Backpacks have become a popular style among nursing students because of their ability to comfortably carry school supplies. But with so many backpacks out there, how do nursing students choose the best one?
The best backpack for nursing students is one that is spacious enough for all your essential school and medical gear. It should also look professional, be comfortable to wear, durable, and have enough pockets and compartments. A wheeled backpack is also a great choice for convenience.
These are qualities that make specific backpacks better for nursing students compared to other backpacks. Read on to learn more about what you should look for in a backpack for nursing students.
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Features Of The Best Backpacks For Nursing School
Campus life for nursing school students is vastly different from other college students.
One of the main differences is that nursing students have to carry heavy medical equipment on top of already burdensome textbooks, laptops, and scrubs among other school essentials. This is why more nursing students consider backpacks as the most practical option for school. Nursing backpacks offer a comfortable and practical way of carrying supplies to and from campus, compared to a tote or duffel bag, which can cause strain on one’s shoulders.
Thankfully, there are a lot of backpacks with features that cater to the needs of nursing students.
Below is a list of features you should consider before you buy a nursing school backpack:
Storage
Backpacks come in all sizes, though it’s critical to choose a size that fits your needs. A backpack that is at least 25 liters in capacity is recommended in order to fit your books, notebooks, school supplies, and medical gear. Depending on how many things you have to carry every day, you may even want to consider a backpack as large as 40 liters.
Always be sure to check a backpack’s capacity and dimensions before you buy it. It would be a great inconvenience to realize that your books and supplies can’t fit inside a backpack that you just purchased.
Style
A functional nursing school backpack doesn’t have to cut corners in the style department. Find a backpack that looks professional while reflecting your individual fashion sense. Remember that while backpacks are meant to carry your belongings for you, they are also a reflection of you. Your reputation in the medical field starts in school so you want to come off as professional as possible.
Look for backpacks in neutral tones; you can’t go wrong with black, grey, beige, or white. Other suitable colors include red, muted shades of green, royal blue, or deep purple.
Comfort
Your nursing school backpack should be comfortable to carry, especially considering the serious load you are transporting on your back and shoulders. Comfort starts with wide, padded shoulder straps which are necessary for carrying a heavy load.
Thin, narrow, and unpadded straps will only dig into your shoulders and add pressure to your neck and back. Load stabilizers are also great for keeping the bag close to your body and holding it in place.
Ergonomic backpacks, especially those with an S-shaped back, conform to your curves. Meanwhile, adjustable chest and waist or hip straps help mold the backpack to your body shape while distributing the weight uniformly. These features are essential for nursing school students who carry heavy textbooks and laboratory equipment.
Padded Laptop or Tablet Sleeve
With the variety of items stashed in your nursing school backpack (medical equipment, textbooks, notebooks, and pens), it’s important to keep your computer extra safe. A padded laptop compartment will prevent scratches and abrasion that may be caused by your other belongings. The padding also serves an important purpose in protecting your laptop from accidental falls.
Likewise, if you use a tablet or iPad instead of a laptop for school, these delicate electronics should also enjoy the same level of protection in your backpack.
Durable
Your investment in a nursing school bag should last you a long time. Buying several poorly made backpacks because they are cheap will only cost you more money in the long run instead of investing in one with durable construction and quality materials. It will also prevent the chances of your backpack breaking down at unexpected times.
Nursing student backpacks should be durable because heavy books and supplies are enough to test the strength of any backpack. Look for bags made from sturdy materials such as Cordura, polyester, and nylon, especially around the straps which are most prone to breakage. Reinforced stitches are also essential to make sure the fabric won’t rip easily.
You can also check the durability of the fabric by its denier rating. Bag manufacturers indicate the denier rating through a number followed by a D, such as 450D or 800D. The higher the denier rating, the sturdier the backpack is.
Durable zippers also matter when it comes to nursing school backpacks. Metal zippers that glide easily are always recommended; check what customer reviews also have to say about them.
Anti-Theft Features
School and laboratory supplies are not cheap. Nursing school students should never compromise the safety of their belongings or their other valuables such as your wallet. You never know when someone is just waiting for you to leave your bag unattended or be distracted for a few moments.
For this reason, backpacks with anti-theft features are extremely beneficial to prevent losing your wallet or something else of value. Look for slash-proof fabrics, lockable zippers, and hidden pockets for security. These are some of the many common anti-theft features used in backpacks.
Wheeled Backpack
Wheeled backpacks can be used as both a backpack or a rolling suitcase. These models combine the advantages of both a backpack and traditional wheeled luggage, which is especially beneficial for nursing school students who have to carry heavy loads on most days and commute.
While this isn’t a necessary feature to have, some nursing school students may find a wheeled backpack more useful than one without wheels. Simply pull out the handle to convert the backpack into a wheeled suitcase when your bag is too heavy, and use it as a backpack for days when the load is lighter.
Pockets and Compartments
A good-looking backpack for nurses won’t mean much if it lacks the appropriate pockets and compartments to help you stay organized in and out of school. Ideally, the best backpack for nursing students should help you arrange your belongings into groups. For example, the main compartment is where you can keep bulky belongings such as textbooks, your stethoscope, personal protective equipment (PPE), or spare clothing.
Other supplementary pockets in the bag’s interior or exterior can then be used to segregate smaller items such as a calculator, small notebooks, a power bank, or your snacks. A front access pocket is handy for storing your ID badge, keys, sunglasses, pens, smartphone, and cables. A media pocket is also helpful for electronics and accessories.
Always choose a bag based on compartments and pockets that cater to your schooling needs.
Optional Features
Now that you know the essential features to look for in the best backpacks for nursing students, below is a list of optional features that may be nice to have based on your preferences or needs:
USB Port
Backpacks with a USB port are convenient for students who use smartphones or tablets frequently. The USB port allows you to charge your devices even while you’re walking or during your commute. Some backpacks with a USB port already come with a cable while others don’t; if you choose one with a cable, just be sure that it’s compatible with your devices.
Water-Resistant or Waterproof
Exposure to rain or snow can quickly damage electronics, medical equipment, and textbooks. Choosing backpacks made with water-resistant or waterproof material will reduce the risk of your valuables getting soaked. Alternatively, you can purchase a rain cover separately or opt for a backpack with a hidden compartment equipped with a rain cover.
Our Recommendations For The Best Backpacks For Nursing Students
Studying to be a nurse takes up a lot of your time and energy. However, finding the best type of backpack for school requires some research. To start, check out these options that are popular among nursing students (note: we earn a small commission from Amazon if you decide to buy any of these bags):
Best Backpacks For Nursing Students
Matein Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port: Matein specializes in creating an array of school, travel, and everyday backpacks that are extremely sturdy and functional – without breaking the bank. This Matein Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port is a good example of why the brand is trusted among nursing school students: it’s good value for money, practical, and durable.
Choose from a wide range of colors: this backpack is available in neutral hues as well as colorful tones. No matter which colors you choose, the high-performance features of this nursing student backpack will definitely be appreciated.
While there are many superior aspects of this backpack compared to others, the fact that it offers tons of organization is worth noting. Laptops are kept safe in a separate padded compartment, which can fit up to 15-inch laptops. Meanwhile, the main compartment can fit textbooks, notebooks, a light jacket, and other school supplies.
In addition, the Matein Travel Backpack is equipped with mesh side pockets. Students can use these for keeping water bottles, as well as umbrellas. The shoulder straps are thickly padded, while the foam-padded top handle provides a comfortable alternative to carrying the bag on your back.
The built-in USB charger ensures your mobile phone and tablet are never out of battery, in time for school or work. The charging cable is already provided, so you can charge your devices even while you’re walking to and from school. The durable, water-resistant polyester fabric and sturdy metal zippers give you peace of mind that your valuables are always safe.
Even then, there are a few improvements that Matein could make with this backpack. For one, the mesh water bottles on each side are too short for most water bottles, which can cause them to fall out if they’re too tall. Another would be to reinforce the bottom, for added protection from accidental drops.
Despite that, the Matein Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port is still an excellent all-around nursing student backpack. It ticks all the boxes and is affordable too.
Feskin Vintage Laptop Backpack: Feskin’s stylish and functional bags are another great option for nursing students. The vintage aesthetic of the Feskin Vintage Laptop Backpack is a classic look, and ideal for fashion-forward students.
This backpack is constructed with a soft yet durable 600D nylon material, which is scratch-resistant, lightweight, and water-resistant. Whether you have to work or study, you can have peace of mind that your laptop, electronics, and textbooks are always safe.
Weighing just 1.63 lbs, this is one of the lightest nursing school bags out there. It has a 30L storage capacity, which is around the average volume recommended for most students. The external USB charger and built-in charging cable make it extremely easy to charge your mobile phone while you’re on the go.
It must be said that even if the Feskin Vintage Laptop Backpack is advertised as a laptop bag, it doesn’t come with a padded laptop sleeve. Users are recommended to use a separate laptop sleeve for added protection; otherwise, your school supplies may end up scratching the surface of your laptop or tablet.
Some users might find it a pain to have to open and close the top flap to access the bag’s contents, especially if you frequently have to pack or unpack your stuff throughout the day. More protection could also be provided in the form of a padded bottom, which the bag lacks.
Nevertheless, these are minor inconveniences that many don’t mind at all. The Feskin Vintage Laptop Backpack is popular among high school, college, and nursing school students – and for good reason. It’s affordable too!
Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack: Under Armour is a famous brand known globally for its innovative and comfortable athletic apparel, including bags. The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack is one of the most popular models in the Hustle range, which is renowned for their superior-quality, sturdy, and comfortable backpacks.
Nursing school students who are looking for a water-repellant backpack to protect items while commuting are recommended to check out this bag. Constructed with Under Armour’s Storm technology to defend against the elements, the highly water-repellant finish will keep your things dry. Even the front access pocket has a water-resistant coating, which is convenient for commuting when you don’t want to have to dig in to look for your wallet or tablet.
The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack has several pockets to help nursing students stay organized. A soft-lined laptop sleeve in the main compartment keeps your laptop protected, while the bottom panel protects it from accidental drops. A spacious multi-purpose shoe and laundry pocket are found at the bottom of the bag; this feature is convenient for storing your scrubs or antimicrobial shoes.
Additionally, Under Armour has used its novel HeatGear in the backpack’s shoulder straps. HeatGear is a proprietary technology that improves wear and comfort during use in hot weather – another reason that makes this backpack ideal for students who commute often, especially in warmer climates.
With a 30L storage capacity and a medium size, this pack is spacious, versatile, and has enough compartments. However, the water bottle pockets on each side can be hard to reach. It would also have improved overall comfort if HeatGear technology, or at least breathability, was incorporated into the back panel.
That said, the Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack is still good value for money, offering numerous benefits for nursing school students.
JanSport Big Student Backpack: JanSport has an impressive line of affordable, high-quality school backpacks that are always a favorite of students. What’s not to love? Their backpacks have a traditional silhouette, comfortable shoulder straps, and practical features that nursing school students and nurses appreciate.
The JanSport Big Student Backpack is a larger version of their popular packs. With more than 35 colors and designs to choose from, both boys and girls in nursing school will definitely find one that matches their needs and personal style. The 34L capacity provides lots of room for all your school needs.
It’s one of the lightest options compared to other bags mentioned in this article. The Big Student backpack weighs only 1 pound and 8 ounces, plus the ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps all contribute to the one-of-a-kind comfort only this bag offers. Aside from that, students will feel little to no strain and discomfort even when carrying heavy textbooks thanks to the thick padding in the back panel.
There are several compartments and pockets to efficiently segregate and organize your school supplies too. There are two main compartments, plus a 15-inch padded laptop compartment for your devices, a front utility pocket, zippered front stash compartment, and many more. One mesh side pocket can either be used to store a water bottle or umbrella.
All JanSport backpacks come with a lifetime warranty, even if all products have excellent construction and are made to last. The brand has made noticeable improvements to this model through the years too, such as thinner fabric and more durable water bottle holders.
If you're extra rough with your backpacks, you might find that the fabric gets dirty rather easily, and the quality of the shoulder straps seems to be inconsistent. Regardless, customers can easily reach out to JanSport’s customer service for a replacement should anything happen. It’s still a great choice for nursing school students.
Lovevook Laptop Backpack: Lovevook is a brand that specializes in stylish bags for women that are also big in functionality and practical features. Their bags are available in an array of designs and colors, plus little thoughtful and handy details that busy nursing students can benefit from.
The Lovevook Laptop Backpack is available in three sizes to cater to laptops that are 14, 15.6, and up to 17 inches long. The 15.6-inch version is a good all-around choice for nursing students, and it has a capacity of 24L. The dimensions, which are 16 x 12 x 7.5 inches, are ideal for school but versatile enough to be used for traveling.
This backpack is especially popular among nurses. There are many pockets that can be used to segregate your essentials, including a stretch water bottle pocket, front access pocket, smaller essentials pocket on the exterior, and much more. It already comes with a luggage strap which makes it versatile enough for weekend trips or traveling.
The Lovevook Laptop Backpack is equipped with a USB charging port for added convenience. A hidden anti-theft pocket is spacious enough to safely keep your mobile phone, wallet, and keys away from prying eyes. Meanwhile, a small napkin pocket on the exterior side is a thoughtful touch.
The front organizer pocket opens up to several more pockets, including a mesh sleeve on the flap. With all these useful pockets, you’ll always know where your important items are, including electronics and cables which can be easy to lose.
This is one of the most beautiful and elegant nursing student backpacks, and the price makes it accessible for everyone. However, there are pros and cons, and when it comes to improvements, it would be better if the front pocket organizer was designed with 2 zipper pulls instead of one. We would have preferred for it to be waterproof or water-resistant.
Despite that, the Lovevook Laptop Backpack is a steal for the price and has everything you need for nursing school. This is especially recommended for students or nurses who need help efficiently organizing lots of small things.
Best Rolling Backpacks For Nursing Students
High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack: High Sierra is one of the most popular backpack brands among students of all levels. It’s a common brand you’ll see on many campuses, and there’s a good reason for that. High Sierra has been around for over 40 years. Throughout this time, they have developed a reputation for being a reliable and durable backpack brand for students.
The High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack is a testament to that. It measures 21 x 14 x 9 inches and has a 38-liter capacity, which is perfect for a nursing student rolling backpack. The very roomy main compartment has enough space to safely store and transport textbooks, laboratory equipment, school documents, and a laptop.
Students don’t need to worry about stability when using this pack. The all-terrain wheels are designed to last many years of use in and out of campus, while the molded kick plate protects the wheels from scratches. When it’s time to use it as a backpack, simply tuck the telescoping handle under a zippered cover where it’s out of sight.
The bag’s neutral and professional design makes it a great choice for both men and women. Even teachers will find the various practical details of this bag extremely handy for work.
Given the price of the High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack, it’s a no-brainer for nursing students who want the best of both worlds: convenient and versatile wheeled luggage that can be converted into a backpack at any time. Some people may find the backpack straps are not very comfortable if used for long periods of time, but in any case, you can always switch them up. Overall, we praise the bag’s ability to withstand even the most rugged use on school campuses.
Skymove Wheeled Laptop Backpack: Skymove’s range of ultra-durable and practical bags are popular among nurses and students. This wheeled laptop backpack weighs 4.6 lbs., much lighter than most other rolling backpack models. It’s constructed with 1200D oxford fabric, which is heavy-duty and tough while still looking classy.
The Skymove Wheeled Laptop Backpack has many convenient features. For one, the wheels can be concealed when not in use simply by tucking them away in a pocket behind the backpack. Second, the U-shaped opening for the main compartment makes packing and unpacking your books and school supplies a breeze!
Inside, it can fit a laptop up to 15.6 inches inside the laptop sleeve. The compression straps help keep your PPE, jacket, and notebooks in place. There’s lots of room to pack clothes for a 2 or 3-day trip as well. Another highlight is the sturdy aluminum alloy handle, which can even be used on rainy days.
Just keep in mind that the Skymove Wheeled Laptop Backpack isn’t ideal for users who are taller than 6 feet. The handle is 39 inches long, so taller customers will need another wheeled backpack with a longer handle.
There have been some complaints from customers who have used the bag, citing the small size of the pack’s interior. You may find it too small for large and heavy textbooks, which is something to consider if you still need to bring lots of books to and from school.
However, if you need a wheeled backpack to carry laboratory equipment, a tablet, and less bulky supplies, you may find that the Skymove Wheeled Laptop Backpack is perfect for your needs.
Samsonite Tectonic Wheeled Backpack: Samsonite is renowned as a leader in the global luggage market. They are one of the world’s top luggage brands, known for its innovative approach when it comes to bag materials and designs as well as products that last a lifetime.
Samsonite’s backpacks and luggage do come at a higher price tag than most other brands, but the craftsmanship and quality are unbeatable. The Samsonite Tectonic Wheeled Backpack, for example, has an unassuming yet simple design that makes it perfect for nursing school students. The internal dimensions are 17 x 13 x 10 inches, with plenty of room to hold a 17” laptop and a great deal of school and laboratory supplies inside.
One of the aspects that makes this wheeled backpack stand out compared to others is the sheer wealth of pockets and compartments found on the interior and exterior of the bag. There is a total of 7 exterior storage compartments and 6 interior pockets, which are more than adequate to help nursing students organize all belongings. On top of that, there are discreet water bottle pockets on each side, which are zippered and can thus be used to safe keep smaller essentials that you can easily reach for.
It’s also worth noting that the Samsonite Tectonic Wheeled Backpack has an ergonomic, push-button handle that feels futuristic. Despite that, it’s extremely easy to use and convenient. The padded backpack straps are comfortable to wear too, so either way you choose to use this wheeled backpack, it will be comfortable and convenient to wear.
Unfortunately, there is no padding on the bottom of this backpack, so people must always practice caution when propping the bag down on the floor. Better yet, it’s recommended to keep your laptop in a padded computer sleeve for protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any backpacks you shouldn't use for nursing school?
Backpacks that are designed for fashion rather than function, space, or comfort should not be used for nursing school. Mini backpacks, traditional school backpacks, or those that are made of thin fabric are not practical for the purpose.
There are many styles available for every budget, so be sure that you take your time researching the features of backpacks that catch your eye.
What other backpack styles are best for nursing school students?
Generally speaking, sports and travel backpacks are excellent styles for nursing school students. They are designed to be lightweight, comfortable, versatile, and durable with lots of pockets for organization. A laptop backpack is also a good choice, since these bags cater to the needs of students and professionals.
Most of these types of backpacks will tick all the boxes when it comes to the best nursing backpack for students. You can’t go wrong with a sports bag, laptop or travel backpack made by reputable manufacturers as long as it has all the features you need.
Conclusion
Choosing the right backpack for nursing school can have a big impact on improving the efficiency and convenience of life on and off campus. The information provided in this article can help you make an informed decision when shopping for the best backpack for nursing school students.