A few weeks ago, we sent the Mobile Work Survey to Knackpackers , with the goal of learning more about where you’re working in 2020! 61% of Knackpackers reported that they are still working remotely, and 27% of Knackpackers shared they are working from a “car, plane or train.”
Whether you're a digital nomad, remote worker, or frequent business traveler, having the right nomad backpack can make all the difference. Unlike a traditional travel backpack, a digital nomad backpack functions as a mobile office, protecting your laptop, organizing your tech gear, and providing enough space for clothes and travel essentials without feeling bulky.
To learn what works in the real world, we spoke with Heather Burks, a marketer, photographer, business owner, and avid traveler who regularly works while exploring new destinations. She shares how one expandable travel backpack helps her balance work, travel, and everyday life.
What Is a Nomad Backpack?
A nomad backpack is designed for people who work while traveling. Whether you're a digital nomad, content creator, consultant, or remote employee, the best digital nomad backpack combines a dedicated laptop compartment, organization for tech gear, comfortable backpack straps, and enough storage for both short trips and longer trips.
Unlike a hiking backpack that's designed primarily for outdoor adventures, a nomad backpack is built to transition from airports and coffee shops to client meetings and co-working spaces while keeping your daily essentials organized and easily accessible.
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Traditional Travel Backpack |
Digital Nomad Backpack |
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Focused primarily on clothing |
Organizes work and travel gear |
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Large main compartment |
Dedicated laptop compartment and tech organization |
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Vacation focused |
Built for remote work and travel |
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Often requires multiple bags |
Supports One Bag Travel |
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Limited organization |
Multiple compartments with easy access |
Meet Heather Burks: Working From Anywher
Heather has worked with her husband, Walter, for a few decades in the wedding photography industry, but all of that changed in 2017. “We were asked to be the campaign managers for a local mayoral race,” shares Heather. “We ended up winning and unseating the 6-year incumbent. It really re-sparked our love for marketing and political marketing, so in September 2019 we officially launched our marketing agency. Now, as of September 2020, we are doing this full-time and will photograph our last wedding in November.”
Heather and Walter work with clients in a variety of industries, and include travel as part of their offering. “We offer content creation for our clients, which involves a good amount of travel,” shares Heather. “We use our photography backgrounds to plan and execute on full campaigns.” They spend a lot of time on the road, meeting with clients and producing and directing photoshoots.
How Remote Work Has Changed Travel
Heather and Walter didn’t have to adjust to working remotely in 2020, as they’ve been doing it for almost 15 years. That said, the couple did have to adjust to other changes quickly.
“Our work schedule changed a lot, especially for the first few months,” explains Heather. “We didn’t get a weekend off for 4 weeks, and were working from 9 am to 11 pm for weeks to handle all of the pivots.”
Like many digital nomads, flexibility has become one of their greatest strengths. Whether they're planning marketing campaigns, editing photography, or meeting with clients, having a portable workspace allows them to stay productive from almost anywhere.
The way they traveled also changed. “During shutdown, we didn’t travel to our clients for content creation,” shares Heather. “We had to pull together what we could from home. Since the travel restrictions have been lifted, we have been able to safely visit once a month. Our clients have been great about being safe throughout this process.”
MORE >> Discover What Travel Looks Like Going Forward
Travel Blogging in 2020
In addition to their marketing agency, Heather and Walter also have a travel blog called The Burks Beyond . The idea for a blog came a few years ago, when the couple made the goal to visit all 50 states together. The y made it to their 50th state (Hawaii) in 2018 and started their travel blog in 2019. “We get a lot of questions about our trips and it was easier to send a blog than always suggest things for friends,” explains Heather.
Why One-Bag Travel Works
Seeing how Heather and Walter quickly go from their home office to traveling for clients to traveling for fun – we had to have them test the Knack Pack. We sent two Knack Packs to the couple for a thorough, unbiased review.
You can see the full review on how the Medium Sized Knack Backpack worked for a 4-day trip below.
In the video, Heather explains how her love of a #OneBagLife started in Europe. “On our trip to Europe in 2017,” Heather shares, “we realized that rolling suitcases are not the most practical things. It really hit us when we were trying to make a train, and we had to go down 5 flights of stairs with 2 really heavy rolling suitcases that weighed 50 pounds. That was when we decided to travel lighter – specifically, with just a carry-on.”
While they’re not flying in 2020, Heather and Walter did take the Knack Pack on the road in 2020.
“I was able to fit so much stuff for the long weekend trip,” shares Heather. “I was able to pack hiking clothes for 4 days and regular clothes for 4 days. I packed all of my toiletries, my chargers, my headphones, my tablet, my laptop, all my external hard drives, my mouse – everything I needed to travel and work for the weekend!” The expandable travel compartment in the Knack Pack is key, noted Heather, because packing in a suitcase compartment is so much easier than packing in a backpack
“I was able to fit so much stuff for the long weekend trip,” shares Heather. “I was able to pack hiking clothes for 4 days and regular clothes for 4 days. I packed all of my toiletries, my chargers, my headphones, my tablet, my laptop, all my external hard drives, my mouse – everything I needed to travel and work for the weekend!” The expandable travel compartment in the Knack Pack is key, noted Heather, because packing in a suitcase compartment is so much easier than packing in a backpack.
The Knack Pack Laptop Backpack: Day Bag & Travel Bag
After arriving at their cabin in Blowing Rock, Heather and Walter unpacked and compressed the expandable travel compartment. “We were easily able to convert the Medium Knack Pack into a day bag,” she shares. Heather went on to explain how critical it is to have a backpack that contains necessary tech items, so she can stop to send a few emails while traveling downtown or exploring a new area. “We were able to take our backpack suitcase and make it a day bag,” she shares in the video. “We packed our laptops and some of our camera gear, then were able to work remotely while exploring the parks and other places around Bowling Rock - without needing another bag.”
Heather shared another tip: “You’re definitely going to want packing cubes if you’re putting everything in your Knack Pack...this also makes unpacking much easier.” You can check out the Knack Packing Cubes here.
Small Features Make a Big Difference
Heather’s favorite pocket is the zippable water bottle pocket. “You don’t even notice this pocket when you first see the bag,” she shares. “It keeps your water bottle completely hidden! Which is great, because then it doesn’t look like a travel backpack – and it’s perfect for work!”
It's often these thoughtful details that separate a good travel backpack from a great nomad backpack. Features like hidden pockets, durable zippers, comfortable backpack straps, and organized storage improve both user comfort and everyday usability without adding unnecessary bulk.
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Feature |
Benefit |
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Dedicated laptop compartment |
Protects your computer |
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Padded shoulder straps |
Improves comfort during long days |
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Expandable main compartment |
More room when traveling |
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Hidden water bottle pocket |
Cleaner professional appearance |
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Multiple compartments |
Better organization |
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Easy-access pockets |
Faster access to daily essentials |
Which Size of Knack Pack is Right for You?
Ready to make remote work and travel easier in 2020? Check out this comparison chart to see which Knack Pack will fit your laptop!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nomad backpack?
A nomad backpack is designed for people who work while traveling. Unlike a standard travel backpack, a digital nomad backpack combines a dedicated laptop compartment, organized storage for tech gear, comfortable carry, and enough space for clothing in one carry-on-friendly bag.
What should a digital nomad carry in their backpack?
Every traveler's packing list is different, but most digital nomads carry:
- Laptop
- Charger
- Headphones
- Mouse
- Camera gear
- Portable battery
- Water bottle
- Packing cubes
- Toiletries
- A change of clothes
Can one backpack replace both a work bag and a travel bag?
Yes. An expandable backpack with separate compartments for work and travel can replace both your everyday laptop bag and your travel backpack. This simplifies packing while keeping work essentials and clothing organized.
What features should I look for in a digital nomad backpack?
Look for a backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment, padded shoulder straps, multiple compartments, organized storage for tech gear, durable construction, and enough capacity for both everyday use and travel.
