“Digital nomads are a type of people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and, more generally, conduct their life in a nomadic manner. Such workers often work remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles.” – Wikipedia
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there is no ‘one bag fits all’ when it comes to a mobile office, commuting and traveling. In the military, SOF units have specific loadouts contained in separate bags depending on what mission set they are conducting. Jungle warfare, desert warfare and mountain warfare all require different gear to accomplish the mission. Instead of trying to use the same ruck for every environment, they pre-stage gear in the bags that make the most sense for that specific environment. The same mindset applies to the mobile worker. Although my tech gear remains the same, I will use a different pack if I’m traveling versus just commuting around town.
For the sake of this article, I’m focusing on what I use when commuting locally around town. The bag of choice here is the Vertx EDC Transit Sling Pack. It is a compact design that fills the needs for commuting from my home office to the local coffee shop, library or park. I don’t need much based off of what I do and the threat profile for my area. Threat profile you say? Absolutely. By conducting a simple threat profile on your local area will determine what you need when leaving the comfort and safety of your home. It sounds more complicated then it really is. Just be aware of the climate and overall demographic and you’ll be set. My area, for example, has an extremely low crime rate, so I don’t really need to worry about having a full bug out bag on my back. I know the lay of the land and can read the environment relatively easily. Because of this, my loadout for local commuting is fairly minimal, but still practical and effective.
https://sofrep.wistia.com/medias/u3rlxriml8
Like I said the bag/shell I’m using is the Vertx EDC Transit Sling Bag. Inside the bag, I keep the following kit.
- Dark Angel Pocket DARK Mini Trauma Kit
- Dark Angel Ouch Pouch First Aid Kit
- MacBook Pro 13″
- Moleskin notebook for tracking daily tasks
- Tuff Writer steel barreled pen
- Sharpie stainless steel fine tip marker
- Streamlight portable USB power bank
Inside the Vertx Sling Pack, I keep a Vertx Mini Organizational Pouch. I use this pouch as my wire dopp kit. Inside that, I keep the following items.
- MacBook Pro power adapter w/cord
- MacBook Pro USB dongle
- Apple earbuds
- iPhone lightning charging cable
- iPhone power adapter
Becuase the Vertx EDC Transit has three separate compartments, allows me to layer the gear and keep organized. On the outer most pocket I keep the trauma kit and first aid kit. Those obviously need to be readily accessible. The next pocket in secures my MacBook, notebook, pens and Vertx Mini Organizational Pouch. The last and final compartment is generally empty, but can be used for off body concealed carry, a small level IIIa soft body armor plate or other paperwork.
Check out Vertx for other great gear
100% Nylon
Imported
Smoke Grey Transit Sling Bag / VELCRO-lined, rapid access concealed carry platform
Tactigami and MOLLE compatible / Orbital strap design allows fast back-to-front transition
Quick-snap pivot buckle attachment at the shoulder / 1919 modular webbing on shoulder strap provides multiple attachment points
Spacer mesh back panel provides comfort and breathability for all-day use / Constructed of durable CORDURA fabric
Bag Size: 17 inch (H) x 11 inch (W) x 6 inch (D) / Capacity: 16 liters / Weight: 2 pounds
