The fantastic thing about trading is that you can do it from anywhere in the world. 

I've traded from places like London, Finland, Estonia and Hawaii.

So in this guide, I'll give you my personal picks for gear I've used in my trading travel setup.

This stuff will help you travel light, but enjoy all of the comforts of home.

I'll also provide a couple of picks that I haven't used, but many other traders really like.

Computer Gear

First up are the most important tools for a trader, a laptop and related tech.

I've tried a few different setups over the years and here's what I like best.

Trading Laptop

My travel computer is a MacBook Air.

I switched from PC to Mac in 2012 and never looked back.

In a past life, I worked in IT and had to fix a lot of PCs.

Windows has improved somewhat over the years, but it still suffers from many of the issues that it has always had.

Mainly not working properly when you need it most.

Macs on the other hand have been solid and I've had very few issues.

Platforms like TradingView have also made it much easier for traders to use a Mac.

So if you haven't looked a Mac in awhile, I would highly recommend it.

I travel with a 11″ MacBook Air. It's getting old, but it's the most portable MacBook and it still works great.

Extra Trading Screen

I don't use an extra screen when I'm on the road anymore, but here are 3 options that might appeal to you.

The solution I used in the past was an iPad attached to my MacBook Air.

There's an app called Duet Display that will turn an iPad into a second screen.

This is an excellent solution because you can use your iPad as either a backup computer or a second screen.

Here's a video of my setup at the time.

Another option of course, is to get a dedicated screen.

This doesn't appeal to me because these screens tend to be relatively bulky and only serve one purpose.

But if you really want a dedicated screen, then these options may appeal to you.

Many of them are inexpensive and the ratings are generally very good.

Something else you can consider is just carrying HDMI cables with you so you can use the TV at the hotel or Airbnb as your second screen.  

The biggest upside of this option is the cables don't take up much space in your bag.

Just be sure that you have cables for all of the HDMI types.

Backup Trading Computer

When my money is on the line, I need to have a backup in case something happens to my primary computer.

So I also carry a Windows tablet.

Yeah, I trash talked Windows earlier, but the unfortunate reality is that most trading programs still only run on Windows.

I'm looking at you MetaTrader.

Yes, there are MetaTrader mobile apps and the web version, but they do not have all of the features, like the ability to run custom indicators and EAs.

Things are slowly changing with platforms like TradingView, but it still lacks some capabilities that are only available with Windows programs.

For example, backtesting software like NakedMarkets and Forex Tester only have Windows versions.

So while a Windows tablet is not absolutely necessary while traveling, whenever possible, I do like to take one in case I need a backup or I want to do some backtesting.

Trading Phone

I used to carry a micro 4/3 camera when I travel, but phone cameras have become so good that I don't need one anymore.

And the less I can carry the better.

My phone of choice is (almost) any phone from OnePlus.

To me, they are the “iPhone” of Android.

What I mean is they have a similar build quality, but have several advantages over iPhones.

First, they take better pictures than iPhones.

Since I'll mostly be taking pictures when I'm traveling, that's the most important thing to me.

iPhones still have much better video, but that's not a big concern to me.

Next, OnePlus phones can be deGoogled.

So I can install an alternative operating system like /e/OS, which has greatly improved privacy and battery life.

This has been achieved by taking out the parts of the operating system that continually send data to the Google servers.

Studies have shown that Android can send as much as 20X more data to the Google servers than iPhones send to Apple.

A deGoogled phone actually won't send any data to Google, unless you're logged into a Google app.

Battery life in particular is important when traveling, so this has been a big improvement.

I buy unlocked OnePlus phones, so they can be used anywhere in the world.

When I'm in another country, I buy a new card, pop out my current SIM card and I'm in business.

These phones can also be used as hotspots for my laptop, so I always have internet when I'm on the road.

My phone can also be used to trade, if I have an issue with my laptop.

I've found that deGoogled phones also last longer because they don't slow down as dramatically over time.

Portable Battery Kit

A battery kit is one of the most useful things you can have, regardless if you're half way around the world, or at your local coffee shop.

It ensures that you'll always be able to charge your phone and other smaller devices.

Here's what my kit looks like.

To build this kit, you need the following:

• Backup battery
• Case
• AC adapter for USB cables
• Short USB C cable
• Short Micro USB cable
• Short Lightning cable

Buying the short cables ensures that they will easily fit in your case.

Since you have all 3 major cables, you can charge almost any device, including older phones, and even some tablets.

The case you buy will depend on the size of your battery, so buy the battery first, then look for a case.

You can just get any case off Amazon or eBay. They are relatively cheap, just be sure to check the dimensions.

I use an Anker battery pack and it works very well.

Computer Accessories

First, I would recommend getting 2 of every type of cable you'll need.

You might also want to get 2 AC adapters for your computer, if the second one fits in your luggage.

Next, you might want to travel with a mouse. This is optional, but useful.

I prefer a trackball because it stays in place and doesn't require a lot of desk space.

My favorite trackball mouse is the Elecom Deft Pro.

Another useful accessory is the Fuse Reel Side Winder cable management system for Mac.

I bought one of their earlier models and it works well.

But the newest one is much better and winds up both cables on the adapter.

Here's what it looks like.

Finally, if you're going to a foreign country, don't forget your plug adapter.

This one is similar to what I have.

It's a little bulky, but it handles all electrical plug types.

Software and Mobile Apps

There are only 3 apps that I use nowadays:

1. MetaTrader 4 desktop and mobile
2. TradingView desktop and mobile
3. NakedMarkets

If I'm not in the mood to backtest, then I don't need NakedMarkets and can get by with just MetaTrader and TradingView.

Of course, you might need other software, depending on which markets you trade, but I like to keep things simple.

Luggage and Bags

Now you need something to carry your equipment around in.

These are the products that I use.

Backpack

My all-time favorite travel backpack is the GR1 Rucksack.

This is my second one and these things are bullet proof. I've gone everywhere with this bag.

I like that the pack opens all the way, so it's easy to pack and unpack.

It can hold a ton of weight and is very comfortable.

There's a laptop compartment on the outside, making it easy to take my laptop out when going through the airport.

I also bought the water bottle carrier and chest harness separately, and they have been super useful.

So what happened to my first bag?

The zipper broke and I reached out to the company to see if I could get it repaired. I was willing to pay for the repair.

But they ended up sending me a new bag.

They really stand behind their product and I'm a big fan.

Day Pack

In addition to my primary backpack, I also bring a day pack.

This is a smaller bag that I can carry my laptop and paper notebook in.

It's lighter and less bulky than my backpack, so it's perfect for trading at a coffee shop.

For this, I've chosen the PacSafe Vibe bag.

The 10L model can hold a 13″ laptop.

These bags are designed for travelers and have many theft-deterrent features.

Kinda important if I'm carrying my laptop around.

For starters, it has a metal mesh around the exterior and metal wires through the strap.

This prevents would-be thieves from cutting through the bag or strap.

Next, I can lock the zippers so they are harder to open.

Very handy.

Finally, I can lock and unlock the strap, so I can attach it to a fixed object like a bus seat or pole.

This is perfect if I want to go to sleep on the bus, or put my bag down at a cafe or train station.

I've had this bag for years and it has held up very well.

A useful accessory for any bag (pictured above) is a Black Diamond climbing carabiner.

It allows me to hang the bag on a hook if I don't want to put it on the ground.

Carry On Luggage

I wish I had something a little more interesting here, but this one is pretty standard.

I've been using a Samsonite hardside carry on for awhile, ever since a cat peed in my previous carry on.

It's been solid and I prefer the hardsides because they protect my stuff a lot better.

You really can't go wrong with a Samsonite.

They have many different styles, so look through their collection if this interests you.

Other Stuff

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Travel is usually tiring and that can take its toll on your eyes.

So it helps to have a pair of blue light blocking glasses.

They reduce eye strain when at the computer. Blocking blue light has been shown to help you sleep better, which really helps if you have jet lag.

I've used many different types over the years, from top of the line, to el cheapo Amazon specials.

This pair by Jim Halo is my absolute favorite.

It's not the cheapest option on Amazon, but it is significantly cheaper than something like a pair of Gunnars.

I had a pair of Gunnars and they broke pretty quickly.

What I like most about the Jim Halo glasses is the transparent frame.

It increases my field of vision so I don't feel boxed in.

One thing to figure out when buying computer glasses, also known as gaming glasses, is the level of tint you're comfortable with.

I found that I prefer a much lighter tint. The darker tint annoys me.

So if you want to pick up a pair, I would suggest buying a few cheap ones to figure out your ideal tint level.

Then go for the more expensive ones with a corresponding tint.

Watch

Being in a different timezone can be disorienting.

So I find it useful to wear a watch that has dual timezone capability.

When I can see what time it is in my home timezone, that gives me a frame of reference, especially with regard to when the markets open and close.

My favorite watches are the solar G-Shocks from Casio.

They are lightweight, look good and can take a beating.

The battery in these solar watches can last for as long as 20 years if you keep them charged, so they are very low maintenance.

The watch I currently travel with is the GWX-5600C-7JF.

It has a moon and tide function, which is particularly useful when I'm in Hawaii.

These watches are also very customizable, so I modified my watch to have a blackout look and now I can easily change the band to different colors.

I bought the black stainless steel bezel on eBay.

In order to fit the custom nylon straps, I also bought a JaysandKays metal band adapter and a Ritche 22mm military watch band.

I used to have a mechanical watch and it looked fantastic.

But it was a pain in the ass to continuously adjust time time and it required a complete maintenance every few years.

So I sold it and got a G-Shock instead.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

You might not think about bringing a water bottle with you on a trip because it takes up space, but it can be very useful.

Proper hydration has been shown to increase cognitive ability and improve mood. 

Two must haves for traders.

There are places where water is more expensive than wine, so bringing your own can save you some money.

Using your own bottle also reduces that amount of plastic that gets thrown into landfills.

But most importantly, you don't want to be drinking the tap water in many places in the world. 

So if you have a bottle, you can fill up at a reliable water source and stay properly hydrated all day.

And if you stuff your water bottle with a shirt or some socks, it actually won't take up too much space in your luggage. 

Notebook

One thing that I never leave home without is a notebook.

I prefer it to note taking apps because physical notebooks don't require batteries and when I'm not trading, I want to be away from the screens as much as possible.

My notebook of choice is a Moleskine, hardcover, large, plain.

I also bought a leather cover from Innovative Journaling, formerly Renaissance Art.

It's durable and has a great worn look.

Notebooks get pretty beat up if you don't have a cover, so I highly suggest getting one for travel.

You can also find some really cool leather covers on Etsy.

Travel Pens

If you carry a notebook, then you also need a good pen.

I've used many different types of pens and my favorite is Pilot pens.

In particular, I love the Pilot Juice Up 04.

These pens are super reliable and don't bleed all over the place like many other pens do.

You can also use the Juice Up refills in other pen bodies, like the Smootherpro bolt action pen that's pictured above.

As a backup, I also carry a Pilot Birdie as my Every Day Carry (EDC) pen. It works well and and fits almost anywhere.

Headphones

If I'm going on a long trip, over the ear headphones are a must, especially ones with noise cancelling.

The noise cancelling feature makes it much easier to sleep on the plane.

Now you might expect that I'm going to recommend Bose headphones here, but that's not what I use.

All Bose stuff is overpriced, in my opinion.

There are much better brands for the same money.

When I went to Costa Rica for a week, I had the opportunity to compare my TaoTronics headphones to the Bose QuietComfort headphones.

Side by side, there was a clear winner…the TaoTronics.

The QuietComforts sounded tinny.

It was a little surprising, but it reinforced my existing opinion of Bose.

The sound quality with the TaoTronics was much better, even with the noise reduction on.

I prioritize sound quality, so there's no way that I'm going to buy something that sounds bad.

Now the Bose did have slightly better noise reduction, I'll give it that.

But not enough to pay 6X more.

So if you're looking for some travel headphones that have you won't worry too much about losing or getting damaged, then I highly recommend TaoTronics.

Clothing

Here are some great clothing solutions that I've found useful when traveling.

Having travel specific clothing can save a lot of space and make your life easier.

Convertible Pants

If I'm going to a destination where the weather can vary a lot, convertible pants are a space saver.

I simply convert the long pants into shorts when the weather warms up.

My personal favorite is The North Face convertible pants, but there are certainly other manufacturers to consider.

Money Belt

Having a place to stash some cash is a handy on a trip.

Sometimes you don't want to carry all of your cash in your wallet, but you still want a fair amount available, in case you need it.

There also may be other things that you want to stash in the belt like a key.

I've been using a Patagonia money belt for years, but there are cheaper, and probably just as effective solutions out there.

Underwear

OK, so underwear probably isn't the first thing you think of when packing your bags.

But it really sucks when you run out of clean underwear on a trip, so I recommend devoting a couple of minutes to sorting your underwear situation.

My favorite travel underwear is ExOfficio underwear.

What I like about this underwear is that they are durable, easy to wash and they dry quickly.

So if I cannot get to a laundry facility, I can simply hand wash them in the sink and hang them out to dry.

In a pinch, I can run them under a blow dryer in the hotel room and they are ready to wear in a couple of minutes.

That means I don't have to carry a lot of them and I don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain and wearing wet underwear all day.

They are also very comfortable and last a long time.

Final Thoughts on a Trading Travel Setup

So that is my list of essential travel gear list for trading on the road.

Traveling light can make your journey much more pleasant. 

Having the right equipment will also help you focus better on trading because you'll feel more like you're at home.

One wrong trade can make your trip a lot more expensive that you ever imagined.

To see more of my travel pictures, follow me on Instagram.

The post The Road Warrior’s Trading Travel Setup and Gear Guide appeared first on Trading Heroes.

As traders, we spend a lot of time in front of the computer. I think that you will agree that it takes it's toll on all of us.

So I'm up for anything that I can do to reduce the strain that comes from staring at the screen for extended periods of time.

That is why I was willing to give these so-called gaming/computer glasses a try to see if they actually did anything or if they were just what nerds wear. I was skeptical, but I believe that you shouldn't knock it until you try it.

I tried two different brands for about three months and here is what I thought. Read this post or watch the video to find out which brand I thought was best.  

To see more pictures and get the text version of the review, be sure to scroll down after the video. Otherwise click the play button below…

Benefits of “Gaming Glasses” or “Computer Glasses”

Let's start by listing the benefits that these companies say you will get by using these glasses.

• Blocks blue light
• Helps you sleep better
• Reduces eye strain
• Retains eye moisture
• Reduces glare
• Helps you look like a member of Run DMC (gold chain sold separately)

If you are skeptical about the blue light thing, it has been proven to have negative effects, including interrupting your circadian rhythms. There is software to reduce blue light from your computer and Apple includes it in their iOS devices.

…and so does Amazon, on its Fire tablets.

Read more about the benefits of computer glasses in this book.

I could use software, but I prefer the glasses solution because it will block out ALL blue light. Not just the light coming from my computer. 

But the question really is….does it actually work?

Which Brand of Computer Glasses are Best?

I first bought the Gamma Ray computer glasses. Then I got curious and bought the more expensive Gunnar gaming glasses. What was so good about the Gunnars that they cost more?

Let's start with comparing what you get in the box. 

With the Gamma Rays Flexlites, you get a nice hard case and cleaning cloth. All for about $17 on Amazon.

The Gunnar Intercept only included a bag, which doubles as a cleaning cloth. They cost about $70 on Amazon, but I got a discount when Amazon had a sale, and paid $55.

Yeah, that's a pretty big price difference! Is it really worth it to pay more for the Gunnars? Are they THAT much better?

After all, you could get almost 3 Gamma Rays for the regular price of one pair of Gunnars! Here's what I thought after using them both for 90 days…

Gamma Ray Flexlite Computer Glasses Review

OK, let's start with the GammaRays, since I bought them first. Quite honestly, before I put them on, I didn't think that they would work.

But holy shit, after I used them for a couple of hours, they were nothing short of amazing! I felt so much better because my eyes were not straining as much as usual.

Before that, I was using my prescription glasses to work on the computer because I found that I was able to focus better. The funny thing is that I'm nearsighted.

So I can only speculate that the glasses were not actually helping me focus better, but were really refracting some of the light from the computer monitor.

I haven't used my prescription glasses since getting these glasses.

Gamma Ray Likes

• Light, compact frame
• Great hardshell case
• Lighter tint, making it easier to use over long periods of time
• Works well, significantly reduced eye strain

Gamma Ray Dislikes

• Quite a bit of glare, at times
• Lenses get dirty easily and are hard to clean
• Generic build quality, the lenses have popped out a couple times and a hinge screw had to be reinstalled
• Limited eye coverage

But overall, really solid glasses for the price. Now let's look at the Gunnars…

Gunnar Intercept Computer Glasses Review

Since I had such good results with the Gamma Rays, it got me wondering…why do the Gunnars cost so much more? Could they be that much better?

Curiosity got the best of me. So I decided to give them a try. Here's what I liked and didn't like.

Gunnar Likes

• Light frame
• Works well, significantly reduced eye strain
• Solid build quality, something you would expect from Spy Optic or other higher end sunglass manufacturers
• Much less glare
• Lenses don't get dirty as fast, easy to clean
• Great eye coverage

Gunnar Dislikes

• Cost
• Would be nice to have a case at that price
• Darker yellow tint
• A little large for standard cases

So in terms of eye strain, not much difference. Gunnars are also awesome. But the overall build quality is significantly better.

The slightly darker tint makes it a little harder to use over long periods of time. That was the biggest complaint for me.

Which pair is better?

Here is my final decision…

The Final Verdict

The decision was a little more difficult than you may think. While I really liked the Gamma Ray Flexlites, I had a really hard time getting over the lens smudging and the glare of the lenses.

It was a waste of time to have to clean the Flexlites frequently. I can only describe it as having a mosquito buzzing in your ear. A small thing, but really annoying.

So in the end, I have decided to stick with and recommend the Gunnar Intercepts. They are worth the extra money…but just barely.

If you are on a tight budget, then I have no problem recommending the Flexlites. But if you are like me and put a lot of value on quality and removing small annoyances from your day, like fixing and cleaning your glasses, then the Gunnars are for you. 

In addition, the Flexlites will probably break in a year or so, with daily use. I have no proof this, but it is just my estimation, based on what I have seen of the build quality. Over time, the Gunnars will probably be a better value.

Best Gunnar Intercept Case

But what about the case?

Since I couldn't use the case from Gunnar for this particular model, I decided to look around for a hard case to protect them. The bag is OK, but I've damaged a couple of pairs of sunglasses that way, so I wanted to make sure that my Gunnars were well taken care of.

There are several options out there, but the odd size of these glasses make them a little hard to find a case for. Even if you find a case, they can be pretty bulky.

However, I did find a good solution in these collapsable cases. It is sturdy and have hard sides, but fold up almost flat, so they don't take up a lot of space when you are using the glasses.

The bonus is that it costs about $12, much cheaper than the Gunnar hardshell case that the Intercepts don't fit in.

So if you are suffering from tired eyes during a long trading or backtesting session, I hope that these computer glasses will help.

Happy Trading!

Update

After owning the Gunnars for about a year, they broke in half. Here's the follow up video.

I now recommend Gamma Ray glasses for trading. See the different models here.

What brand of computer glasses do you use? We would love to hear about it…

Disclaimer: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We do make a commission if you purchase through these links, but it does not cost you anything extra and we only promote products and services that we wholeheartedly believe in. TradingHeroes.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The post Gunnar Glasses (Intercept): 90 Days of Daily Use vs Gamma Ray Flexlite appeared first on Trading Heroes.

So I went looking for other chairs.  My search turned up everything from $6,000 chairs to the usual $100 chairs that you find at Office Max.

I've sat in those expensive chairs before when I worked at a hedge fund and let me tell you, they are worth every penny.  But until I can raise my $5 million dollars to trade, I'm not going to buy a chair that costs more than some used cars.

That left the cheap alternatives.  I've had those $100 chairs before and they are usually OK, but not anything special.  There is a part of me that always wants to do something really different, many times just for the sake of doing so.  So I went looking for something I have never tried before.

What I ended up getting was not really a chair.  It is an exercise ball.  Yeah, cheesy, cliche “happy cubicle worker” type thing to do…or is it?  I bought the Hugger Mugger ball to find out.

The Good

I didn't even have to drop a C-note for this chair, it was only $30 at REI.  Cheapest chair I have ever purchased.  The ball is easy to tuck away under my desk and just roll out when I need it.

Now the important part…it is really comfortable.  The ball is soft, yet supportive.  The position you sit in does promote good posture.  And if you have ADD like me, it really helps to be able to move around a lot.  Helps me think.

Does it help you lose weight like some of the websites claim?  I don't have any conclusive evidence although I can see my abs for the first time in 10 years.

The reason is that I've been eating better thanks to books like The Upgraded Chef, in addition to using the ball.  I have a feeling that it is mostly what I'm eating, with some help from the ball.

A heads up for the women who are considering this.  You might want to think about this side benefit.  You are welcome.

The Bad

The only issue that I really had with it was the pump that was included absolutely sucked.  It seriously took about 90 minutes to inflate this thing.

Maybe I was using it wrong, but I'd like to think that I've used a few pumps in my day.  And I'm not talking about the ones from Sweden.  Otherwise, there really isn't much to it.

Some men do not like what the ball does to their manly parts.  I don't seem to have any trouble with that.  Maybe I'm better at “shifting” my weight.

My friend also pointed out that the ball sometimes has a tendency to roll away if you aren't paying attention.  Not a big deal in most cases, but you might think about getting the balls that are contained in a chair-like structure if this might be a problem.

Conclusion

When purchasing these exercise balls, you want to get one that is big enough that your thighs are parallel to the floor when the ball is fully inflated and you are sitting on it.   Also be sure that your desk is at a good height, so that you are not hunched over when you are sitting on the ball.  This will negate any of the positive effects of the ball.

So if you can't afford one of those fancy Recaro office chairs yet, an exercise ball is something you might want to try out.

After using it for 30 days, I'm going to keep it.  I'll get a Aeron or Recaro chair in the future, but I'm in no rush.

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links in which I get paid a commission if you purchase through those links.  That income goes towards my Porsche (that I don't have yet) and my charity partner…if you were wondering. 

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The post The Results Of My 30 Day Experiment With An Excercise Ball Chair appeared first on Trading Heroes.