Remote Work Essentials: The Gear, Tools, and Habits That Keep Me Productive Anywhere

May 7

When I first started working remotely, I thought all I needed was my laptop and a Wi-Fi signal. Turns out… not quite.

From dodgy hotel desks to noisy cafés, I quickly learned that having the right gear and digital tools makes a huge difference—not just in comfort, but in actual productivity.

Here’s my current stack for getting sh*t done anywhere:

1. The Tech That Travels Well

A Reliable, Lightweight Laptop

Look for: long battery life, solid build, at least 16GB RAM for multitasking.
Personally, I love my MacBook Air M2 — it's powerful but doesn’t break my back.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Crucial for calls and focus time.
My pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 — crisp audio and comfy for long sessions.

Universal Travel Adapter + Power Bank

Skip the cheap ones. Get a trusted adapter with USB-C and a 10000mAh+ power bank to survive long layovers or blackouts.

2. Digital Tools for Async Work

Notion

My go-to for planning, documenting, and tracking projects — especially in async teams.
→ Try Notion

Google Calendar + Calendly

Schedule without timezone headaches. Calendly auto-adjusts for the recipient.

Slack + Loom

Slack keeps async chats flowing.
Loom is perfect for sending quick video updates or feedback (no need to hop on Zoom).

3. Strong, Secure Connectivity

VPN

You don’t want to be logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi unprotected.
→ I use NordVPN for speed and global coverage.

Portable Wi-Fi / eSIM

Local SIMs are cheap, but if I’m hopping countries fast, Airalo eSIMs are a game-changer.

4. Habits That Keep Me Grounded

Time-blocking: Start each day with intention.
Work sprints: 50-min focus, 10-min break. Repeat.
Daily check-ins: Write down what you did, what’s next. Keeps async work clear and accountable.

Final Thoughts

Remote work gives you freedom, but structure makes it sustainable. This setup has taken me from airport lounges to jungle hostels — and kept me focused all the way.

If you're just starting out, pick one or two upgrades at a time. You don’t need to over-engineer your setup — just build it smart.

👉 Got your own favorite gear or tips? Send us a message!

Nomadlair .