for working away from home — it's equally appropriate if you're the type who does their emails from the kitchen table and then moves to the garden when the sun's out. If you really want to dig in, though, check out my guide to the ultimate budget work-from-home setup.
Logitech’s all-in-one kit includes a stand to lift your laptop to eye level and prevent those hunched positions that lead to "tech neck," while a built-in wireless keyboard and touchpad help you get stuff done in comfort. When you're finished for the day the whole thing packs up into a book-size case, and its calming, neutral tones and premium fabric suit any environment.
Audiophile-grade quality and active noise cancellation are usually mutually exclusive — but that's not the case with Sennheiser's HDB 630s. Built around a 42mm transducer, they deliver a natural, balanced soundscape that’s suitable for pro work. They're bundled with a Bluetooth AptX USB-C adapter for the best low latency performance (gaming, anyone?), while the 60-hour battery life will keep your sounds sweet through your commute and the working day.
Asus’ Zenscreen portable monitor is a stunning screen with OLED tech for true blacks and pro-grade color accuracy. At 16 inches it strikes the balance between panoramics and packability, and it includes a clever cover/stand and a proximity sensor that saves battery life. Perfect for productivity — or Heated Rivalry catch-ups when you’re on a Teams call.
WD's My Passport marries miniscule design with portable power. Available in capacities from 500 GB to 4 TB, it boasts 1,050MB/s read speeds so you can edit 4K footage without copying it to your computer, while password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption keep your data safe and secure. With no moving parts and a shockproof design, it'll withstand bumpy commutes and the rigours of working in a busy Starbucks.
With its roots in San Francisco bike courier bags, Timbuk2 knows how to construct a tough but practical backpack. The Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe includes an astonishing array of pockets and cubby holes to keep your cables, pens, and drives organised, a dedicated compartment that keeps laptops up to 17 inches safe, plus water resistance and an air mesh back panel that ensures your belongings — and your body — stay dry.
There can be only one laptop for this round-up: the Macbook Air, which is so perfect that Apple hasn't changed its design for three years now. It's almost impossibly thin and light, but the honed ergonomics, Liquid Retina display, and finely tuned componentry make it a joy to use, whether you're at an expansive desk or literally using it on your lap's top while you wait for a train.
Parisian company Native Union makes high-performance accessories that don't look too techy or stupid. Its minimalist laptop sleeve features a water-resistant exterior as well as a luxurious quilted interior to prevent damage. It’s also form-fitted to MacBook sizes, so it doesn’t add too much unnecessary bulk. A must-have extra level of protection for your laptop.
Overcome the incalculable dread of the low-battery-warning with this capacious power bank. It packs 25,000mAh of power, which is enough to recharge a MacBook Air one and a half times, while speedy 145W charging ensures your battery icon fills up in no time. While it's not as svelte and light as lower-capacity banks, it hits the sweet spot between portability and sheer power.
This ultra-slim, pebble-shaped mouse slots neatly into any laptop sleeve, and you can toggle between MacBook and iPad, depending on which you have with you, with easy-switch Bluetooth. Silent Touch technology makes your clicks quiet and Logitech claims you'll get an epic two years of battery life from a single AA. Love the design? There's a matching keyboard available too.
