Backpacks

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Hi everyone! I am starting an ADN program in the fall (yee!!!) and I was wondering if anyone had any backpack recommendations. I want something that will last the two years I'm in school, but it also needs to be economical. I don't mind paying more for quality, but I'd like to keep it under $50 if possible... Side pouches for water/coffee are necessary! Large storage but not bulky...any ideas or backpack you really like? Thanks! :)

I never read the textbook so why do I need this fancy backpack? I just have everything on my tablet anyways though.

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I wish we had a dicks! I live in CA and sports authority only. I used to live in Virginia so I know all about dicks and thy are much better than sports authority, but I will check them out!

I live in Southern California, and there's a dicks very close to where I live! My current backpack is from dakine, and they make excellent packs. My suitcase and my snowboarding bag is from them as well! I wish they made rolling backpacks!

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I bought a Samsonite rolling backpack. There are 2 pockets for water bottles, one on each side. Directly under those pockets are zippered pockets. Then there is a little pocket on the very top, then a medium pocket large enough for a netbook, then a larger main compartment for books and a removal laptop sleeve, another slim pocket for folders that zips and another section to house the straps if you decide to carry it. That section can be zipped too, I put a sweater in that section.

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I wish we had a dicks! I live in CA and sports authority only. I used to live in Virginia so I know all about dicks and thy are much better than sports authority, but I will check them out!

Not sure what area of CA you live in, but here in N. CA we have lots of Dick's Sporting Goods - do a quick Google search and see if there are any around you!

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Not sure what area of CA you live in, but here in N. CA we have lots of Dick's Sporting Goods - do a quick Google search and see if there are any around you!

I had no idea they are on n.ca!! Just looked it up, and the closed to me is Modesto...I live in sacramento. Oh well, maybe we will get a dicks soon! That would be awesome :)

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I have a black rolling backback from Walmart. It costs about $30. I can fit some books and my laptop in it. I love it. I put a water bottle in the front zipper.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I like the idea of a bag on rollers...do you have trouble with the wheels at all?

Nope. I'm too lazy to use ramps, so they've taken a pretty good beating and still work great! I've bought so cheapo Walmart bags and it blows them all away for the same price.

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I have a rollie bag too. I started my year out with a normal bag and nursing books are ridiculous so i quickly went and bought a new one on wheels and saved my back. One of my med-surg books is 11lbs by itself!!! You need your back, don't ruin it before you even graduate lol I think I paid $50 for mine at a store in the mall on sale, it's leather though and still looks brand new after one year of nursing school :)

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I love my bag on rollers. It is a back saver! Just make sure you get good rollers or it won't last long.

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I think I'm going with the High Sierra Powerglide off ebags.com.

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That's what I have. I think you'll like it a lot.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I've had mine 2 years now (at least) and it's a Nike brand bag. Its got a decent sized main pouch that fits a couple textbooks and a notepad or two and a pocket that holds a 15" laptop. It's also got 2 side mesh pockets and a front pocket that I stuff writing material, computer cables, and so on in there. I'm actually not too sure what's in there... but it seems like Ragu, is in there! The bag also has relatively comfortable shoulder straps but I rarely use them. The only downside I've found is that the wheels are pretty hard, so it creates a lot of noise when I'm walking on anything except completely smooth sidewalk. I'm pretty sure that my backpack is this one: Amazon.com: Nike Accessories Rolling Laptop Backpack (Black): Clothing

I think we paid less than what is quoted there, but then again, that was 2 years ago and I really don't remember what I paid for it. What I can definitely say is that it has performed quite well since I got it!

Oh, and it really has been a back-saver. You certainly don't have to get one like mine. Many of my classmates use other bags and backpacks. Only a couple use a roller. Whatever you do, get something that's well made. You'll spend more in replacing junk with more junk if you don't. Most of the time all you'll need is something that can carry a textbook, a binder, some pens and pencils, and perhaps a snack or lunch. Nothing fancy...

When going to clinicals, I use a much smaller, lighter backpack that I've had for YEARS. I just use it to carry lunch/snacks, a couple reference books, and the paperwork I need for the day. That one, fully loaded, probably weighs in at less than 5 pounds.

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