Backpack Advice

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

As someone who developed back problems over years of moving and lifting I would recommend anything that takes pressure off your spine and my chiropractor would agree--a rolling book bag.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

I use a rolling bag that is essentially a suitcase. Between 100# of books, and notebooks, and pens, and calculators, and lab items, and stethoscopes, and God knows what else, I knew I'd need something to preserve what's left of my poor old back.

PhysicsBabe · Jul 31, 2008

Thanks for the information. I am in pretty good shape but I was leaning towards one on wheels. After hearing from both of you I think I will err on the side of caution and get one on wheels.

Annisme · Jul 31, 2008

I also will chime in for the rolling backpack. One of our instructors ruptured discs in her neck carrying a heavy backpack while getting her MSN. We often joke about being able to tell who the nursing students are on campus, just look for the rolling suitcases!:chuckle

LMRN10 · Jul 31, 2008

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my rolling backpack! My in-laws got it for me for Christmas last year and a lot of people at my school use them. I know I've read other people being concerned about looking silly, but whatever...I would rather save my back the strain and gracefully pull my backpack behind me!

This is the one my in-laws got me and it's been great! Very smooth and no issues with it so far (knock on wood).

http://www.ebags.com/jansport/driver_8/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=20186

Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

Hi There

You may want to see if your school actually requires you to bring your books to class. It may sound odd but my school rarely requires us to bring the textbooks. I usually just need to bring my 3 ring binder, so I use a backpack for all the other stuff, highlighters, stickies, recorder etc..

I thought I'd need one and I too wanted to save my back, but it wasn't necessary, good thing as I have to park, then take a shuttle then walk a bit to the school from the hospital drop off point.

We have a really old school so there's steps for the most part, so it's just easier to navigate without the wheels. There's one student that uses one w/wheels, no one laughs...I hope we're all beyond the "making fun of" stage!

I also have a super light weight kipling back pack that I'll use on test days or for clinical when I don't have to bring as much, it fits the narrow lockers much better.

Good Luck!

Buttercup_fields · Jul 31, 2008

I used a rolling scrapbooking tote. It was the right size for the books had a lot of places so that I could organize every thing. Had a place for all of my pens , highlighters, ect. It would also hold my lap top for when I needed to take it to class. I bought mine at MJ designs and with a coupon it was much cheeper than the rolling back packs at the store. I just now finished School and it held up very well

Good luck

CuriousMe · Jul 31, 2008

I had a rolling backpack....but didn't like it because it was so dang heavy empty (I found I did have to carry it at some point....lifting it to and from lab tables, going up and down stairs, etc).

I have a really big, good quality (internal structure, waist and chest straps, etc) backpack that I regularly carry 40 - 60 lbs of books in. As long as I'm careful putting it on, I have no trouble.....it's actually really comfortable on my back.

Peace,

CuriousMe

puresass · Jul 31, 2008

i've never had to take my books to class, just a notebook, a binder & a few school supplies (pens, highlighters, etc.) so i use a weekender bag. a few people at school have rolling backpacks, but they're in the minority (at my school, at least).

ErinJane · Jul 31, 2008

I am not a fan of rolling backpacks, mostly because i climb alot of stairs on my campus and they are also inconvenient when you are walking through crowded areas. I invested in a (slightly expensive) hiking backpack with lots of padding and support. you can secure it around your waist which relieves alot of pressure on my spine. I have back problems from a lacrosse injury, but this doesn't aggravate it all.

Good luck.

Vegas RN, MBA · Aug 2, 2008

Much like ErinJane, I like a good backpack. Swiss Army makes wonderful backpacks that have computer padded sections, are breathable, and are great to spint up and down the stairs! Dammed be those friends that have to stop, put down their cheap little handle, pick up their pack like a sissy, lumber down the stairs, then stop once again, and pull up their ridiculous handle, just to continue on. Please brother. Stop already. Can I get you a wheelchair?