11 Best Nursing School Backpacks 2023: Top Picks & Buying Guide

Top 1

JanSport Big Student Classic Series Backpack

  • Ample storage
  • Multi-compartment design
  • Fully padded back panel

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Top 2

AmazonBasics 17″ Laptop Computer Backpack

  • Sleek design
  • Lightweight
  • Several compartments

Read Review

Top 3

Swiss 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

  • Superb structured design
  • Excellent storage capacity
  • TSA design

Read Review

Choosing a backpack seems easy unless you are someone who works in an environment that requires you to be extra conscious of what backpack to choose. Take nurses and nursing students, for example. Their lives are hectic and they’ll need things that will make life easier. 

Therefore, the best bags for nurses and nursing students have to fulfill the need for comfort, sturdiness, storage capacity, versatility, and the ability to let you organize all your stuff. 

When looking for the best student backpacks for aspiring nurses, you have to consider several factors. These include what you consider essential such as your laptop, textbooks, and other important stuff. 

So what options should you choose from?

Compare BEST Nursing School Backpacks

Rank Products Feature Website
Best for

Ample storage

Multi-compartment design

Fully padded back panel

Best for

Sleek design

Lightweight

Several compartments

Best for

Superb structured design

Excellent storage capacity

TSA design

Best for

Anti-theft protection

Charging cable feature for your phone or tablet

Media pocket with a headphone jack

Best for

Great clutter-free design

Fastening loops

Shock-proof

Best for

Ample storage capacity

Abrasion-resistant

Offers comfort with its padded sections

Best for

Simple yet stylish

Great storage capacity

Heavy-duty bottom

Best for

Versatile style

Available in 24 colors and prints

Multi-compartments

Best for

Locking ability

Built-in USB charger

S-curve padded shoulder straps

Best for

Affordable

Few yet functional compartments

Stylish

Best for

Rubber wheels that run quietly

Hidden wheels

Pack-away telescoping handle

11 Best Nursing School Backpacks In 2021

1. JanSport Big Student Classic Series Backpack

Top 1

JanSport Big Student
Classic Series Backpack

JanSport is already a staple name when it comes to backpacks. It brings a long-standing reputation for producing classic and quality backpacks that both students and professionals love.

The JanSport Big Student Classic Series Backpack (1) is one of the best backpacks for nursing students because it has ample storage that can fit books and a laptop. It boasts of a multi-compartment design with 2 upper front pockets, 1 front utility pocket, and 2 large storage compartments. There’s also a mesh side pocket for your water bottle.

The best part about this backpack is its ergonomic-curve shoulder straps that wrap over your frame as you walk comfortably. It forms like an ‘S’ and, when strapped on, hugs your back in a way that gives you total comfort. Plus, the back panel is fully padded. 

Finally, it’s made of 600 denier polyester which makes it water-resistant. It also comes in 35 prints and colors.

This classic-style backpack has waterproof zippers that keep water out and keep your stuff dry.

  • Ample storage
  • Multi-compartment design
  • Fully padded back panel
  • Ergonomic shoulder straps
  • Available in 35 prints and colors 
  • Expensive

2. AmazonBasics 17″ Laptop Computer Backpack

Top 1

AmazonBasics 17″
Laptop Computer Backpack

If you are after backpacks that are on the mid-range price point, then the AmazonBasics 17″ Laptop Computer Backpack (2) is one of the best student backpacks on our list. The first impression you will get about this bag is its sleek design. It comes in full black with some orange streaks.

We would say that this bag screams comfort because it is lightweight and has an easy-to-access storage space. There are several compartments in this bag, including a laptop sleeve in the main compartment that is padded for shock absorption. This fits a 17-inch-laptop. Then, there’s another smaller sleeve perfect for smaller laptops and tablets. 

Moreover, this bag features 2 mesh side pockets perfect for your drinking bottle and other essentials that need to be grabbed easily. Its cushioned shoulder strap also makes your life easier so you can carry a loaded bag without the back or shoulder strain.

Sadly, there’s only one color available for this bag.

  • Sleek design
  • Lightweight
  • Several compartments
  • Padded laptop sleeve
  • Cushioned shoulder strap
  • Available in only 1 color 

3. Swiss 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

Top 1

Swiss 1900 Scansmart
TSA Laptop Backpack

The best backpack for the students in medical school must have excellent storage capacity and that’s what we found in the Swiss 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack (3). We cannot help but rave about its superior capacity that can store almost everything you need as a nurse or nursing student.

Each compartment or pocket has a purpose. Its main compartment is amazing because it features laptop and tablet sleeves that protect your devices from any vibration and shock. Its most unique feature is its TSA design that allows you to easily unzip the tech compartment while the backpack is laid flat. This is a special feature as it helps with access, especially when going through airport security.

What’s more to love about this backpack is the fact that it is well-designed to address usual concerns on strain when carrying a backpack. Thus, it has a built-in suspension for the shoulder straps, padded top handle for easy hand-carry, and padded back panel with airflow ventilation technology that gives you comfort during humid conditions.

Furthermore, this laptop backpack also has other relevant compartments like a front carabiner, zip pockets, and mesh side pockets for an umbrella and a drinking bottle. It also features an accordion file holder so your documents will not get ruined trying to fit inside your bag. Of course, an integrated media pocket with headphone is dedicated to your mobile phone.

This bag comes in 7 color schemes.

  • Superb structured design
  • Excellent storage capacity
  • TSA design
  • Comfortable straps, back panel, and top handle
  • On the expensive side 

4. Volher Anti-Theft Durable Laptop Backpack

Top 1

Volher Anti-Theft Durable
Laptop Backpack

We all love bags that provide fantastic storage capacity and structured design. What about a bag that offers security to your belongings? This is what the Volher Anti-Theft Durable Laptop Backpack (4) does for you. Aside from comfort and quality, it aims to protect your essentials from wandering hands.

What makes this the best bag for a medical student and anyone for that matter is the hidden anti-theft pocket where you can store all your valuables and protect it from thieves. The bag also has a device sleeve that can house a 15.6-inch laptop. 

The charging cable feature also allows you to keep your tablet or phone juiced up when connected. This is an amazing feature, especially if you are out and about and would anticipate being in situations where you cannot spot a charging station. Also, it has a media pocket with a headphone jack so you can listen to your favorite tunes while your phone is tucked in the safety of your backpack.

For comfort during humid weather, its back panel is made of soft multi-panel ventilation padding. The shoulder straps are also breathable enough due to its airflow feature. Made with a luggage strap, you can also use the Volher Anti-Theft Durable Backpack when you travel. 

Finally, its water-resistant quality, coupled with affordability, makes it a smart option for nursing students and nurses.

  • Anti-theft protection
  • Charging cable feature for your phone or tablet
  • Media pocket with a headphone jack
  • Design that targets comfort
  • Comes in 4 colors (Black, Grey, Rose Red, and Blue)
  • Few color choices 

5. Adidas Prime Backpack

Top 1

Adidas Prime Backpack

Another high-end brand on our list is none other than the Adidas Prime Backpack (5). We all know that this brand produces high-quality backpacks that will only leave you satisfied. As a nursing student with lots of workarounds, this bag is the most appropriate option for you.

Like the other backpacks mentioned here, this bag boasts of an excellent design and storage capacity. It has a compartment that can fit your 17-inch-laptop and more compartments for your textbooks and notebooks. For the rest of your belongings, this bag features 5 external zippered pockets and fastening loops that you can use to strap additional items like a hand sanitizer.

This bag is built with shock-proof technology, an air-mesh back panel, and a water-resistant base, providing you with a backpack that protects the items stored within. 

Another reason that this is the best bag for a medical student like you is that it comes in 18 color schemes. Choose whatever color scheme you like that fits your personality. If you want a darker-tone backpack, for example, go for dark color schemes like the Black, Pink, and Indigo combo.

  • Great clutter-free design 
  • Fastening loops
  • Shock-proof
  • Air-mesh back panel
  • Water-resistant base
  • Variety of color schemes
  • Very expensive

6. Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack

Top 1

Under Armour Hustle
3.0 Backpack

The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack (6) is another sure win on our list of the best book bags for nursing students. In addition to books, you can also fit a 15-inch laptop inside it. 

This backpack features 2 additional pockets in its secondary compartment that can hold more essentials like pouches for your toiletries and so much more. The front compartment is also perfect for your valuables, such as phone, keys, and wallet.

Its mesh side pockets are great storage areas for your water bottle and umbrella. Even better, this bag also features a gusseted laundry pocket. When you have damp or dirty clothing following practical nursing activities, you can easily put it in this section of the bag so as not to stain other items.

For comfort and stability, this bag has a base with an abrasion-resistant panel, padded grip handle, and a padded heat gear shoulder straps. All these will help you carry a loaded bag with ease. 

Lastly, you will love the fact that this bag comes in 19 colors. Choose what best represents you!

  • Ample storage capacity
  • Abrasion-resistant
  • Offers comfort with its padded sections
  • Includes a gusseted laundry pocket
  • Comes in 19 colors
  • No special/security pockets inside
  • Smaller than expected
  • Expensive

7. Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

Top 1

Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

Let’s take a break from the edgy and rugged types of backpacks for a while and focus on this amazing option that’s a little closer to the vibe JanSport gives off. The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack (7) boasts of a laidback appeal almost closer to being called classic because many people say that when they hear the brand Herschel, the first design that pops into their minds is this.

What we appreciate about this bag is the versatility of its style. It isn’t too loud. It isn’t too feminine or too edgy. It is the best backpack for nursing students and all nurses who prefer understated aesthetics.

The Herschel bag also features a main compartment that has a laptop sleeve that can fit a 15-inch-laptop. The media pocket with a headphone port is another great thing about this bag because it helps you listen to music in the most convenient way possible. Plus, the external front pockets provide more space for additional accessories like a pair of sunglasses.

Well-known for the durability of their bags, Herschel also makes sure that this model features the same heavy-duty bottom found in all their high-quality backpacks. This assures you that your bag’s foundation is sturdy enough to hold big items like a laptop and medical books.

Finally, the wide range of colors also makes this Herschel bag a must-have, regardless of your aesthetic or color preference.

  • Simple yet stylish
  • Great storage capacity
  • Heavy-duty bottom
  • Wide range of colors 
  • No bottle holder
  • Not enough pockets
  • Zippers snag easily

8. High Sierra Swerve Backpack

Top 1

High Sierra Swerve Backpack

A backpack on our list that looks like a good balance of the robust and laid-back style is the High Sierra Swerve Backpack (8). It is a modest kind of backpack that speaks so much about versatility. We vouch for this bag very much because, aside from being one of the best backpacks with USB ports, it is also the kind of bag that you can use for anything – nursing school, travel, beach getaway, and so much more.

Its quick-access storage space makes it an ideal bag for the nursing students and nurse professionals because there’s a place for every type of essential. Of course, there’s a padded laptop sleeve and another extra sleeve for your iPad.

More so, the mesh side pockets are the best storage spaces for your water bottle and umbrella. The media pocket with USB port and pen pockets are also great additions that will make your daily life in nursing school more convenient than ever.

When it comes to comfort, this bag does not take its quality for granted because it also features shoulder straps with a built-in suspension system for weight distribution. This feature makes it possible for you to carry this bag with so much ease despite containing a multitude of essentials that a nursing student usually brings. Don’t worry about those textbooks and laptops coming in together because this bag will save the day for you!

On days you also don’t feel like carrying your bag the usual way, it has a reliable top grab handle so you can hand-carry it. This comes in 24 colors and prints. There’s a style for every preference. Plus, the pricing point is unbelievably affordable despite having all these prime features.

  • Versatile style
  • Available in 24 colors and prints
  • Multi-compartments
  • Media pocket with USB port
  • Built-in suspension in the straps
  • Zippers tend to be sticky

9. Matein Travel/Laptop Backpack

Top 1

Matein Travel/Laptop
Backpack

Although this backpack is primarily labeled as a travel backpack, its overall quality makes it a versatile bag that can be used by nurses and nursing students. The features and construction are perfect for the nursing school setting or in any fast-paced environment like hospitals and clinics. It is a balance of amazing style, storage capacity, and price.

It can house a 15.6-inch-laptop and all other smaller ones. Moreover, this backpack features a great theft-proof back pocket where you can place your valuables like phone, wallet, and keys.

The side pockets of this bag are perfect for your other essentials like drinking bottles, an umbrella, and even a pack of slippers. Plus, its built-in USB charger makes it a worthwhile investment as it provides you with more convenience when going to school.

When it comes to comfort and convenience, the Matein Travel/Laptop Backpack (9) won’t disappoint you. Like the JanSport backpack, this bag has S-curve padded shoulder straps to prevent strain when carrying it. It also has a luggage strap which makes it an ideal travel partner when you need to use it when traveling. 

Lastly, indulge yourself in the exquisiteness of this backpack because it’s available in various colors like Blue, Brown, Black, Grey, and Red. The water-resistant feature is also a known advantage of a backpack made of polyester material.

  • Locking ability
  • Built-in USB charger
  • S-curve padded shoulder straps
  • Luggage strap
  • Water-resistant
  • A bit expensive 

10. Eatsport Tech Backpack

Top 1

Eatsport Tech Backpack

An affordable option, we have included the Eatsport Tech Backpack (10) for a good reason.  First, it has all the features you are looking for a nursing backpack. Second, it is way more affordable than any other best bag for medical school.

The compartments of this bag are pretty concise and straightforward, too. It has a large main compartment with a separate compartment meant for a 15-inch-laptop. More so, the 2 front pockets are great storage space for your other essentials like accessories and student supplies. A phone stash pocket is also provided and 2 mesh side pockets are meant to hold your umbrella and water bottle.

Indeed, it is the best backpack you can strut while in nursing school. It has the quality, functionality, and versatility that you should look for in the best backpack for nurses.

  • Affordable
  • Few yet functional compartments
  • Stylish
  • Comes in 23 colors and prints 
  • The seam breaks easily 

11. AOKING Rolling Wheeled Backpack

Top 1

AOKING Rolling Wheeled
Backpack

We included in our list the rolling wheeled backpack from AOKING (11). We know that there are some of you who prefer a wheeled one because it solves your concern about carrying a heavy-loaded backpack. The combined weight of textbooks, a laptop, and other essentials can cause strain on your shoulders and back. Therefore, it’s nice to consider a backpack with built-in wheels.

The 360-degree-rubber wheels of this bag are the best part as these run smoothly and quietly on pavements  The telescoping aluminum alloy handle, on the other hand, can be packed away when you are not using the wheels. Even the shoulder straps can be hidden when you are not using them.

Moreover, what makes this backpack as one of the best rolling bags for nursing students is its padded computer sleeve that can house a laptop with a size up to 17 inches. Other electronic devices also have a room inside this backpack. The designated spaces for your textbooks and pens are also a great addition to this bag’s storage capacity and design.

When you are also out and about, the mobile phone power bank and earphone features are useful. Even better, this bag is water-resistant as it’s made of hydrophobic polyester material. Combined with nylon, it’s also tear-resistant. 

The AOKING Rolling Wheeled Backpack comes in 3 gender-neutral colors.

  • Rubber wheels that run quietly
  • Hidden wheels
  • Pack-away telescoping handle
  • Great storage capacity
  • Power bank and earphone design
  • Water-resistant and tear-resistant
  • Available in 3 colors
  • Expensive

Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Nursing/Medical School Bag

There are things you need to consider when choosing the best clinical bag for nursing students and here’s a rundown of the aspects you should look for in the products out on the market. 

  • Comfort – The backpack you should choose should provide you comfort based on how it is designed. Best design examples that seek to make the bag comfortable are well-ventilated back panel and padded shoulder straps.
  • Storage capacity – The bag should have ample storage capacity and designed for easy organization of your things. Your valuables, such as phone, keys, and wallet should have a designated place that’s private and safe. Consider those with locking ability. If not, choose those bags with pockets that are close enough but not accessible by wandering hands.
  • Extra features – Some examples are USB ports, headphone jack, luggage strap, and fastening loops.
  • Durability – Choose a bag with guaranteed durability and satisfactory overall quality. Anyone would like to have a backpack that stays strong and firm despite being used several times and containing heavy essentials like books and electronic devices on a daily basis. Nothing beats the best bag that can withstand harsh conditions, too, so durability is an aspect you should look for in the best nursing backpack.
  • Design – While the design is a secondary consideration for those who prefer more function than style, it is one aspect you should look for in a bag because you would want something that you can use in different settings. A good mix of aesthetics and function makes a great backpack. 
  • Versatility – This aspect is connected with design. Try to look at how the design complements with the storage capacity and thereby lead to an amazing experience with a bag that’s versatile enough to be used many times in various situations.

Generally, the bag that you should end up with should possess the qualities mentioned above. The price point may be a consideration for some people, but looking at how a bag functions over a period of time makes expensive price points truly worth it. 

With that said, we recommend you go for any bag we have on the list. Most of them may be expensive, but the advantages they can give you will make your nursing/medical school journey more memorable. 

References

  1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ML7A7M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?&linkCode=sl1&tag=nursefocus-20&linkId=c62cba4a5a73b80938cb19bff107c3d0&language=en_US
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  8. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0788BYSSV/ref=as_li_ss_tl?&linkCode=sl1&tag=nursefocus-20&linkId=0686695518553ada12d5c4d06ffd9116&language=en_US
  9. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BW8NK1M/ref=twister_B07Y5N6T66?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
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  11. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZBC8ZLJ/ref=twister_B07M6GZQ16?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1