Work Travel Kit That We Actually Use (2024)

Last year, I found myself lugging around way too much “essential” gear for remote work. Every trip, I’d promise to trim down—and every time, I’d end up with shoulder pain and a bag stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey. So in 2024, I finally got ruthless. My actual work travel kit now fits in a pouch, weighs less than my lunch, and does exactly what I need. Here’s the real gear I carry, what made the cut, and what I ditched (with zero regrets).

The Context: Why “Essentials” Got Out of Hand

Let’s be honest: If you work remotely and travel, you’ve probably read a dozen “ultimate digital nomad packing lists.” I used to fall for them, too. Extra cables? Check. Second monitor? Check. “Just in case” gadgets? Check. It all adds up—until you realize you’re packing more tech than a Best Buy shelf.

After one too many sprints through airports (and one tragic coffee spill on a backup keyboard I never used), I got serious about what actually earns its place in my kit.

My new rule: If it doesn’t get used at least once a week, it stays home.

The Kit: What I Actually Use

Here’s my honest, no-fluff work travel kit for 2024. Everything fits in a single organizer pouch and weighs in—ready for any workspace, from a hostel in Lisbon to a rental cabin in the Smokies.

Laptop: The Heart of the Operation

I use a Dell XPS 13 (2022). It’s light (2.6 lbs), has solid battery life (8+ hours on a real workday), and enough oomph for dev work, video calls, and the occasional photo edit. MacBook Air or Pro? Also great—pick your poison, just keep it under 3 lbs.

USB-C Hub: The Secret Weapon

I tried going “dongle-free,” but there’s always that one Airbnb TV or client with a USB drive. My pick: Anker 7-in-1 USB-C hub. Slim, reliable, never overheats. HDMI, SD card, two USB-A, Ethernet (rarely used but a lifesaver in spotty Wi-Fi hotels). $35, worth every penny.

Charger: Fast and Universal

After frying a laptop with a sketchy adapter in Croatia, I invested in a Baseus 65W GaN charger (folding US/EU/UK prongs, two USB-C, one USB-A). Charges everything—laptop, phone, headphones. No more brick-sized power blocks.

Laptop Stand: Save Your Back

My must-have: Nexstand K2. Weighs half a pound, folds up like chopsticks. Instantly turns any table into a decent desk. Your neck will thank you, trust me.

Headphones: Meetings & Focus

Noise is everywhere—cafés, airports, even “quiet” co-working spaces. I use Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ears (the XM5s are nice but bulkier). 30-hour battery, solid ANC, comfy for long calls. For backup/invisibility: Jabra Elite 3 earbuds, pocket-sized and decent mic.

SSD: Backup or Bust

Cloud is great—until you’re offline, or your drive fails. I keep a Samsung T7 1TB SSD: fast, tiny, rugged. Weekly backups, quick file swaps, no sweat if I lose Wi-Fi for a day.

Pouch: The Organizer

All the above fits in a Tomtoc Tech Pouch (medium size, about $35). Zippered pockets, soft padding, no cable spaghetti. Bonus: doubles as a day bag if I’m out without the laptop.

What Got the Axe (And Why)

I’ve tried and cut a lot of gear. Here are the “almost essentials” that didn’t make the cut:

Portable Monitor – Heavy, awkward, rarely used outside hotel rooms. I use split-screen or my phone as a second display (apps like Duet Display work in a pinch).
Bluetooth Mouse – I code and write almost everything from the keyboard. For design work, I’ll grab a cheap mouse locally if needed.
External Keyboard – Too bulky. If I’ll be in one place for weeks, maybe. Otherwise, laptop keyboard wins.
HDMI/VGA Cables – My hub covers the basics; anything else is out of scope for travel.
Travel Router – Used to swear by it, but phone tethering and better Wi-Fi have made it obsolete for me.
Power Strip – If I’m in hostels or hotels with limited outlets, I’ll buy a cheap one there and leave it behind.

One thing you probably don’t need: emergency “pocket” projectors. If you ever actually use one, email me—I owe you a coffee.

How to Build Your Own: 15-Minute Checklist

Want your own lean, mean work travel kit? Here’s the 15-minute process I used to pare down:

Dump all your tech gear on the bed.
Pick up each item. Ask: When did I last use this on the road?
If it’s not weekly-use, put it in the “maybe” pile.
Fit your “must-haves” in a pouch or organizer. If it doesn’t fit, something’s gotta go.
Test your kit for a week. Anything you miss? Add it back. Anything unused? Out it goes.

My 2024 Work Travel Kit: Table

Item	Model	Weight	Use Case
Laptop	Dell XPS 13 (2022)	2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg	Main work machine
USB-C Hub	Anker 7-in-1	0.22 lbs / 100 g	Ports for all the things
Charger	Baseus 65W GaN	0.33 lbs / 150 g	Charges all devices
Laptop Stand	Nexstand K2	0.5 lbs / 230 g	Ergonomics
Headphones	Sony WH-1000XM4	0.55 lbs / 250 g	Meetings, focus
SSD	Samsung T7 1TB	0.15 lbs / 70 g	Backups, files
Pouch	Tomtoc Tech Pouch M	0.44 lbs / 200 g	Organization

Helpful Links & Tools

*If you’re on the fence about anything above, rent or borrow before you buy. Your back (and wallet) will thank you.

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The Context: Why “Essentials” Got Out of Hand