Regular Backpack versus Rolling Backpack

besaangel, ASN, BSN, MSN, CNA, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 30, 2013

For light days

fÅ«l Backpack Laptop Case BB5242BPGREY - Best Buy

When needed, something like this:

Solo PT136-4 17.3 Inch Rolling Laptop Case Classic Collection

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2013

I never thought I would want a rolling one either. But I got one for first semester of NS, a Jansport Driver 8, and it probably saved my back. Those books are huge, not to mention if you have lab that day you'll need to have your lab book(s) and steth and BP cuff yada yada. The Driver 8 is huge and when I have a two class day I can barely close the zipper. But it held up great.

jaycam, RN · Dec 30, 2013

Just make sure it is made from durable material. My 1st semester my backpack tore halfway through. My one textbook is 10lbs and we need it every day. Another strategy is to make friends with the person beside you and share the load. We sit at tables of two and the first semester I brought one of the heavy books and my table partner brought the other one, it worked well.

I love this idea. It's important to be able to work with the other students as well. I'm worried I wont know any of my classmates as I can be a bit shy and may be nervous to even start this coversation.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 30, 2013

Having survived my 1st semester of nursing school, I can honestly say go for a roller bag! It will save your back & shoulders.

ER(notso)n00b, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2013

I used a rolling backpack for the first semester when we were required to lug a bunch of big books around with us. By second semester, I didn't have to carry much so I switched to a regular backpack. I would wait until your first week of class to get an idea of what you will be expected to bring with you. Also, talk to other students who are further along than you to see what they use.

cate3624 · Jan 2, 2014

Thanks guys! I have asked older students but they all say it depends on you or they carry all their stuff in an actual backpack.

Fearless_leader · Jan 2, 2014

Rolling all the way. :yes:

Last week I took one of nursing books with me to work to start reading of course. I carried it in my Jansport backpack. HONEY...... I wish I had used my rolling back pack that day. OMG it was so freaking heavy!! :no: I didn't think it would bother me at all hey it was only one book. I start school as well and ain't know way I will carry any of my books on back again. Gesh....

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rolling-Fashion-Laptop-Tote-Zebra/29535278

this is the rolling backpack I bought. I love it.

EMT-PJean · Jan 2, 2014

Rolling backpack all the way!!! Once you get your nursing textbooks you will be glad!!! If money is tight you can get one for 20-30 dollars on amazon. Name brand Olympia. My nursing classmates and I all bought one with different designs!!!

Thank you so much! I ordered a rolling backpack on Amazon on Sunday night, and got it on Tuesday afternoon! I love it and it was only $40 with free shipping.

Caribbean Character · Jan 2, 2014

go on LLBean.com they have some good sized rolling backpacks with retractable handles and they are garaunteed for life.

SL2014 · Jan 2, 2014

Ya, I also didn't every have to carry a whole lot to school. I used a large purse...

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 3, 2014

Normally I use a roller backpack. I bring my laptop, notepad/notebook, a few pens & pencils, whatever powerpoint printouts needed, and whatever books I need to bring with me. A roller definitely helps out a LOT when it comes to moving quickly... The fact that I can turn it into a regular backpack is a bonus for when I need that extra mobility.

christina731 · Jan 3, 2014

I always thought rolling backpacks were kind of dorky until I got my first semester nursing books. I had long days with multiple classes/labs and at times needed 4-5 books plus my notebooks. My Jansport driver 8 saved my back and shoulders! And it helps to not have to carry stuff around in my hands for my 15 minute walk from the parking lot to my classroom.