My favorite hack you already mentioned--the little adapters to turn usb c into lightning or whatever. They're tiny and cheap. I glued together one for apple and one for micro usb, and then I only need the one cable.
A MS surface is definitely the correct choice here IMO, in terms of hardware. I run "Ubuntu" on it to get a terminal, then ssh into my cloud machine where I can develop.
I also have a fully opening bag, and I spent up on it. Make sure you put both zippers down, and on the same side, to avoid spilling bag contents down the highway.
The fewer things I have when traveling, the better. Always.
The fully opening bag is only for when I travel on foot. I use hard panniers on the motorcycle, mainly so that I can leave everything on the bike and go on foot as needed.
And yes, travelling light is better. I carry everything - gadgets, tools, camping gear, rain gear, 0-to-40-degree clothing, full motorcycle gear - in my two 37L panniers. Again, it means that I can lock everything on the bike and go. It's very important.
One caution is that a loaded backpack can potentially be a problem in a crash (had that happen once, backpack had to be cut off me). I've moved more of my gear into my tail bag since then.
If I could have proper development on an iPad Pro it's be perfect.
I don't use a backpack on the motorcycle. It's stowed in my panniers for when I get off the bike.
> If I could have proper development on an iPad Pro it's be perfect.
I need docker. Internet is never guaranteed, so I can't have a fancy remote setup.
The iPad is optional. It replaces my notebook for sketching and taking notes. It's also a great e-reader. It's otherwise disconnected from my online life and receives no notifications. I yet have to use it as an extra monitor.
The MacBook is too big, but it's the laptop I had. I'd get a smaller one. It's also sensitive to pressure against the screen, so it needs an armoured case to survive in my panniers. A tablet with a detachable keyboard would be perfect, but I hate Windows.
Airpod Pros and ear plugs are essential. Nomads don't always get to work in silent places.
USB-C is a game changer. I pack one type of cable, one type of charger. Everything is a power bank for everything else. I have tiny adapters for my airpods, my shaver and my motorcycle helmet. It saves a lot of weight and space.
Off the bike, I use a backpack that fully opens. It's great because you don't have to fish for stuff at the bottom of your bag.
That's pretty much it. The rest is more about limiting pack size for motorcycle travel. Packing light makes you more flexible.