Nursing school is an exciting time for new nurses. Students are getting ready to jump into the real world of nursing, and there’s a lot they need to know before they start their clinical rotations.
One thing that students should think about when packing for nursing school is what backpack would be best suited for their needs. The backpack you choose will depend on how much stuff you have, your budget, and your personal preferences. But it shouldn’t be overlooked because it can make or break your experience in nursing school!
After all, it’s the only thing that you need to carry with you during clinical and in between classes. It can be hard for new students to find the best backpacks for nursing school – so we’re here to help!
We’ll cover what features are important when choosing a backpack, as well as some of our favorite picks from brands like JanSport and Adidas.
Best Backpacks for Nursing School: Comparison Table
NAME | DIMENSIONS (inches) | PRICE |
---|---|---|
Bebamour Nursing School Backpack | 15.75 x 7.87 x 5.91 | Check Price |
Adidas Originals National SST | 22.2 x 18 x 3.3 | Check Price |
Rawlings Heritage Backpack | 18 x 17.1 x 5.5 | Check Price |
JanSport Big Students Backpack | 13 x 7.5 x 17 | Check price |
Himawari Laptop Backpack | 11 x 5 x 16 | Check Price |
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack | 17.5 x 11.75 x 6 | Check Price |
High Sierra Chaser Wheeled Backpack | 20 x 13.5 x 8 | Check Price |
Bebamour Nursing School Backpack
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONSpecifications
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 7.87 x 5.91 inches
- Holds Laptop: Upto 15 inches
- Color: Black/Pink
- Drink Pockets: Yes
- Materials: Polyester
- Volume: 18 L
Sometimes you need to chase down a stray test tube, sometimes in your suit and tie. The Bebamour backpack is the perfect elegant way to show off your new nursing professional’s chic side while keeping all of the essentials close at hand instead of trying to whip that shawl around your shoulders. This nurse bag has it all: comfort, style, and convenience!
Backpacks don’t get more functional than this one. With its “big mouth” opening and double zipper closure design, it’s easy to get what you need quickly, without having to unzip the whole bag!
You can store your water bottle or coffee mug on either side of the pack securely through its large drink pockets. Plus, as a bonus – this 18 liter back has an opening at both ends – giving it two separate carrying modes so that whether you’re on a bike or just want to keep your hands free, you can do it easily!
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
This nursing school backpack is easily our top pick from this list! It has almost everything a nursing student could need in the best backpack for their needs!
Adidas Originals National SST
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONSpecifications
- Model: 978711
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.2 x 18 x 3.3 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
- Water Resistance: Yes
The Adidas Originals National SST Backpack has everything you need to kill it in class such as ample space inside and zippered organization pockets. It also has a laptop sleeve designed to protect your electronics.
And there’s even a separate tablet sleeve with a protective liner so you’re always ready for an exam or lecture without having to carry around all your books (all nurses know it can get heavy!).
This one’s water-resistant too! Take this lightweight nursing bag out on roam and show everyone your signature style – not just some EMT store backpack that doesn’t speak volumes about who you are and what you do.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
If you’re looking for a versatile, well-made, budget-friendly bag that will keep your clothes and electronics dry then this is the perfect backpack for nursing school!
Rawlings Heritage Backpack
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONSpecifications
- Weight: 3.59 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 17.1 x 5.5 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Materials: Genuine leather
- Volume: 21.5 L
This genuine leather backpack – made with natural, pre-washed rawhide and attaches to trollies with luggage handles – is perfect for nursing school, hospital work, or just going about your daily life.
Three roomy outside pockets give you plenty of storage space for all your gear. Two flat zipper compartments provide a secure place for your important stuff like keys or a cellphone inside the bag. So they’re not toppling around in the bottom of one of the big outside pouch pockets.
The spacious interior has a padded laptop compartment and adjustable straps that fit anyone comfortably. A stylish way to carry everything from anatomy books to snacks!
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
If you’re looking for a backpack that can hold everything from heavy anatomy books to snacks, this is it! This nursing backpack is stylish, spacious, and durable.
JanSport Big Students Backpack
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONSpecifications
- Model Number: TDN71F8
- Weight: 1.02 pounds
- Dimensions: 13 x 7.5 x 17 inches
- Colors: Available in 35 colors
- Fabric Type: 600D Poly Fabric
- Capacity: 34 L
The JanSport Big Student Backpack for nursing school is absolutely perfect for a day at the hospital. You can stay organized with a fully padded back panel, main compartments galore (plus an extra pocket on the side), and even multiple compartments inside!
With all your work done in one professional bag, it’s time to hit the books and get out of medical student purgatory. This nursing school backpack has plenty of space both inside and outside so that you never have to worry about lugging around anything too big or heavy again.
It’s hard enough to juggle from doctor rounds to classrooms without having a weighed down pack strapped onto your shoulders while you’re doing it.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
If you want a backpack that will handle all your nursing gear and still look great, it’s hard to go wrong with this one! The laptop compartment is a huge plus, and the ergonomic design will keep your back happy all day long.
Himawari Laptop Backpack
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONSpecifications
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 16 inches
- Colors: Available in 28 colors
- Materials: Nylon
- USB Port: Yes
- Capacity: 26 L
If you want a way to carry things around and stay fashionable, get this beautiful, eco-friendly Himawari backpack. This nurse bag is perfect for giving easy access from every angle while having tailored compartments for storage and laptop protection.
It’s just as strong and durable as something more expensive without compromising your style. The reinforced edges keep the bag in shape while providing superior durability to last you through years of rigorous use.
Unique doctor bag style opening allows easy access to your belongings with heavy loads on shoulders or back but still provides comfortable carry when back straps are unnecessary.
These bags have padding made from perforated foam on the back so that laptops won’t be jostled during transit. It can also fold up if needed.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
Himawari backpack is best for nursing school students who carry heavy loads or have a lot of books. If you don’t mind the weight, this stylish nursing bag can provide long-lasting use and protect your laptop with ease.
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONSpecifications
- Model: 10011-04216-OS
- Weight: 1.75 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.75 x 6 inches
- Laptop Sleeve: 15 inches
- Color Options: Available
- Capacity: 22 L
The perfect pop quiz backpack – designed with nursing school prepping for your MacBook, binders, and more. This totally on-trend style features plenty of pockets in just the right places and will make you stand out from the pack in style.
Oh! And did we mention this one has a built-in power bank so that no matter what’s happening down there or up here, you’ll always be connected to friends, family – and everything else? You’re welcome.
And waterproof zipper detail ensures that whatever falls out has had a good chance to dry off before it makes its way into your home life again.
All this room means there’s more than enough space for textbooks (just maybe not both), like Nursing 101: Essentials, SKI Case Studies, and Nursing Care – Clinical Approach.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
This traditional backpack is best for nursing school students who want to look stylish but also need lots of space. If you’re someone that has trouble carrying heavy loads, this might not be the best option for you.
High Sierra Chaser Wheeled Backpack
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONSpecifications
- Model: 53990-6701
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 20 x 13.5 x 8 inches
- Color Options: Available
- USB Port: Yes
- Capacity: 29.5 L
You’re looking for a wheeled backpack that will take you through the stresses of nursing school? Look no longer! This high quality, stylish and convenient backpack is designed to provide an organized way to carry your day-to-day school items.
It features a main compartment with 36.5L capacity, which provides storage solutions perfect for laptops, books, and even lunch bags.
And don’t worry about anyone reading over your shoulder with this sleek design, thanks to the padded straps that are stowed behind a zippered back panel. This rolling backpack has it all from ample pockets for organization, cushioned backside fit, and eleven integrated pockets for quick-access items.
What We Liked
What Could Be Improved
This rolling bag is best for people who want a simple, sleek, and easy-to-use bag. If you’re looking for a nursing bag with lots of pockets and compartments, this is not the bag for you.
What are the important features of nursing school backpacks?
Nursing school is hard- there are long days filled with lectures and clinical that call on your physical stamina and emotional resilience. The last thing you need to worry about when carrying around all the things nursing students have to carry is how uncomfortable your backpack feels against the back– but this can happen if it doesn’t fit correctly. Below we’ll discuss what makes one bag better than another, so you know which pack will best suit nursing school needs!
Durability
The backpack needs to be able to withstand spills from coffee mugs or accidents at work involving bodily fluids. For this reason, synthetic fabrics often make great choices for maximum durability.
Size
Most nursing students prefer backpacks with lots of pockets and compartments. These are better because they allow space for all necessary nursing school supplies without having them be cluttered in just one or two larger pouches. Nursing school is challenging enough as it is- why make things more difficult than needed? Check out how many inches high your textbooks measure before picking a backpack!
Pockets
See if there any pockets for storing smaller supplies such as pens and pencils, phones or tablets since these things will usually need to be carried around all day and with a backpack, without any designated pocket this could lead students into carrying unnecessary weight which may result in its straps hurting more after wearing it throughout the entire school day.
Compartments
See if the backpack has several compartments or not because a compartmented bag is easier to manage when looking through it during class time. In case of an emergency, students should have their own clothes stored in different sections to know what to get when they hear the alarms. Clothes that take more time to put on, like shoes or shirts, can be placed in other compartments. This will help the student find them during class time.
Backpack Straps
How many of these do you need? If your backpack carries textbooks and heavy materials like lab equipment or a computer- perhaps two straps are best. One strap can be worn crossbody if needed too (though this may not work well with bulky items). A single strap would typically suffice for carrying personal accessories or notebooks to class.
Material/Design
Picking out material should depend on how much weight it needs to support as well as what kind of design you prefer. Canvas seems durable enough, but some people find nylon preferable because it’s easier to clean after spills or accidents happen. This might matter depending on where your school is located. If you’re located in a city or more populated area, then nylon might be best because of the ease of cleaning and durability.
Best material
Nylon often isn’t easy to clean after spills occur, but it’s durable and can handle the spills that happen on a daily basis in nursing school. It is best to go with either of these options, depending on your needs for durability or convenience.
Suitability
The size should be able to fit both laptops and textbooks- while there may not always be enough space for everything you might need. Those two things will often take up most of the room in any backpack. So if they don’t have enough room, neither will anything else! A good rule about packs is generally bigger is better when it comes to capacity– this ensures that nothing gets lost out at the bottom of the bag.
Back’s Construction
Be sure to look at the back’s construction and see if it has a padded back that can be removed from its straps as this will allow them to sleep comfortably on their backs while in school or when they need some time off during class, since most of these chairs do not have arm rests, so being able to remove the padding might come in handy.
Style
No matter what profession you are entering into, it is important to remain stylish while wearing your backpack so as not to look too “nerdy.” Consider getting a patterned backpack that will make going back to school feel less like being in elementary school again!
Internal Frame
Invest in a backpack with an internal frame, this will ensure that the weight of your items is distributed evenly throughout and not just on one area. This also helps to keep its shape while it’s empty or when you are carrying less weight inside.
Metal Frames
A good idea would be to use backpacks without any metal frames as these can cause problems during those magnetic scans which will lead to them being taken out for inspection every time they go through security clearance at airports. The best way around this issue is by simply opting for a different material such as plastic which won’t set off alarms when going through the X-ray machine at all.
Budget
Nursing school is expensive, so you’ll need to consider the cost of a backpack before buying it. Don’t just look for something cheap–you want to find one that will last. You can usually spend between $20-$600.
How to Properly Organize Your Nursing School Backpack
The best backpacks for nursing school should be large enough to fit all your textbooks and supplies yet small enough to keep you from looking like a pack mule. To avoid being bogged down by heavy backpacks, here are some tips on how to organize your bag:
- Place the heaviest items at the bottom of your bag so they can act as ballast when walking around campus or running errands off campus. Books make great ballasts! Consider investing in ones with hardback covers versus paperbacks because they’re less likely to bend underweight; also consider using two smaller bags rather than one larger one if necessary. Use lighter materials such as folders over heavy books whenever possible – this will help prevent strain on both shoulders and arms while walking.
- Place smaller items, such as snacks and drinks that you want easy access to in the outer pockets of your bag so they’re easily accessible. This will help prevent fatigue from constantly reaching into the bottom of your backpack during a long day on campus or off campus.
- If you have an open frame laptop holder, always put it closer to your back – this way if anything spills (e.g., coffee), it’ll hit the computer first before seeping through other belongings in your pack.
- Fold clothes so they take up less space in backpacks; this helps avoid having too many clothes that don’t make it into the backpack! For example, fold shirts vertically when possible – folding them horizontally only takes up more room inside the bag. In contrast, vertical folds allow you to stack multiple articles high without using much more space than one shirt folded flat would need.
- Use the outside pockets to store items that you’ll need for class or in a hurry, such as your cell phone and keys; these pockets are easier to reach when it’s time to head out of the door than digging through a bulky bag inside. Consider using one outer pocket for quick grab items – like car keys/cellphone – while another can be designated as more permanent storage space (like pens/stapler).
- If you’re going to be in the classroom for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to have your laptop close at hand and not buried deep inside your bag. Consider using one side pocket as storage space for any electronic devices that aren’t used on a regular basis. The rest of these pockets can then store things like books/notebooks, pens/pencils, stapler or other office supplies – anything you’ll need right next to you!
Additional Guidance on Purchasing a Backpack for Nursing School
The first thing you should do is get a backpack that’s the appropriate size for your needs. If you’re not sure what would be best, take a look online and see if people have posted pictures of their backpacks with the contents they carry in them to give an idea of how much space each bag takes up on average. You’ll want to make sure there are enough pockets inside and out so that nothing falls out when it isn’t supposed to or gets lost; this includes pens/pencils, water bottle(s), food items, ID card or key cards, cell phone charger cable (if applicable). The bag won’t self-clean like our uniforms will!
If you have too many things then maybe a rolling suitcase would be a better option. If you like to carry a lot of stuff with you, then I recommend getting a messenger bag or backpack that has two straps where the weight is evenly distributed on both shoulders instead of one strap across your back and spine which can cause long-term health problems.
We also recommend finding something durable as we will have many opportunities to get things wet (our hands, accidentally spilling water bottles) so it’s best if our gear doesn’t fall apart when exposed to liquids!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do nurses carry in their bags?
Nurses carry many things in their bags: from medical supplies like gauze pads or patient identification bracelets to cell phones and pens so they can keep in touch with patients or other nurses. If you’re looking for an everyday bag, you must consider what kind of clothing they wear regularly.
What is the most durable backpack for nursing school?
The most durable backpack for nursing school is one that’s made of a material like leather, canvas, or nylon. The best materials to use are ones that won’t tear easily when you’re lugging around textbooks and other accessories during the day in your backpacks. A rugged bag can also be considered as one of the best bags for nurses who may need to haul equipment such as oxygen tanks from their car into hospitals where they work- this would prevent tearing on a more delicate fabric like cotton or silk.
What’s most important when it comes to finding the right backpack for nursing school?
Finding the right backpack for nursing school is all about determining what you need. You may find that a messenger-style bag with wheels and an ergonomic top handle would be best to carry your laptop computer, textbooks, pens, and other odds and ends in one trip from your car to class without breaking a sweat.
Our Final Thoughts
The best backpacks for nursing school are ones that are durable and will last. You should also take into consideration how much you want to spend and what type of backpack you need when looking at options.
We hope this article has been helpful for you and that it’s now just a little bit easier to navigate the world of backpacks.
Ms MandyMandy is a veteran blogger who has been writing about outdoor fashion and gear for over ten years. She’s constantly on the lookout for new products to share with readers, and she rarely turns down an opportunity to check out what’s new in this growing field. Mandy loves being outdoors as much as possible, which is why she spends her free time sharing tips and tricks with other active people looking to improve their lifestyle.
Junyuan BagsTen articles before and after
7 Best Hiking Backpack for Big Guys of 2022 | JUNYUAN Bags
The Best Backpacks for Music Producers in 2022 | JUNYUAN Bags
7 Best Festival Backpack in 2022: With Detailed Guide | JUNYUAN Bags
Best Basketball Backpacks in 2021: For The Athlete | JUNYUAN Bags
Best Running Hydration Pack for Big Guys in 2022
7 Best Backpacks for Athletes in 2022: Waterproof, Durable and Versatile
7 Best Backpack for Boy Scouts of 2022 [Updated]
7 Best Backpacks for Engineering Students of 2022 | JUNYUAN Bags
Best Backpack for Heavy Books of 2022: Finding the Right Fit
11 Best Backpacks for Law School in 2022 [Buying Guide]
Waterproof Laptop Backpack craftsman tool bags