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2020 reminded us that nurses are true heroes, and this post is for all the nurses out there who are in search of a new backpack. We know that you work hard, and you deserve the best backpack available. We reviewed all the best backpacks for nurses and nursing school students to help you find the perfect one.
Top 3 Best Backpacks for Nurses
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack
The SwissGear 1900 is the overall best backpack for nurses and nursing students. It can hold all your essential items like your laptop, tablet, scrubs, notebooks, and water bottle. This backpack is also extremely comfortable. It uses a suspension system with thick, breathable padding.
Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack
The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 is one of the best backpacks for nurses because it’s tough just like them. It’s water-resistant and rip-resistant, so it will last for years. It’s also machine-washable to save you precious time when you aren’t at work or school.
MATEIN Wheeled Laptop Backpack
The MATEIN Wheeled Laptop Backpack is the best rolling backpack for nurses. It’s large and versatile, so you can comfortably carry everything you need for those long shifts. This backpack has a professional design that makes it great for work or nursing school.
How to Choose a Backpack for Nurses
Nurses and nursing students work hard and often spend long days away from home. That’s why a high-quality backpack is essential. You will want a backpack that’s comfortable to wear for long hours and durable enough to last for years. Using this buyer’s guide, you can find that perfect backpack.
Comfort
Several factors determine the comfortability of a backpack. These various comfort features will all be present in the best backpacks for nurses. They include a padded back panel, padded shoulder straps, a suspension system, and ventilation. Ventilation helps keep your back dry on hot days while also prolonging the lifespan of the backpack.
Durability
The best backpacks for nurses are functional rather than fashionable. You most likely won’t want to have to buy a new backpack every year. Instead, you will want to invest in one that’s going to last for many years. Look for backpacks made with high-quality zippers and strong nylon material.
Price
The best backpacks for nurses range in price from low to high. You may be tempted to buy the cheapest backpack you can find, especially if you are a broke nursing student. However, investing in a mid or high-priced backpack may pay off in the long run as they tend to last longer. On the other hand, just because a backpack is expensive, doesn’t mean it’s high quality. Read reviews for details about whether a backpack is worth it.
Size
The best backpacks for nursing students are medium-sized. Something too small won’t be able to hold everything you need for a long day. On the other hand, a backpack that’s too big may be uncomfortable or difficult to store. You will want to consider both the dimensions and the volume of the backpack.
Pockets and Compartments
Nurses’ days are often busy and fast-paced, so it’s helpful to be able to pack and unpack your things quickly. The best backpacks for nurses have a lot of pockets or compartments, so you can give each of your belongings a designated spot. This allows you to reach everything easily. If you are a nursing student or need to carry a laptop for work, you will want a backpack with a protected laptop compartment.
FAQs About Nursing Backpacks
What Is the Best Type of Backpack for Nurses and Nursing Students?
There are several types of backpacks that are great choices for nurses. On our list of the best backpacks for nurses, you will find traditional backpacks and rolling backpacks. Rolling backpacks are ideal for folks that have back problems or anyone who often needs to carry heavy textbooks or equipment. Some of the backpacks we reviewed also have handles on top. These are best if you want to carry your backpack like a tote.
What Must-Haves Should Go in the Best Backpacks for Nurses?
Here’s the list we compiled or recommendations from nurses of essentials to carry in your backpack:
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Gloves
- Water
- Snacks
- Notebook and pen
- Power bank
You never know what kinds of situations you could encounter on your way to work and school, so having first aid in your pack at all times is vital. Having a power bank ensures your phone is always ready to use in case of an emergency. And snacks will help keep you happy and energized throughout the day and night!
The 9 Best Backpacks for Nurses
SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Ventilated, padded back panel
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
- Fits 17-inch laptop
- Headphone port
- 11 total pockets
- 6 color options
SwissGear products are known for their functionality and longevity. When you invest in a SwissGear backpack, you will not be disappointed. It’s one of the best backpacks for nurses for many reasons. It will make your long days at work and school a little easier. This backpack is made with quality zippers that unzip easily. Store frequently used items in the quick-zip top pocket.
With the SwissGear 1900 Backpack, everything gets its own spot. It has a separate, padded laptop compartment and a padded laptop sleeve. This section of the backpack unzips to lay down flat for easy passage through airport security. That makes this a great backpack for traveling whether it be for a conference or a vacation! In the main compartment of the backpack is a phone sleeve with a headphone port and another sleeve to hold notebooks, folders, etc. There is also a mesh zippered pocket and two mesh side pockets.
Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Machine washable
- Water-resistant
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Rip-resistant bottom
- Expandable laundry compartment
- 18 color options
The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 is one of the best backpacks for nurses. It’s extremely durable. It’s water-resistant and made with a reinforced, abrasion-resistant bottom. Because nurses and nursing students are very busy people, a machine-washable backpack is a big plus.
This backpack has four zippered compartments and mesh side pockets. You can easily store everything you need for long shifts at work or long days on campus if you are still in school. The main compartment has a laptop sleeve that will hold a laptop up to 15 inches. The small front pocket is great for holding your phone and keys. There is even an expandable compartment to carry your scrubs or a change of clothes.
MATEIN Wheeled Laptop Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Laptop and tablet sleeves
- Stowable handle and shoulder straps
- Breathable back panel
- Waterproof bottom
- Comes in two sizes
If you prefer a rolling backpack, this is a great choice. For nurses, being on their feet all day may make them prone to back pain. That’s why a rolling backpack is a popular choice for many nurses. It can also be carried on your back if you want. Both the telescoping handle and the shoulder straps can be zipped away to give the backpack a professional look no matter how you choose to use it.
The MATEIN Wheeled Backpack comes in two sizes. One holds a 15.6-inch laptop, and the other holds a 17-inch laptop. This backpack is great for nursing students because there is space for all your stuff. It has a 45-liter capacity. You can carry all your school supplies, lunch, work clothes, coffee and more. Keep all your things organized with the many pockets and compartments.
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Interior water bottle pocket
- Sunglasses pocket
- 50 color options
The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack is an excellent option for everyone. It comes in an impressive 50 color options from classic blue to fun, tropical patterns. This is an excellent backpack for nurses who want to add a little flair and personality to their work. Each color option has Herschel’s signature red and white striped interior liner. It’s soft and stylish.
This backpack is made of high-quality material with a simple design. It has a 22-liter capacity and two compartments. Inside the main compartment, there are pockets for a laptop, water bottle, and sunglasses. Unfortunately, this backpack has no exterior side pockets.
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Built-in USB port
- Padded back pocket and laptop sleeve
- Luggage strap
- Organizer with 5 pockets and a key hook
- Two sizes
This highly-rated MATEIN bag is another great backpack for nursing students. It’s a good choice for students on a tight budget. It comes in two sizes to fit 15.6-inch and 17-inch laptops. Use the built-in USB charging port to keep your phone charged and accessible throughout the day. The backpack has a professional design that makes it great for work as well.
If you like to keep all your things organized, you will love this backpack. It has six zippered pockets. These include the main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve and a back pocket for securing important items such as your wallet. The backpack also has mesh side pockets and seven interior pockets.
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Key features:
- Top handles to carry as a tote
- Stylish
- 6 color options
- Interior phone pockets
If you are looking for a stylish, smaller backpack, you will love the Himawari Travel Backpack. It has durable top handles and is lightweight enough to carry easily as a tote. I love the compact size of this backpack. It will fit easily under your desk at work and school or under your seat while traveling.
While this backpack doesn’t have a laptop sleeve, a 15.6-inch laptop can fit in the main compartment. The main compartment has a wide top opening for easy loading and unloading. There are also specific pockets for your phone, snacks, and water bottle.
Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Built-in USB port
- Rucksack style
- Padded back panel and laptop sleeve
- 4 color options
The Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack is another solid backpack for nursing students. It has a built-in USB charging port to keep you connected to your phone all day. It also has a stylish design with leather straps. It comes in four color options.
This backpack has three zippered compartments, two side pockets, and two interior pockets. One interior pocket is for a laptop up to 15.6 inches, and the other is for a power bank or other small device.
High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Rolling backpack
- Stowable handle and shoulder straps
- Built-in organizer
- Water-resistant
The High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack is a good choice for nurses who can’t carry a heavy backpack. I have chronic back pain, and I love the comfort and ease that this rolling backpack provides. It has heavy-duty wheels that are meant for smooth commuting. The reinforced bottom will also protect the backpack from wear and tear when you are rolling it. Keep all your things organized with the three zippered compartments and six interior pockets.
AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key features:
- Fits 17-inch laptop
- 4 zippered compartments
- Large capacity
- Padded back panel
AmazonBasics products are affordable and functional. This backpack is no exception. It allows you to easily store everything you need. There are large mesh side pockets for large water bottles. Organize smaller items in the built-in organizer compartment. The back panel is padded for maximum comfort even when the bag is packed full for a long shift.
Wrap Up
The number one best backpack for nurses is the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack. It’s at the top of our list because it’s a premium-quality backpack that is highly functional and built to last. The criteria we used to measure these backpacks are comfort, durability, price, size, and compartments.
We also found that there are different types of backpacks that work well for nurses including rolling backpacks and backpacks with tote handles. We know nurses work so hard for us, and we hope this list helped you find the best backpack for you or your loved one!
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