Best Backpacks for Nursing School

10 Best Backpacks for Nursing School in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

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Whether you are a grad school student or not. It’s that time of year and you’re shopping for the best backpack for nursing/medical school but with so many amazing school bags available to pick from it’s hard to determine which one to choose. As a nurse, you’ll end up holding a lot of items, ranging from books, stethoscopes, clothing, personal care products, and massive medical instruments. And not all of this, the list of things you’re going to bring will go a long way!

It is hard enough to study at nursing school, without the additional burden of lugging around a laptop, heavy textbooks, and other necessary resources on top. Having a headache from too much hard work is one thing, but it should be avoidable to get a headache from lugging around heavy supplies daily.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 8 hrs of research

High Sierra Swerve Backpack

High Sierra Swerve Backpack – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • Lots of room for textbooks and a laptop
  • Easy access valuables pouch
  • Side straps to tighten bag/make it smaller
  • Padded back/straps

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • The material is tough and rugged
  • Ergonomic, smartly-designed
  • Lots of room for the student who is carrying around a lot of books
  • Very sturdy straps

Best Backpacks for Nursing School – Overview

For any medical student, a robust, comfortable backpack with adequate storage is a must. It should not only be able to hold your laptop and textbooks but should also have places to keep your possessions separated and easy to navigate. Luckily there are a lot of options available, and others have features like USB charging ports and anti-theft systems. Without further, here are the 10 best backpacks for nursing school.

Backpacks for Nursing School Reviews

1. High Sierra Swerve Backpack – Best Value

High Sierra Swerve Backpack

With its sleek and stylish design, the High Sierra Swerve Backpack is the perfect 17in laptop backpack for men and women. The large main compartment and multiple pockets provide storage solutions perfect for all of your gear. It features an organizer compartment that includes a zippered mesh pocket, pen pockets, lidded media pocket, and key fob hook – perfect for keeping all of your smaller items secure.

This student laptop backpack comes with a dedicated sleeve for the laptop and a tablet TECHSPOT sleeve. The wide main compartment has a dual entrance with a sleeve for the laptop and the tablet. The dual access to the digital gear makes it easy to get to them without disturbing other items.  The Swerve Laptop Backpack features a Shoulder Strap Suspension System which offers relief when carrying heavier loads by dampening the weight transfer shock while transporting your equipment.

Key Features:

  • Zippered accessory pocket with USB port (Headphone port on Clearance colors)
  • Moisture-wicking Vapel mesh material and deep air channels create maximum airflow between your back and the pack
  • Adjustable side compression straps
  • Padded bottom panel to protect your belongings
  • Reflective accents

Specifications:

  • Brand: High Sierra
  • Capacity: 36.5L
  • Dimensions: 19″ H x 13″ W x 7.8″ D
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
Pros
  • Lots of room for textbooks and a laptop
  • Easy access valuables pouch
  • Side straps to tighten bag/make it smaller
  • Padded back/straps
Cons
  • No waist/chest strap

2. Kenneth Cole Reaction Brooklyn Commuter Backpack

Kenneth Cole Reaction Brooklyn Commuter Backpack

Constructed from ballistic polyester, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Brooklyn Commuter Backpack features a well-detailed design with multiple pockets and compartments for organization. In addition to the spacious main compartment, this backpack includes a checkpoint-friendly laptop compartment, a padded tablet pocket, and a zippered pocket to hold tech accessories.

Other features of this contemporary backpack include a zippered stash pocket, a top pocket to hold valuables, a comfortable mesh-padded back panel, a front organizer to hold small items and personal accessories, adjustable shoulder straps with sunglasses strap, and a trolley tunnel that fits over most luggage upright handles for hands-free carrying. The Brooklyn slim business backpack is the perfect multi-compartment laptop backpack for professionals who value both style and function. You may also be interested in some of the best commuter backpacks from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

  • Durable 1680D polyester exterior with fully lined interior
  • RFID blocking protection technology
  • Top zipper pocket on front of bag
  • Padded top grab handle

Specifications:

  • Brand: Kenneth Cole Reaction
  • Dimensions: 18″ H x 14″ W x 7.5″ D
  • Weight: 2.9 lbs
Pros
  • Soft and comfy grab handle on top
  • Clam shell design
  • Hidden pocket on the inside of the luggage handle pass through strap
  • Back of backpack is padded
Cons
  • The zippers can be kind of sticky if you have the bag packed really full

3. Wowbox Canvas Backpack

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The Wowbox Canvas Backpack mainly features handy pockets from the outside to the need. No matter the front zipped pocket or the two side zipped pockets, all of them can hold and secure your handy belongings.The Two elastic mesh pockets for holding a water bottle can well fix your water bottle or beverage.

This nursing backpack is good at protecting your laptops from scratches and bumps. The cushioned laptop compartment’s full sides are filled in with high-quality foam and are equipped with Velcro strap that safeguards your laptops against shock and shake. There is an additional zipped compartment in the rear.It is also a perfect place to store your small-sized tablets or holds other valuables like wallet, passport, Id card, and many others. Be sure to also check out our list of canvas backpacks for more great items like this.

Key Features:

  • Includes organized pockets
  • Shockproof & padded laptop compartment
  • Sturdy and comfortable shoulder straps
  • The portal is secured with magnetic buckles and drawstring

Specifications:

  • Brand: Wowbox
  • Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 15″ W x 8.45″ D
  • Weight: 2.10 lbs
Pros
  • Very nice material and design and size for the price
  • Huge space for many many different items
  • Separate pocket for laptop so it doesn’t crush your papers
  • A little clip right in the main pocket to attach your keys
Cons
  • Not a lot of padding on the shoulder straps

4. JanSport Big Student Classics Series Backpack

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Featuring an iconic silhouette, the JanSport Big Student Classics Series Backpack has two roomy compartments and lots of pockets to carry everything you need. With over 35 colors, prints and patterns to choose from, you’re sure to find a favorite. This pack carries everything you need and more, with extra-large capacity and big, roomy pockets.

Slip into S-curve shoulder straps and a padded back panel. This pack doesn’t quit when it comes to comfort. Keep things under control with two large, zippered compartments, front utility pocket and organizer panel. Upper zippered accessory pocket ensures safe and secure storage. Our handy guide to the best JanSport backpacks features more great products like this.

Key Features:

  • Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps with Two large main compartments for versatile storage
  • Front utility pocket with audio electronics organizer keeps essentials handy
  • Two zippered front stash pockets with fully padded back panel for cushioning comfort
  • Web haul loop

Specifications:

  • Brand: JanSport
  • Capacity: 34.4L
  • Dimensions: 13″ H x 16.7″ W x 8.5″ D
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs
Pros
  • The material is tough and rugged
  • Ergonomic, smartly-designed
  • Lots of room for the student who is carrying around a lot of books
  • Very sturdy straps
Cons
  • The zippers get stuck sometimes

5. SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack – Premium Pick

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

The SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack has a trendy look and makes it a little easier to go to nursing school. The SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack-19 eBags Exclusive is made from rugged ballistic polyester and features a well-built design with a checkpoint-friendly laptop tank, an easy-to-carry Airflow back mechanism, and numerous storage and organizing pockets.

This backpack includes a secure laptop compartment, accordion file holders for books, binders, and documents, with contoured shoulder straps that make it easier to wear, and a compact organizer to accommodate all kinds of small items and personal accessories. Love Swissgear? Check out our review of the best Swissgear backpacks for our top picks.

Key Features:

  • Durable and weather-resistant 1200D ballistic polyester construction
  • Contoured shoulder straps with mesh fabric and adjustable side compression straps for comfort
  • Padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology for ease of use
  • ScanSmart lay-flat technology for hassle-free laptop-in-bag TSA scanning

Specifications:

  • Brand: SwissGear
  • Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 8.5″ D
  • Weight: 3.35 lbs
Pros
  • The material is tough and rugged
  • Ergonomic, smartly-designed
  • Lots of room for the student who is carrying around a lot of books
  • Very sturdy straps
Cons
  • The zippers get stuck sometimes

6. Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack

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Good for bringing a big load of textbooks, changing clothes easily, or whatever your sports needs. The Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack is ideal for training, or just about any adventure every day. For extra comfort the bag has padded shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap.

The Deluxe Wheeled Backpack comes with a multitude of pockets and storage choices to keep all of your things in good shape. Because of its mildew and moisture resistance, the high-grade canvas is designed for extreme conditions. There is an inner pocket organizer for pens, pencils, markers etc. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best travel backpacks with wheels.

Key Features:

  • Sturdy telescoping handle with a double-wheeled base
  • Padded straps for easy conversion to a backpack
  • Large main compartment with easy glide zippers
  • Five front pockets and three side pockets for maximum storage
  • Compression straps to keep your gear in place

Specifications:

  • Brand: Everest
  • Capacity: 27.9L
  • Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 7″ W x 13.5″ D
  • Weight: 5.25 lbs
Pros
  • It has a lot of different compartments and a lot of space
  • Handle is easy to push up and down
  • Deep side pockets for a water bottle
  • It is comfortable because it has a cushion on the back
Cons
  • Fairly easy to roll although does tip sideways pretty easily

7. Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack

Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack

The Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack is dressed up but not fussy. It’s clever pocketing provides a place for all your phone, cards, keys and laptop sleeves to carry up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro. Its roomy main compartment can accommodate layers and a pair of shoes, and its external water bottle pocket doubles as a u-lock holder for days you get to ride.

In terms of organization, it has a front zip pocket for small bits, internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff, and a secure zip pocket for cables, earbuds, stylus, cards, cash, etc. The custom-fit strap design for a truer, more comfortable fit.

Key Features:

  • Elasticized external side pocket for water bottle or U-lock
  • Ventilated back panel to give your back breathing room
  • Custom-fit strap design
  • Vista loop for attaching blinky bike lights

Specifications:

  • Brand: Timbuk2
  • Capacity: 20L
  • Dimensions: 20.9″ H x 13.4″ W x 13.4″ D
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs
Pros
  • Very stylish
  • Zippers and pouch stitching seem quality
  • Multiple zipper compartments
  • Different colored pouches
Cons
  • Not a lot of padding

8. AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack

AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack

The AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack has been designed to safeguard and protect your laptop when at nursing school. The backpack contains multiple storage compartments, and additional supplies and accessories features. There’s no need to carry an extra bag or sleeve while you are traveling with your machine. The padded interior has a separate interior, which can accommodate up to 17-inch laptops and notebook computers.

The backpack also contains a smaller laptop bag. The flexible, heavily padded, shoulder straps of the AmazonBasics backpack make the backpack wear comfortable even when filled with all your equipment. A mesh pocket on the left hand strap provides easy access for cellphones orother small items.

Key Features:

  • Side mesh water bottle pockets
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Organizational compartments for pens, keys, and cell phone
  • Padded sleeve for laptops

Specifications:

  • Brand: AmazonBasics
  • Dimensions: 19.29″ H x 13.4″ W x 7″ D
  • Weight: 1.98 lbs
Pros
  • Plenty of room for everything
  • Lots of convenient pockets
  • Small cellphone pocket in between laptop and main pocket is awesome
  • Straps work great for holding larger things
Cons
  • Bottom is a little thin, so dropping it on hard surfaces is not something you should do

9. Hap Tim Laptop Backpack

Hap Tim Laptop Backpack

The Hap Tim Laptop Backpack is made of water-resistant fabric to ensure your laptop and documents dry during light rain. The main compartment is huge enough to fit your documents folder, clothes, camera, books, and so on. Two side pockets for easy access essentials can hold a water bottle and umbrella.

Thick padded back panel and shoulder straps ensure your comfortable wearing experience. There is a pass-through design that is convenient to charge your cell phone by connecting your power bank on the go. Luggage/Suitcase strap on the back is great to slide over the luggage tube and attached to your rolling luggage securely for easier transport.

Key Features:

  • Made of water-resistant fabric
  • Two side pockets for easy access essentials
  • Thick padded back panel
  • Luggage strap

Specifications:

  • Brand: Hap Tim
  • Weight: 1 lbs
Pros
  • Large cup compartments with elastic expanders
  • The bag is waterproof
  • The bag comes with a clasp
  • Made of great material
Cons
  • No cushion at the top handles

10. High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Laptop Backpack

High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Laptop Backpack

The High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Laptop Backpack is the perfect travel companion when you are hauling a lot of gear. The multi-compartment design keeps all of your items organized. A fully-padded laptop compartment and multi-pocket organizer is perfect for keeping your tech gear secure.

The Powerglide can be used as a roller bag or you can use the hidden backpack straps for another carry option when the terrain gets rough. Additional features like zippered side pockets and media pocket with headphone port make this pack the ultimate big hauler. All-terrain style wheels are corner mounted for stability. A molded kick plate gives extra protection from abrasion.

Key Features:

  • Hideaway telescoping and locking handle
  • Hidden backpack straps
  • Fully padded laptop compartment
  • Multi-compartment design
  • Padded S-shaped shoulder straps
  • Multi-pocket organizer with key fob

Specifications:

  • Brand: High Sierra
  • Dimensions: 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 6 lbs
Pros
  • It appears to be well constructed
  • Good amount of pockets
  • Rolls nicely, handle seems sturdy enough to last
  • Reasonable price
Cons
  • A bit heavy

Buying Guide

Style

Although the backpack’s design shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, choosing a style you want is never a bad thing. For some years to come, you’ll end up wearing this thing on your back (hopefully); buying a backpack for a nurse that exudes a little elegance, and maybe it’s certainly worth your own personal taste. Doing so is not difficult these days as the majority of available backpacks come in a range of colors and styling.

Comfort

Not only can a bulky and/or badly built nurse school bag make going from class to class a stressful process but that can ultimately give you back problems and even lead to serious injuries, but choosing a nurse school bag with proper help will save you time and stress in the long run. If you find yourself trying to carry a lot of heavy books or other things then try choosing a backpack that can be wheeled rather than carried on the back.

Durability

Consider the durability and water resistance of the bags before you want to buy a new one because you will definitely carry the bag for many years and you will like the one that can last for a while and can withstand the rigors of everyday carry. Heavy books, sharp writing utensils, and laptop will wreak havoc on a poorly designed pack, and shorten its lifetime fast. Rain and snow will also have a harmful impact on your school bag if the content is not built to withstand this kind of weather well.

Size

Although you don’t want to buy a bag that’s too large, it’s important to consider what you’re going to need to bring during your college school week, so pick a suitable space bag. Bags with extra compartments and storage space will make your books, tablets, writing utensils, lunch, and other things easier to carry and allow you to easily locate everything you need without messing up your bag or causing confusion and disorganization inside the bag.

Multi-Purpose

When you are investing in a high-quality bag, you’re going to want it to last past nursing school. Which other uses would you draw from the pack? Multi-purpose bags have compartments where you can carry your office supplies to a cafe or pack your next trip hiking supplies. A long-lasting backpack will suit your lifestyle outside of classes, irrespective of the extraneous use.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpacks for nursing school as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack for nursing school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.