What makes a backpack ideal for nursing school? Is it good quality, comfortable straps, lots of pockets or attractive, fun designs?
The answer to all of those questions is – yes. A good nursing backpack has all of those things.
Best Nursing School Backpacks: Our Favorites
Nursing students have a lot of gear to carry. They’ve got stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs (sometimes), penlights, note cards, snough sticks (for those, um, unpleasant odors), cheat sheets, pulse oximeters, vein finders and somewhere for your Chipotle burrito.
We hit every category from the best bookbag for nursing students to the best rolling backpacks for nursing students — all in one handy place.
To get our list of best backpacks for nursing students we did the legwork for you, checking out product reviews, chat rooms and manufacturer’s product descriptions to save you the time – so you can get to what’s really important – studying.
Best Book Bag For Nursing Students
Kattee Military Messenger Bag
First up on our list is a tough, stylish military-inspired messenger bag from Kattee. The canvas and leather strap design is rugged and not going to tear or give out.
You’ve got a spacious, deep main pocket that’s big enough for your laptop and books, plus 4 outer pockets with strap closures. We really liked the style, and this bag looks good enough to carry anywhere. If you don’t like military green, you can go with a blue or grey design.
Cons: want a rolling backpack? Try the High Sierra XBT Rolling Backpack.
CURMIO Nurse Bag
Specifically designed for nurses, the CURIMO Nurse Bag is the ultimate in storage. It has a place for absolutely every piece of gear you’ve got.
A really nice feature is the squarish design that gives you a lot of interior space with tons of dividers, loops and pockets to keep everything secure and in its place. While this is more of a “gear bag” it can still do the job as a book bag for nursing school – bonus: you’ll be able to use it on the job in the future.
Cons: if you prefer a backpack, try the High Sierra Swerve Backpack.
Best Rolling Backpack For Nursing Students
High Sierra XBT Rolling Backpack
High Sierra makes a lot of great rolling backpacks, but the XBT Rolling Backpack gives you all the great features of the Powerglide Wheeled Laptop Backpack at a better price. Plus, not only do you get a microfleece-lined laptop sleeve – it’s also got a sleeve for a tablet.
Added to that nifty feature are lots of pockets and a durable nylon design – oh, and do we have to mention that it’s a roller? Yeah, you won’t have to break your back lugging all those books around.
Cons: If you’d like a nurse-style medical bag, try the CURIMO Nurse Bag.
JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack
JanSport is one of the best names in backpacks and the Driver 8 Rolling Backpack doesn’t disappoint. Not only do you get some cute design choices, it’s got performance where it counts.
A 15-inch laptop sleeve, organizers, pockets, and tuck-away shoulder straps are top-notch options. Plus, the rose-pattern design is really nice. The handle is easy to extend and the wheels roll quickly on every surface.
Cons: if you’d like a more masculine, military-style messenger bag, try the KATTEE Messenger Bag.
Best Backpack For Nursing School
High Sierra Swerve Laptop Backpack
High Sierra makes the list again with the Swerve Laptop Backpack. You’ve got a sleeve for your laptop with a nice USB port.
In addition to thick, comfortable shoulder straps to handle the weight, it’s got a sneaky amount of interior room with enough space for all your gear.
A plus – lots of interesting colors and designs. Oh yeah, don’t forget the water bottle holder on the side so you won’t forget to stay hydrated.
Cons: really, none, but if you’d like the rolling version, try the High Sierra XBT Rolling Backpack
Volher Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
Worried about someone making off with your stuff? With the Volher Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack, you’ve got an extra layer of security with a hidden pocket on the back to deter thieves.
Besides that feature, you get lots of room, a laptop sleeve, and a USB port. The overall design is well-made and the metal zippers are a nice touch.
Cons: if you want a rolling backpack, try the JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack.
Best Budget Backpack For Nursing School
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
You get all the laptop-carrying, USB port-having, anti-theft features of the Volher backpack at a much easier on the budget price with the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack.
It’s still got a rugged design, room for all your stuff, comfy straps – and a price that’s nice.
Cons: if you want a larger, sportier backpack try the Adidas Unisex Prime Backpack.
KROSER Laptop Backpack
Nobody beats the KROSER Laptop Backpack when it comes to saving a buck. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a single thing. You get everything: a laptop sleeve, USB port, pockets, dividers, and a generous amount of room.
A bonus: it’s water repellent, so if you spill something on it, you don’t have to worry about running your Macbook.
Cons: a decent amount of internal room, but if you want more, try the AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack.
Best Medical Student Backpack
Under Armour Recruit Backpack 2.0
This Under Armor backpack has a sleek, sporty design that wears really well – almost like it’s not even there. Most people liked the way it felt on their back, plus the laptop sleeve and lots of interior storage space with lots of pockets.
What gives it the sporty feel? The custom-molded straps shape to your shoulders. If you find yourself doing a lot of running around, this is your choice.
Cons: if you’d like a backpack with an anti-theft pocket, try the Volher Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack.
AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack
It may have basic in the name, but the AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack is anything but. Tons of space, pockets everywhere, internal organizers, and a big 17-inch laptop sleeve make this perfect for a nursing student or any medical student.
One of the best options if you have a lot of gear.
Cons: you’ve only got basic black, so if you want more colors try the High Sierra Swerve Backpack
Best Backpack For Dental School
J World New York Sundance Laptop Rolling Backpack
Hey, dental students have lots of gear too – and why not have another rolling backpack option with a ton of awesome patterns and designs to choose from? This is one of the best backpacks for dental school.
Yes, it’s got a laptop sleeve, dividers, and a LOT of room inside. A definite plus is a fact that it’s fairly lightweight, so when you decide to strap it on your back, even with the handle and wheels, it doesn’t feel heavy.
Cons: if you prefer a straight backpack, go for the Adidas Unisex Prime Backpack.
Adidas Unisex Prime Backpack
You know we had to have an offering from Adidas and the Unisex Prime Backpack is sporty, roomy and comfortable. If you need extra room this one has it with three, count ‘em three big interior spaces.
You’ll have room for your laptop, and just about everything else too – plus, lots of stylish colors to choose from.
Cons: it’s a larger backpack, so if you want something a bit smaller, try the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack.
How To Narrow Down The Options To Get The Best Nursing School Backpack For You
There are lots of options to choose from when you’re choosing a medical student backpack – or even any kind of backpack. So we’ve included some considerations to help you find a backpack that’s going to comfortably fit all your gear while still being comfortable to carry.
So here are 5 tips to keep in mind before you buy:
1. Buy your books, supplies, and accessories before purchasing a backpack
It may sound a bit backward, but you should get all of your books and supplies first. Doing this will help give you a better idea of what size backpack to buy. A neat trick is to take all your stuff and put it in a box, it doesn’t matter what kind, to see how much room it all takes up.
2. Buy a backpack with plenty of pockets and organizers
You want as many zip pockets, dividers, and organizers as possible in your backpack to help you keep all your gear separated and in a place where you can easily find it and get to it. Don’t forget a divider for your laptop.
3. Check the backpack’s measurements, capacity, and weight limit before you buy
You don’t have to know how to calculate the cubic volume to get the right backpack. A good average size is more than 2000 cubic inches.
4. Purchase a second backpack to optimize space and minimize weight
Yeah, money’s tight in nursing school, but you may want to consider getting one large pack and a smaller one. You’re not always going to need all your gear so a smaller pack is good for your lighter days.
5. Buy some organizers
Even if your backpack has tons of pockets, it’s never a bad idea to get yourself some organizers you can throw in there for all the little things.
Key Features of the Best Backpack for Nursing Students.
When you’re looking through all the features, here are a few things you can look at to help you narrow down your choices.
1. Design
Most of these are your normal backpack design, but you can choose between a more “purse-style” or side sling bag if you don’t want a traditional backpack design.
2. Storage
When it comes to storage, it’s not just about the number of pockets. A big plus for any nursing school backpack is a padded, protective divider for your laptop. This keeps you from having to carry your laptop in a separate case.
3. Durability
No big mystery here. Your backpack is going to be getting a lot of use, so you need it to be durable. A thick, nylon material is both light and durable, able to stop rips and tears.
4. Function
What is function? It just means that your backpack does what you need it to. Does it have room for your stuff – does it have enough pockets – does it have rollers if you like rolling backpacks. Functionality is king.
5. Weight
You’ve got books the size of bricks (and just as heavy) plus all your gear. Don’t add to it by getting a backpack that’s too heavy.
6. Material
We hit on this one under durability, but most modern backpacks are made from nylon or other synthetic fabric. Leather is great for durability, but it’s also heavier.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is The Best Backpack For Nursing Students?
There really is no “best backpack” for nursing students or medical students. If it has enough room for your stuff, lots of pockets, a place for your laptop, and is durable, it’s going to be the best one for you.
What Bags Do Nurses Bring To Work?
Lots of nurses still use backpacks, rolling backpacks, or bookbags on the job, but a dedicated medical bag is the most common go-to for nurses.
What Should I Buy For Nursing School?
It’s up to you, but a good, sturdy backpack with a laptop sleeve is the best. If you don’t want to break your backhauling all that stuff around, get yourself a rolling backpack.
What Is The Most Popular Backpack For College Students?
It depends on your storage needs, but one of the most popular backpacks, as rated by students is the
Conclusion
It’s not hard to find the best backpack for nursing school – especially if you choose from our list above. They’ve all got the functionality, storage, durability, and comfort to get you through every Anatomy & Physiology class through to your clinicals. But if you’re still unsure, just review our top 3 list:
Any one of these is perfect for the job, but you’re still going to have to do all the heavy lifting yourself – sorry 🙂 but at least you’ll have room for all your stuff in quality back that’s easy to carry.