Book Bag Question--

nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2006

I've got two I use back and forth (keep in mind, I'm still taking pre-reqs, but right now that's AP I and Biology, two really big huge books and two binders). I work full time, so I'm running around with a book bag all the time.

I've got one that I got at Bath and Body Works. It's denim, well stitched, and has sturdy leather handles. It's great because it's deep and wide; I can put both textbooks in the bag edge to edge, and put each one's binder in too... Has a wide shoulder strap that won't cut into your shoulder.

My "bad weather" bag is actually a waterproof back pack designed to carry a laptop. The one I have had a sorta padded box inside it to put a laptop in. The laptop holder comes out, and so the backpack is very roomy, and --here's the good part -- because it's got extra padding in the bottom and back to protect a laptop, it also won't bruise you up if you drop it on your foot, swing it into your back, etc. I use it during rain, snow, sleet, etc.

CuriousMe · Oct 20, 2006

I've got this one:

http://www.uphill.com/product.php?prodcode=632&category=packs&subcategory=laptop+computer+backpacks

I love it, I can fit all my A&P books, as well as my Psych and Nutrition books in it, with my laptop in the padded sleeve that's built in too. The bag is constructed well enough that even when it's full, it doesn't feel to bad once it's on my back. I like that it has a spot for my iPod in the shoulder strap as well.

Good luck on your search!

Peace,

Cathie

stpauligirl · Oct 20, 2006

Okay, I am ready to invest in a good book/work bag that will be able to get me through school and that I can use for work also. I have a LLBean boat tote, but it just isn't working for me (it has the short handles). I was looking around at school today but see that most were carrying their books or using the bag from the college (that is not big enough for more than a book and a notebook and maybe a 3 ring binder if that).
I am interested in opinions on what you are using and the pros/cons.
Thanks!!

I have a backpack on wheels.....I know that this may not be cool but at my age it's better to save my back than look cool. My books are very heavy and most days I need to walk pretty far because parking is a real problem.

I love it!!!!!

catzy5 · Oct 20, 2006

I've got this one:
http://www.uphill.com/product.php?prodcode=632&category=packs&subcategory=laptop+computer+backpacks
I love it, I can fit all my A&P books, as well as my Psych and Nutrition books in it, with my laptop in the padded sleeve that's built in too. The bag is constructed well enough that even when it's full, it doesn't feel to bad once it's on my back. I like that it has a spot for my iPod in the shoulder strap as well.
Good luck on your search!
Peace,
Cathie

oh thats a nice one I love it.

I was just saying yesterday I am going to need a new bag next semester I can't fit all my books in mine now and I am always dropping things I still have to carry to huge binders and a text and next semester my other text will be huge so I will have two huge texts and 4 binders lol. Right now my bag is just a massive pencil case hehee.

Nurse-To-Be-Joy · Oct 20, 2006

I have a rolling Jansport backback and I love it. It has really saved my back and it is so roomy!

Cherish · Oct 20, 2006

I understand you have a LL Bean. Have you thought about the LL Bean backpack on wheels?? I think that backpack is amazing. Yea I know its kinda cheesy to have a backpack on wheels but logging all those books around and possibly injuring yourself is not cool either. Actually had people comment that the backpack looked cool. I have the deluxe one that has a blue hawaiian print (really pretty but not too girly). http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=9079&noDept=1&guideId=6691&feat=gg230600

Or you can check out columbia. I LOVE columbia's jackets and backpacks. I have skied for years and usually wear their outfits and have had many of there backpacks. Think they got the best padding for your back then anyone else, plus if you go hiking you will REALLY love these backpacks because they have staps that go around your waist (you can hide them too). Check out http://www.columbia.com/Subcategory.aspx?top=7&cat=710&viewAll=false

rpv_rn · Oct 20, 2006

this cart is popular with our nursing students. it's more versatile than a closed backpack. cost - about $25.00.

office depot® mobile folding file cart, 16"h x 18"w x 15"d, black/gray

Plagueis · Oct 20, 2006

I have a backpack on wheels.....I know that this may not be cool but at my age it's better to save my back than look cool. My books are very heavy and most days I need to walk pretty far because parking is a real problem.
I love it!!!!!

I've seen people use those wheeled backpacks, but I never bought one. However, since my backpack's weight is causing me to nearly tip over with those ridiculously heavy college books, I think I will invest in one. :wink2:

CuriousMe · Oct 21, 2006

I looked into a wheeled backpack, but my school is on multiple levels(it sits in a bowl shaped valley).....most buildings are 2-3 stories and you can enter on different levels from different sides of the building. Wheels or not, you need to carry it up the stairs....most of the wheeled bags I looked at were heavy empty due to the wheel structure.....for me, it works better to just buy a bag that supports the weight well enough to carry it on my back.

Peace,

Cathie

tammy10221961 · Oct 21, 2006

I'm new to this site and just registered but thought I would reply to this post. I have both kinds of bookdbags. I found that when I tried to sling the backpack onto my shoulder that it was too heavy and hurt my shoulder. So I bought one that has wheels. If you have too many books for one bag you can put your backpack onto the rolling one.

The one thing that I don't like about the rolling bag is during the winter the snow can get built up in the wheels and makes it difficult to pull.

As for a multi level school and having to go up and down the stairs, most other students are pretty thoughtful and don't rush my process.

I would much rather save my back than tote around something too heavy and causes pain.

BlueEyes1022

WDWpixieRN, RN · Oct 21, 2006

A lot of people in my nursing classes are using rolling bookbags....I bought mine at Sam's (Samsonite), but I'm a little concerned that the wheels are already acting goofy, so next time I'm going to look a little more closely at the L.L. Bean or another....

We have a few stairs to maneuver, but then I just pick it up and carry it like a briefcase...between the books, handouts, and notebooks, it's just too much to carry on my back....