What backpack do you have?

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Just wondering what type of backpack everyone uses for nursing school, and if it worked out? I am starting nursing school in may, and am having the hardest time finding a good rolling backpack since most stores only carry them in the fall. I know i'm going to need a BIGGER one and one that rolls. Where did you get yours? What kind is it? and does it hold everything?

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I use an uphill backpack....(I think it's an Alpine).

It's been fantastic. I bought it at the school bookstore when I started my prereqs full time in September '06. I've used it since for full time studies (so my prereqs, chemistry minor classes and a year and a half of nursing). I'm still using it and the only real wear and tear on it is the elastic mesh that holds the water bottle is ripped on one side....so I need to put bottles in the other side now. Otherwise it still looks and works great!

It has a padded slot for my laptop, so I never have to worry about that. It has a waist best and adjustable padded shoulder straps....so even when it's heavy, it's really not bad to carry and never hurts my back. It also has an organizer area in the front zipped area. Oh and I love the compression strap in the front...it lets me put a jacket in there on those days when it can't decide if it's going to be warm or cool. :-)

I had a rolling bag, but my school is multi-level, so there are a lot of stairs and I needed to pick the thing up. What I found is that the bag itself was so heavy (due to the rolling bit) that I would have a sore back by the end of the day. With the uphill bag, I strap it on, and I'm good to go.

As far as carrying everything, the only thing I often can't fit is my med-surg text.....but that's because the thing is amazingly big....like bigger than any unabridged dictionary I've seen (you know, the kind you find on a pedestal in the library). It's just huge. I can actually fit it in my bag, but then I can't put anything else in....so if I need to bring that book, I generally just load up my backpack and carry the med surg book.

Best of luck in your studies!

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Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.

No suggestions on styles/brands... but for a source that is out of school supply season... try an office supply store. They usually carry a pretty decent selection of nicer/more durable packs and can offer suggestions on what style might be most able to meet your needs!

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Specializes in ICU.

I have the same Jansport backpack that I have used since I was in highschool almost 10 years ago. it is in GREAT condition, held up sooo well. I have tried buying new, cheaper backpacks through out the years and all 3 of them have fallen apart (broken zippers, ripped seams, ect). Always go back to my ol' jansport. Not a roller backpack, though.

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If you're looking for a rolling backpack in the "off" season, you might check out luggage stores. I got a messenger bag from Samsonite and it's great; holds what I need and looks just like the day I bought it 7 months ago.

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.
I have the same Jansport backpack that I have used since I was in highschool almost 10 years ago. it is in GREAT condition, held up sooo well. I have tried buying new, cheaper backpacks through out the years and all 3 of them have fallen apart (broken zippers, ripped seams, ect). Always go back to my ol' jansport. Not a roller backpack, though.

This is almost a carbon copy of what I was going to put - I got mine for my senior year of HS 9 years ago and I've used it ever since. I don't know why you want/need a roller backpack; textbooks are for studying on your own time, you don't need to bring your full set everywhere you go. As long as you know how to properly wear a rucksack (with the straps adjusted so that the pack sits snugly against your back, not let all the way out so that the bottom of the pack rests against your bottom/thighs) you won't get back problems from lugging a moderate amount of material around.

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I have this one:

http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/fast_forward_wheeled_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=90508

I love it, it fits all my textbooks/notebooks, plus my lunchbag, stethescope, etc. My laptop also fits, but I don't usually bring that to class with me.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I use an REI adventure pack that doubles as my daypack during the spring/summer/fall. Love it.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I use a regular Jansport backpack with no wheels or frills. I've had this backpack since 2006 and it has proven to be very durable and dependable.

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I have had my LL Bean bag for 2 years, and it has carried ALOT of books for me!! I had a JanSport for about 2 months and the strap broke, after that I bought the LL Bean bag, and it doesnt even look like I have had it for as long as I have. All of the reviews are great, and many people use them for 5-7, all through graduate school!!!

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I also have an LL Bean Quad pack, and it holds a 3" binder, notebook, clinical sized books (I don't bring my text's to class, but it would fit), med book, pencil/pen case, my wallet, and lotion and meds, all little junk that I stuff in the front pocket. It also has a padded area for a laptop and it's very comfortable.

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