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 .

[ShineyNickelRN]

I just started my first semester of Nursing School and I did not bother with a regular backpack. I started off day one with a rolling backpack (which is seriously not big enough), but I am so glad I have it. Day one not many people had rolling backpacks. Day two almost everyone showed up with one. LOL! I guess day one killed them enough to go get one. But, my advice is to get one, and save your back. And get a BIG one. Mine is too small so I will have to get me another one. I have seen alot of people with small suitcases and that seems to work pretty good.

[Crazed_NS]

I just bought one from ebags and its one of the bigger ones I've seen. I absolutely love it and couldn't do nursing school without it! Im 22 and i don't know why someone wouldn't want to have one when you have so many books! Atleast half of the students in NS where i go use one.

This is the one I've bought. for some reason the picture makes it look a lot smaller than it is.

. http://www.ebags.com/product/high-sierra/powerglide/148966?productid=10178185

[Tonks57]

I say forget what anyone else thinks and get one! I have a Zuca bag that is not a traditional rolling backpack. I only use that on days I plan on being at campus forever. I have a small backpack but NONE of my books go in there. Only my folders. I care more about my back that looking cool. And I am 23 and all for the rolling bag. Good luck!

[wogrop]

I have a Zuca bag and I love it. Everything fits and it is sturdy enough to handle the weight of all my books. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Just do whatever works for you.

[Murseman2011]

I love ebags=) great site.

[Murseman2011]

I use a targus bag. It doesn't roll, but it is very big and well padded. Plus it is a good leg workout.

[ErikaMarie]

I totally might get a rolling suitcase! lol This load is ridiculous! I had to lug that stuff up a steep hill both ways & 1/4 mile away. Who decided to put a campus around a steep hill? lol

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

I bought a roller! I have a favorite bag which has served me well for many classes, but it just can't hold up to my needs. I put all the things I needed to put in it for the first day of class, and almost broke my shoulder and my bag! Yeah.... So.... Roller all the way! I bought a High Sierra Powerglide. The thing is massive! It holds it all and then some. I have room for everything in it and its on wheels. I just hope it will last for me until I graduate. I'm not so worried about the bag itself, but the wheels. The wheels have got to last.

[firecracker1221]

I'm 23 and bought a rolling suitcase. It seemed to be the cheaper way to go but I'm kind of wishing I had gone with the more expensive rolling backpack. It'll suffice though.

Most of the students in my class of 30 use rolling backpacks. The ones that don't got ebooks.

So, don't worry about feeling out of place. You're saving your back now. The younger ones will surely be tending to injuries later on.

[Luckyyou, BSN, RN]

Purchase digital editions, carry a nook/kindle/iPad! Your backpack just got 95% lighter.

[ErikaMarie]

I bought all my books for Amazon & none were available digitally. :-(

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

[DawnCaprice]

I use a rolling backpack. I was the first one in my class to bring one and then they started showing up all over. If you think it will be beneficial to you then do it....who knows you may be a trendsetter. :)