The rolling backpack debate

[winterlights08]

I need to be convinced. I had my second day of my second semester and I physically cannot afford to carry around this backpack much longer. I have a LL Bean bag that I splurged on because I thought it would be comfortable. All it does in jab in my sides and give me the look of kyphosis! I had classes during the summer and I dealt with it because I really only needed one textbook. I have six classes now over three days, and I have to bring my laptop everyday. I know I don't need to bring all my books, and really I will only bring books for two of my classes (Patho and Med-Surg), which we were told we'd need to bring. I have to walk about 1/4 mile from the parking lot (I think that's a good estimate) and I don't really have much time (or the inclination) to switch books between classes.

I guess what's stopping me, is that I have classes with 80+ people and I haven't seen one wheelie bag. 95% of my classmates are young, and I'm 35. I already feel a touch out of place and I know it doesn't matter what they think...but how in the world are they carrying this stuff around without walking all hunched over? Is it just me being "older" and out of shape? All I had today was two notebooks, laptop, and my fundamental text and it's killing my back. I guess I could arrange to trade bringing in books with a classmate, but I'd still be stuck bringing them sometimes.

So should I just risk being the oddball for my comfort and to save my back? Maybe I'll start a trend at my school .

[ajjones1322]

I am buying a tablet because my laptop is heavier. And I am getting composition notebooks for my notes. I plan on carrying my books only when necessary. So if you don't need that text don't carry it. Just a thought.

[slevy1130]

I use a regular one and make sure I use BOTH shoulder straps. To hell with what people think. I have a shoulder problem so the rolling kind wouldnt work for me. I saw an earlier comment about taking apart your book and only bringing the chapters you need, I do that myself!

[Lizzyru]

I am in block 4 now and I don't think my arm and shoulder would have made it had it not been for my rolling laptop portfolio case. It has a spot for your laptop, plenty of space for your textbooks, notebooks and binders. I absolutely love mine. I started out with a laptop brief case that I carry over my shoulder but then by the time 2nd week came around, I was shopping for a rolling case. Don't worry about what others think!! They are just waiting for someone to start the trend.. I am serious. After I bought mine, it seems like everyone else joined. I am always thinking of ways to cut down on stress and this was my very first intervention. :) I have since tried a messenger bag, backpack, etc. but they were all every short lived. Save your back and enjoy your nursing school experience. It's tough enough on your body as it is... less sleep, lots of hair pulling assignments and exams.. be king to your body. :) It will thank you! :)

[Luv2bNurse<3]

The rolling pack pack was the best thing I ever bought! It def helps save you pain from your shoulders and with all the books you carry.... It's a no brainer! I personally thought it was silly at first because I had one back in high school( talking many years ago) and now I see more and more students of nursing buying them. :)

[nurse2be13]

I'm 22 and I prefer wheeled backpacks. Go for it

[ShesAcuteNurse, ADN, LPN]

I had made up my mind that I was not going to get one of those rolling bags...that was before I picked my book bundle up from the bookstore. I still tried to use a back pack with absolutely no success...my shoulder and back was killing me and I walked like a slug from my car to class. I ran to Walmart and purchased a rolling bag and let me tell you I don't regret it one bit. So much better.....can't remember why I disliked them in the first place. A few of my classmates have them and one of my teachers I noticed. My class consist of 20 somethings to 50+ in age and trust me, everyone is too busy with the work to pay attention to how you carry your books.

[tkg123]

Not only should you get a rolling bag (I had two) you should use it proudly! It will save your back in the long run. All of my instructors insisted we have one for that very reason. Of course there were the holdouts but by the end of the first semester, about 90% (young, older, male, and female) had rolling bags!

[alovelymother]

Thursday morning, my first day of nursing school, I was sure I would NEVER get a rolling backpack... Friday morning I was cruising around with my brand new roller. :)

I bought a regular backpack and I keep a crate in my trunk because I figured I could switch the books out for each class. Two weeks in I have a Zuca on order that should arrive Monday!!! My back was mad at me :)

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I used a rolling bag once and switched back to my trusty backpack.. I found the rolling bag to be much more cumbersome than the backpack. Now I only bring what I know I will need for the day. My backpack weighs a ton, but it's better than fighting with the rolling one.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

I read the title of this and was intrigued. "How could there be a DEBATE?" I thought. "Rolling backpacks are the BOMB!"

Haha, I am definitely pro-wheels. Get a cute one (Amazon has some awesome ones), and you'll probably start a trend. My rolling backpack is wonderful (despite the fact that I am *still* learning to drive it properly!), and it is saving my back in huge ways. Go for it!

[winterlights08]

I did go for it! I'm so happy I did, I'm really in love with it. I don't think most of my classmates pay me much attention anyway...we were waiting to go into class the other day, and one of the younger girls says "I'm going to get a wheelie bag and start a trend!" (as I was standing right near her with my bag ). Shows what people actually notice!

I got a boring black one though, I didn't want to be too obvious :).

[elementguy13]

We don't have to bring text books to class. THANK GOD! Those things are huge.