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 .

[eleectrosaurus]

I went for a children's suitcase. $15 vs $50+

[winterlights08]

Thank you everyone for your advice! I decided to go for it, and boy am I glad I did! I was able to pick up a LL Bean deluxe roller at their b&m store and I've used it twice now. What a load off my shoulders! And the funny thing is, similar to how when you buy a car you suddenly see that same car everywhere..I've seen a handful of roller bags so I'm feeling better about it now. I just have to be careful when we switch between two buildings that no one trips :)--it gets pretty crowded. Thanks again everyone!

[samrusrn]

I wouldn't worry about it - get the rolling backpack :). It's your health! In my class, all the females use rolling backpacks, but none of the males do (maybe they see it as feminine or weak?). I'm the only girl who doen't use them, but I feel fine using my backpack.

[Gaelros]

I have a Zuca that I love, love, love. I also have a herniated C5/6. I wish I had gotten the Zuca long ago!

[LiLev]

Get the rolling backpack. You only have 1 back and its got to last you the rest of your life.

You'll probably get to use the new bag you got as well because the backpack probably won't hold everything :)

[puravidaLV]

rolling back pack for me and for my future children. I just had herniated back surgery and I've not even taken the NCLEX yet.

[blueyesue]

Zuca Sport is the way to go. It's almost as if it is self propelled because it can get pushed or pulled with no strain, even when it's full of books. The wheels are super quiet so you can glide over those bumps without worry. Plus it has a built in seat and lots of zippered compartments. I love it.

[NightBloomCereus]

I thought the same thing as most on this thread ("forget what everyone thinks I'm getting a rolling backpack") but ended up switching FROM a rolling TO a regular backpack. I found that the rolling backpack was really large and bulky and felt more like a suitcase than a backpack with wheels. It's also hard to easily switch between back-carrying and rolling because the shoulder straps need to be tucked in for you to be able to roll it. So, if you're rolling along and encounter stairs, you can't just pick it up and toss it onto your back. You have to untuck and clip in the shoulder straps, which takes long. Then when you're ready to roll again, you have to upclip and tuck back in the straps. Annoying.

Also, my pride got the better of me because nobody else had a rolling one. There were brick tiles outside the building and the wheels were very loud.

Instead I opted to have the spines cut off my books and had them spiral bound into sections. Just make sure they don't take too much off the left margin because one of my books got ruined this way.

[Kran1990]

Thursday morning, my first day of nursing school, I was sure I would NEVER get a rolling backpack... Friday morning I was cruising around with my brand new roller. :)

[WahineMakai]

So far, I'm the only one in my class with a rolling backpack. However, lots of people have asked me where I got mine. These books are insanely heavy! I have a feeling there will be a lot more rolling bags showing up in the next couple of weeks!

I was in a car accident last year that did a lot of damage to my back and neck -- there's no way I'd undo all of my healing progress by carrying 30+ lbs of books on my back! You only get one back. You've got to protect it. Who cares what anyone else thinks about your bag?

[jrsygrl76]

I bought my rolling bag from TJ Maxx for $20 and it's been a lifesaver! Who cares what everyone else thinks? I'm 36 and my NS is at a local high school.

[MedTrans68, ASN]

I bought a rolling backpack. My first week of school wreaked havoc on my body. I have 16 books and the heaviest laptop in existence that I was forced to buy by the school (would have much rather had MacBook). BUT it is what it is. I am 44 years old and have been a medical transcriptionist (sitting on my butt) for 16 years. I am in an adjustment period of learning how to write (with a real pencil), learning how to wear clothes (not pajamas), and learning how to wear actual shoes (not be barefoot in my house 24/7). LOL! The first week with the 50-pound backpack didn't cut it for me. It made me crabby. I fell down in the parking lot and twisted my ankle. It was 105 degrees outside one day. It hasn't been fun at all. SO, I bought the rolling backpack. I could care less how weak I LOOK. I only care about how I FEEL. I will proudly wheel my backpack to and fro! :)