Overnight studies and long shifts play a big part in becoming a nurse. And as a nursing student, you will be spending long hours at school and in hospitals. To excel in your tasks and make going to home from work challenge-free, a reliable backpack will be essential. In this guide, we have listed the best backpacks for nursing school to help you decide and find the right bag for you.
Why Do Nursing Students Need A Backpack?
A backpack is an ultimate must-have when it comes to nursing school. Without a good backpack, you probably will not survive a long day without carrying all your essential things. Here are some of the necessary items and gear that nursing students pack in their backpacks.
With all this equipment and stuff to carry, you will need practical and reliable backpacks for nurses to assist you. The best backpack for nursing school will help you get your things organized and safe at all times. A backpack for nurses needs to be consistent with the following important qualities: durability, spaciousness, organization, and comfort.
10 Best Nursing School Backpacks
If you are not sure what to look for when shopping for the best college backpacks for nursing students, then this section is for you!
We are here to help you check your best options when choosing nurse backpacks based on design and functionality. There are plenty of best backpack choices out there. This list will help you narrow down your alternatives for a good backpack.
1. Matein Water-Resistant College Backpack
The Matein Water-Resistant Backpack is the best budget-friendly yet functional bag a nursing student can have. It has a dedicated laptop sleeve located next to the main compartment that can store large items like books, shoes, and clothes.
It has a multi-panel airflow well-designed for ventilation and also well-cushioned padding for optimal back support.
What makes this bag unique are its theft-proof secret pockets that can hold valuable items like cash, credit cards, keys and your phone.
Front zippered compartments are perfect for organizing pens, phones, keys, nursing watches, and other items you want to sort neatly. The metallic zippers are made of high-quality materials and will not break easily.
One great feature that the young generation of today will love is the built-in external USB port charger with cable. So this is a big plus especially if you always bring your gadgets with you. This can also help you with your portable laptop charger.
Cleaning and maintenance are not going to be a challenge as you can easily wipe dirt off it. What's great about this backpack is that the durable polyester fabric used is waterproof and is also resistant to shrinking and stretching. It also comes in seven great colors that will suit both men and women perfectly.
2. North Face Vault Backpack
The North Face Vault backpack is a versatile technical bag suitable for both college students and travelers. Its spaciousness can easily accommodate your textbooks, 15.6-inch laptop, clothes, and other essentials.
Aside from the laptop sleeve, there is an additional sleeve to accommodate other devices. It also contains a thick pad at the bottom designed to protect your electronic devices from external factors.
The main compartment is top-loading and is perfect for putting in big school textbooks and workbooks. There are stretch-mesh pockets for holding your water bottles or umbrellas. In the front compartment, you will find a keychain clip, a zipped pocket, and one smaller pocket. The zipped pocket is perfect for organizing your nursing pens.
The back panel is stitched with padded foam to help you carry the heavy load with comfort. The FlexVent system is for ventilation and keeping odor worries away. The backpack comes with a chest strap or sternum strap to provide optimal support for the rest of the body.
One remarkable feature of this backpack is that it has a lot of reflective materials on it. It has a reflective bike loop, tabs on the stretch pockets, and the strap webbings are also reflective.
Another great thing about this backpack is that it comes in separate versions for men and women. The North Face Vault backpack is exceptional for everyday commute to and from school or work. It comes in a wide selection of color variations to choose from and is surprisingly affordable as well.
3. SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack
This backpack is the best backpack for college students who want to have both style and functionality in their bags.
It is a technology-friendly backpack that is great for those who want quick and easy access to their devices like at airport scans. This feature is made possible by having a TSA friendly design wherein you can fully unzip the laptop compartment to access your device.
Organizing is also easy with this backpack because it has many pockets and compartments too. There is also an external loop holder for your sunglasses, so you will not have to dig inside your bag for it.
The shoulder straps also have a suspension system support to minimize back and shoulder strain. The breathable mesh shoulder straps are ergonomically-designed to distribute weight evenly. It also comes with hand grab handles for an alternative way of carrying the bag.
In regards to the quality, rest assured that it is sturdy and durable with high-quality polyester fabric designed to withstand everyday use.
4. Jiefeike Travel Laptop Backpack
The Jiefeike laptop backpack is a multi-purpose backpack that can be a great travel essential too! It has a large main compartment that opens up to 180 degrees-wide for easy access. This makes it the best large backpack for nursing school.
What is great about this backpack is that it has 20 plus large pockets aside from the many hidden small pockets. This multi-pocket feature is perfect for nursing students who want to keep their things very organized. Time is very crucial for nursing students, and an organized backpack will save them even more time.
Aside from these pockets, it still has a separate padded compartment for your 17-inch laptop and other devices. It also comes complete with an audio port, external USB port, and charging cable as well.
It even has two invisible anti-theft pockets at the rear back to store your wallet and other valuables.
High-quality water-resistant polyester makes the bag sturdy. It has a high-density nylon lining to make it shockproof. It is easy to clean and maintain as you may easily wipe off the dirt.
This backpack also has an airflow back ventilation system, while shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh to keep sweat away on hot days.
5. High Sierra Freewheel Laptop Backpack
This High Sierra Freewheel wheeled backpack is appreciable for you if you are looking for ease of mobility and spaciousness. Mesh shoulder straps are hidden inside the back panel of the bag in case you choose to wear it as a backpack.
This lightweight rolling backpack has a large main compartment that can hold laptops up to 15.5-inch screen size. The High Sierra backpack comes complete with a media pocket and accessory compartment that has a headphones port. It also has a key fob so that you do not misplace your keys!
Like most backpacks, it also has side pockets for holding your bottled drinks. This backpack also has a triangle clip that may be used for other accessories and for placing locks for added security. And because it has many storage compartments of this High Sierra backpack, you will not need to bring an additional bag for your meals and snacks.
The bag is made water-resistant with 600D Duralite Ripstop material, while the handle grabs are made from a soft mesh material.
The wheels of the backpack are corner mounted and smooth-rolling, so towing your luggage will be effortless. This feature makes High Sierra Free wheel the best rolling backpack for nursing students.
A wheeled backpack is best when it comes to being practical. You can even use it for short trips or travels.
6. AOKING Backpack
Another substantial option for a rolling backpack is the High Sierra Wheeled Backpack. This rolling backpack will help nursing school life easier for you.
It will help you move your things efficiently and safely with its sturdy built-in rubber wheels and aluminum alloy handle. The wheels can turn 360 degrees, run smoothly and quietly on floors, and may also be hidden, in case you want to carry it on your back.
It also features a shockproof padded laptop sleeve to store up to 17-inch laptops and other electronic gadgets. There is even an additional compartment to organize books, pens, and your earphones.
One unique feature of this bag is an external port to charge power banks and phones on-the-go.
An additional safety feature of this bag is its waterproof-built. The polyester and nylon material makes the bag tear-resistant and water-resistant as well. This feature gives protection to your textbooks and other valuable things from getting soaked during the rainy weather.
It is also easier to clean as you do not need to put it into the washing machine for cleaning.
This backpack is probably the best water-resistant rolling backpack in the market. It is aesthetically designed to fit both men and women and comes in five color choices of black, green, purple, pink, and yellow.
7. Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack
The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 design is perfect for those who are looking for durability, comfort, and style. This lightweight backpack has an abrasion-resistant bottom panel reducing the risk of tears. It is also both water-resistant and tear-resistant to protect essential items in your bag.
This backpack has an athletic look that is perfect for nursing students who love to do some sports on the side. It has a bottom pocket ideal for shoes and extra clothes.
The Armour hustle's heavy-duty zippers can withstand the strain from everyday use. Minor stains and dirt can also be easily wiped-off, making cleaning effortless.
Aside from its external pockets, the Armour hustle also has a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 15-inch in size.
This backpack can stand on its own, and you can bring this versatile backpack almost anywhere.
It comes in a variety of 26 color options. So, you can make sure that you get a unique color to make your backpack stand out from others.
8. JanSport Big Student Backpack
The JanSport brand has long been in the market for making quality and reliable bags for students. Jansport big backpacks are best for nursing students who want a mix of style and multi-functionality.
This big student bag is perfect for college students, mainly because of its weight, design, and ample storage space. The JanSport big student backpack has two large compartments and a zipped front pocket with an organizer to store items that need easy access. It has separate pockets for storing water bottles too.
The bag is roomy enough to keep your books, laptop, and other digital tools. The size is just right and will accommodate all the things that nursing studies will require.
The bag has a padded back as well for comfortable and easy carrying. The shoulder straps are wide and big and are ergonomically-designed to distribute even weight on your back.
It is made with machine-washable material, so cleaning is sure to be challenge-free. It is made of 600-denier durable polyester and is built to last long. When it comes to durability, the JanSport bag fairs well, as we may say.
9. Adidas Prime IV Backpack
The Adidas Prime IV backpack is another good bag for nursing students who are actively into sports as well. This stylish backpack features five zipped external compartments, three internal pockets, and a padded laptop compartment to organize items.
It is an extra-large backpack that can accommodate your 15-inch laptop securely and all other necessary items in one bag.
This modern backpack is made with 100% polyester material. Air ventilation is also not a problem as it has a padded air mesh back panel.
One unique feature of this backpack is its reflective accent panels to keep you seen in the dark.
You will never get out of style with this sporty bag as it comes in a variety of colors to choose from too.
10. Targus Legend IQ Backpack
The Targus Legend IQ Backpack is a perfect choice for commuters, students, and young professionals too.
It has a soft top handle for a friendlier carrying experience. The backpack can stand in an upright position for added functionality.
The main compartment can accommodate all the personal things you need to bring along with you. Like the other backpacks mentioned, it also has a separate section to store your 16-inch laptop and other tablets as well.
It features key rings on the side and side pockets for holding your mineral water bottles.
It has a media pocket with built-in cords and headphones jacks for music-lovers who want to keep up with the beat.
The backpack is made from 1680D polyester material that is durable, breathable, and waterproof.
How to Spot the Best Backpacks for Nursing Students
When buying the best nursing school backpack, it is good to read product reviews and compare your best choices. Checking the product's key specifications is another crucial aspect before getting a bag. Neutral hues, colors, and designs in discreet patterns are more suitable when the backpack is primarily for nursing school use.
As a nursing student, you will be carrying heavy loads of books, electronic devices like a laptop, and medical supplies at most times. A heavy-duty bag is best if you are using only one primary backpack for school or if you do not have an alternate carrier to use.
Our Top Choice:
With all these things in mind, we recommend the Matein water-resistant laptop backpack. This modern laptop backpack has almost all the useful features that a nursing student will need in a school bag. Its key features include a superior air ventilation system, padded laptop compartment, multiple pockets that include anti-theft zipper pockets. It even has a USB charging port and media ports for technological convenience.
This laptop backpack even comes in two sizes to fit laptops up to 15.6-inch or another size option that fits laptops up to 17-inch screen size.
This backpack may look so simple, but you'd be surprised by its water-resistance properties. This backpack is perfect for school and travel making even with unexpected harsh changes in weather conditions.
This bag is a perfect match for those who are shopping for backpacks with a budget-friendly goal of under $50.
Qualities of a Good Backpack
Not all nursing students have the same priorities, but everyone would like to have their things organized. What makes a nurse backpack the perfect choice are its features.
Try to find one that combines style, functionality, durability, and some extra features all in one bag. Choosing the best backpacks for nursing students will also be a good investment because it will be useful and will last for long years.
Storage Size
Accessible and ample storage space is one of the features that the best college backpack for nursing should have. Storage will narrow down your options when choosing the right college backpack for you.
Because you may be bringing along your laptops and other gadgets, the backpack must be wide enough to carry these items. Padded laptop or tablet sleeves are a plus when buying a laptop backpack for school.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a size that will best suit your needs. Overly large backpacks may not be wise as it may tempt you to bring things that may not be necessary.
Shoulder Straps / Handles
Comfort is one crucial issue for nursing students when choosing what backpack to buy. At times, you may need to carry them for lengthy periods. Thus, it is significant to find one with shoulder straps that are ergonomically designed for comfort to make the carrying experience as easy as possible. Make sure that the backpack has adjustable padded shoulder straps to help avoid future neck, shoulder, and back problems
An additional back support or a padded back rear may as well be beneficial as you may be carrying heavy loads of books with you. Top handles may also serve as an alternative way to transport the backpack.
Construction Quality
You may be dragging your bag from one place to another when doing your hospital and school duties. Aside from this, you will also be carrying heavy books and electronic devices. Get a bag that can withstand wear and tear from daily usage. Make sure that the backpack is robust and sturdy to last long years.
Another thing to look for in a good backpack is its water, stain, and tear-resistance properties. Resistance will protect the bag and everything inside from external factors like rain and snow.
Style and Design
The aesthetic appearance is also as vital as the bag's functionality. Choose a back pack design that will still look fashionable after a few years. Your choice will also reflect your personality with it. Choose something that represents your taste.
Pockets and Compartments
When it comes to backpacks, pockets or compartments are a fundamental feature to organize your things.
Outside pockets will serve as easy access to relevant items like keys, Ids, coin purse, or eyeglasses. Side pockets will be useful for storing water bottles along with you. Media pockets and earphone holes will be handy for those who love listening to music.
Look for waterproof and expandable compartments to separate damp clothes from clean ones. The main compartments should have room for prepared meals and snacks too.
Closures
Invest in a backpack that has sturdy metallic zippers and avoid buying those with plastic zippers. Avoid Velcro closures as it is not durable and practical for backpack use.
Warranty
You would also want to consider the manufacturer's warranty. An extended warranty means that the product is more trusted and reliable. Getting a warranty offer will also reduce the risk of losing your hard-earned cash.
Price
Nursing backpacks come in a variety of price ranges. It is a wise choice to get a backpack that fits your budget at hand. Find a balance between your needs and the cost of the bag you are going to buy. Many high-quality bags will serve their purpose without burning a hole in your pocket.
Additional Features
Air Channels
Breathable fabrics will help reduce back sweating when carrying the bag and will prevent unwanted odors from being retained.
Anti-theft Protection
Nursing students carry lots of valuable items with them such as laptops, smartphones, and wallets. To secure these items, choose a bag with anti-theft features to guard some sections of the backpack.
Wheels
Do you have back conditions and want to avoid straining your back from a load of heavy textbooks? Or maybe you want flexibility when it comes to mobility? If so, you may go for backpacks with built-in wheels aside from the straps.
Wheeled backpacks are very convenient as they give your shoulders a little break and give you the flexibility to either carry or pull your bag. Also, with the wheeled bag's retractable handle, you can easily tow your items anywhere you go.
USB and Media Ports
Nursing students live a fast-paced and demanding lifestyle. They are always on-the-go and always have to keep up with technology. This feature makes a USB and other media port an essential tool for them especially when they need to carry a laptop with them.
Over to You
We have listed above the significant factors you should consider when looking for the right nursing backpack. We recommend that you take into mind and heart these factors alongside your personal preferences and needs.
In the end, it will still depend on your personal preferences and your kind of lifestyle. We hope that our list helped you find the best backpacks for nursing students like you.