The Best Backpack for Nursing Students

If you’re shopping for the best backpack for nursing students, it can seem like there are an overwhelming number of options.

But nursing students have specific needs from their backpack, which helps narrow focus. It’s important to remember that nursing students normally need  to carry a laptop, many heavy textbooks, instruments, and personal belongings.

When clinical rotations begin, they might also want to bring some personal toiletries and a change of clothes. So, basically, you’re looking for a

How We Researched the Best Backpack for Nursing Students

42 Expert Reviews Considered
11,631 Consumer Reviews Considered
7 Hours Researching
59 Products Evaluated

Best Backpack for Nursing Students 3 Features to Look For

1. Durability

A nursing student’s life is a busy one and nursing students carry a very heavy load almost daily. There will be days when you’re trekking between campus and clinical rotations. And you’ll be stuffing your backpack with all kinds of items, from textbooks and technology to scrubs and medical instruments.

With such a busy workload, you want a backpack that stands up to the daily grind. Look for a strong backpack made of a durable fabric, like polyester. Pay attention to seams and zippers, making sure they can handle your load.

2. Comfort and Support

With all this running around, as well as long days on their feet, nursing students should protect their own health too. That’s why it’s essential that your backpack offers good ergonomic support and is comfortable to wear on both shoulders.

The importance of comfort and support is also why we included a rolling option in our picks. For those with extra long commutes, or extra heavy loads, this is a great option. It’s no wonder rolling backpacks are becoming more popular with medical and nursing students. See more here.

3. Sleek Design

There’s no reason your backpack can’t be stylish as well as practical. And since so many nursing students are stuck wearing scrubs on clinical rotation days, it can be fun to add a pop of colour or pattern with your backpack choice.

As well as style, look for a backpack with a streamlined design that won’t get caught on instruments, locker doors etc. Although bungees are often exceptionally useful and practical, backpacks with a more minimal finish may better serve busy nursing students.

Best Backpack for Nursing Students Our top 5 choices

SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Laptop Backpack

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Our Top Pick
Product rating

The SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Laptop Backpack has many features that make it ideal for nursing students. This impressive backpack features organized compartments, superior ergonomics, airport security convenience and a 17-inches laptop compartment are just some of the features that make this our Number 1 best backpack for nursing students.

  • Big main compartment with sturdy zippers
  • Padded media pocket with an external headphone-cord port
  • Accordion file holder 
  • Laptop sleeve for laptops up to 17 inches
  • Ergonomic, contour-padded shoulder straps
  • A few customer reviews complained about zipper quality

High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpac

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Runner Up
Product rating

The High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack is an excellent option for nursing students with an extra long commute, an extra heavy load, or simply a desire to protect their back and shoulders. Wheeled backpacks are becoming increasingly popular with nursing students, so check out our guide to Best Rolling Backpack for Nursing Students too.

  • Fully-padded Cushion Zone computer sleeve fits most 15” laptops
  • Deluxe media pocket, with headphone port
  • Smooth rolling, corner-mounted wheels
  • Corner guards and a kick plate protect the bag from abrasion
  • Warranty from authorized resellers only
  • Some reviewers report it’s heavy to begin with

Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack

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3rd Place
Product rating

The superb Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack is another great backpack for nursing students to consider. It boasts a good number of compartments, including the all-important laptop compartment. The large, gusseted front laundry/shoe pocket makes it easy to carry a change of clothes / shoes for clinical rotations.

  • Adjustable shoulder straps for extra comfort
  • Element-battling, highly water-resistant finish
  • Soft-lined laptop sleeve holds up to 15″ laptop
  • Large, gusseted front laundry/shoe pocket at bottom of bag
  • A few reviewers wished there were sternum straps

JanSport Cool Student Backpack

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4th Place
Product rating

The JanSport Cool Student Backpack is a great backpack for campus, clinical rotations and beyond. With a generous capacity of 34 liters, this pack is great for heavier loads of technology and books or files. It will also hold a change of clothes and personal belongings, making it great for days on rotation.

  • Huge capacity 34 liters
  • Internal 15” laptop sleeve
  • Side water bottle pocket
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Zippers can sometimes get stuck on fabric

Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

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5th Place
Product rating

The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack will appeal to those who like a streamlined and classic look. This backpack is certainly the smallest of our line-up. However, it is repeatedly touted as a favorite among nursing students, so 25 liters certainly suffices for many! With over 33+ styles to choose from, there’s certainly an option to appeal to every style sensibility.

  • Huge assortment of design styles
  • Signature striped fabric liner
  • Fleece lined sunglasses compartment
  • Padded and fleece lined 15″ laptop sleeve
  • Not as many compartments as some of the other models
  • Does not have the large capacity of our other picks, at 25 liters

Best Backpack for Nursing Students Conclusion

So, there you have it! Five amazing options for best backpack for nursing students. These backpacks offer such a great assortment of design and style, there’s truly something for every nursing student’s style.

If we had to pick a favourite, it would definitely be the SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Laptop Backpack. It’s just difficult to find fault with this all-rounder.

But, no matter which backpack you choose for nursing school, look for one that offers you the size, durability and style you need to support your busy days!