Choice of Backpack

[shenningdo]

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Would current students or future students suggest a hiking backpack with straps across the hips and chest, a rolling backpack/suitcase, a satchel bag, or any other suggestion?

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Learn to post in only one forum. Thanks! 🙂

 

[shenningdo]

Learn to post in only one forum. Thanks! 🙂

Sorry. I just know prior to deciding where I was attending school, I did not read any forum except the pre-osteo. When I have a question, I like as much feedback, as possible. If the mods have an issue with it, they can close my other threads.

 

[Taus]

most students that I know just have the plain old "backpack" style backpack...no fancy straps/belts/etc. As long as it is well made and a decent size for large textbooks and binders....you will be fine. If you have a back injury or a very small frame (body frame..not bag)...then a rolling bag could be a good idea...but otherwise your standard backpack will get the job done just fine.

 

[shenningdo]

most students that I know just have the plain old "backpack" style backpack...no fancy straps/belts/etc. As long as it is well made and a decent size for large textbooks and binders....you will be fine. If you have a back injury or a very small frame (body frame..not bag)...then a rolling bag could be a good idea...but otherwise your standard backpack will get the job done just fine.

I guess I should have included that in my post... in my sophomore year of college I fractured four vertebrate in my back... my family is concerned about strain or reinjury... I feel fine 🙂.

 

[It'sElectric]

I recently got a Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag for Christmas. They're incredible bags that are durable, waterproof, convenient, and easy on your back. You can find out more on their website at http://www.chromebags.com/

I've been nothing but pleased with my bag, and I'd say at least give it a look. Yes, they're a bit more expensive, but well worth the price. Also, while I have yet to have any one-on-one experience with it, I've read glowing reviews regarding their customer service. As an example, read this taken directly from their website and regarding their warranty:

All Chrome products carry a lifetime guarantee to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. This does not cover reasonable wear and tear or abuse. We will repair or replace, free of charge, any item that is found to be defective in materials or workmanship.

If you screwed up and broke your bag as a result of your own action...we can still help. Give us a call and let us know what happened. If your story is sufficiently ridiculous you may qualify for a free repair.

Anyways, good luck finding a good bag. I'm sure you'll find whatever suits you the best.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I guess I should have included that in my post... in my sophomore year of college I fractured four vertebrate in my back... my family is concerned about strain or reinjury... I feel fine 🙂.

Ouch. In that case, I'd recommend asking your doctor for a recommendation. It would be nice if someone here would pop in and let us know how much weight you regularly have to carry. My one contribution is that if you're going to get a laptop, I recommend getting a light one. I had an 8 lb one in law school and then went to a 5 lb one, and the change was so great. You'd think three measely pounds wouldn't do much, but it makes a huge difference.

 

[Taus]

I haven't weighed my backpack......its not that heavy when in class b/c its just notes/paper...but when I go to study for the night and am carrying several textbooks (including BIG robbins), review books, and binders I would consider my bag to be pretty damn heavy...and I'm a relatively bigger guy....so for me its no problem...but if you have a pre-existing condition I would either consult w/ your doctor or err on the side of extreme caution and go w/ a rolling bag

 

[OSUdoc08]

I use a leather laptop case that goes over my shoulder, but then again, I don't use textbooks.

try ebags.com

I bought a backpack with a built in laptop holder off of there that I don't really use now, but it came in handy last year when I had to carry lab manuals around.

Don't buy a rolling backpack/suitcase, or you will be made fun of.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Don't buy a rolling backpack/suitcase, or you will be made fun of.

And really, peer approval is the most most important feature of all. LOL.

I have a NorthFace Borealis day pack. It has a laptop compartment which is perfect for my Toshiba tablet. It still has enough room for a textbook and a binder, and the front compartment is roomy enough for all my laptop accessories. The chest/waist straps make wearing the pack more comfortable -- plus it feels more secure on those days when I'm riding in on my scooter.

I also have a second backpack by Samsonite that has wheels. It's great for schlepping around a ton of books, but it's not very comfortable to wear. I much prefer the NorthFace pack for comfort.

Don't go with a bag that has only one strap. You'll be torqueing your spine trying to balance the load.

 

[DrBowtie]

I guess I should have included that in my post... in my sophomore year of college I fractured four vertebrate in my back... my family is concerned about strain or reinjury... I feel fine 🙂.

You might want to have your textbooks "cut". There was a thread on this a while back. Basically, Kinkos or another copy store with cut off the binding neatly and three hole punch the whole thing. That way you can only put in a binder the portion of the book you will be using. A good way to cut down on weight IMO.

 

[JimmyG]

I guess I should have included that in my post... in my sophomore year of college I fractured four vertebrate in my back... my family is concerned about strain or reinjury... I feel fine 🙂.

As the token Occupational Therapist here on SDN, teaching you to complete tasks with innovative new ways to prevent injury is my duty. Did you fracture your vertebrae by carrying a backpack??? (Hopefully, not, but just wanting clarification...). Honestly, I wouldn't wear a backpack unless you have done extensive lumbar and abdominal exercises with your local physical therapist and you no longer fear a point of weakness in your spine. If I were you I would get a rolling bag that you can pull and never go back to a shoulder bag or backpack unless it is less than 20# (which is never with pre-med/medical school gear and books). Take your calcium, keep in touch with your orthopod, get a physical therapist to teach you how to complete exercises to prevent further damage and good luck!

Just my minor two cents....

 

[It'sElectric]

Don't go with a bag that has only one strap. You'll be torqueing your spine trying to balance the load.

Messenger bags are some of the most stable/comfortable bags on the market. They're built for messengers in large cities who are constantly on the go carrying large loads and who absolutely require a bag that is both stable and comfortable. There is no balancing necessary with Chrome messenger bags, trust me. The bag is snug to your body and it literally feels like it's a part of you. It sounds like I'm selling the damn thing, but I can't express how comfortable it is enough.

On a side note, you can buy an additional laptop case that fits perfectly within the bag. All that aside, feel free to listen to the OT, because I'm sure he/she has the best advice for your back, which is ultimately what you're the most concerned about.

Best of luck with your purchase.

 

[Canuck99]

Would current students or future students suggest a hiking backpack with straps across the hips and chest, a rolling backpack/suitcase, a satchel bag, or any other suggestion?

my vote goes for the rolling suitcase backpack. those are the coolest, you would be the talk of the campus.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Messenger bags are some of the most stable/comfortable bags on the market. They're built for messengers in large cities who are constantly on the go carrying large loads and who absolutely require a bag that is both stable and comfortable. There is no balancing necessary with Chrome messenger bags, trust me. The bag is snug to your body and it literally feels like it's a part of you. It sounds like I'm selling the damn thing, but I can't express how comfortable it is enough.

On a side note, you can buy an additional laptop case that fits perfectly within the bag. All that aside, feel free to listen to the OT, because I'm sure he/she has the best advice for your back, which is ultimately what you're the most concerned about.

Best of luck with your purchase.

Hmm, maybe I've never had a good messenger bag. I feel like mine is great for light loads, but carrying a textbook in them kills me. I'm a backpack fan. The rolling things are probably the best for your back, though. I'd be surprised if you get made fun of for using one. When I was in law school, probably at least half the class had a rolling backpack. I should have bought one because our books were freaking heavy.

 

[It'sElectric]

What brand of messenger bag do you have, lawgirl? Chrome bags aren't those Timbuktu bags...not even comparable.

 

[JimmyG]

my vote goes for the rolling suitcase backpack. those are the coolest, you would be the talk of the campus.

It's the risk of being teased by a couple of insecure students who have nothing better to do than to make fun of a bag or to save your back from further injury.

If you are thinking about being a doctor, this would be an important lesson to learn from. You will have patients who are more concerned with a simple change in lifestyle to prevent future health problems or injury and it will frustrate you to pieces because they will come to you for a "pill to fix it". Especially if you interested in becoming a DO who looks at the patient more holistically and, hopefully, will have preliminary health options for preventative care over pharmacology options for things, such as back pain due to prior injury. Obese people don't want to stop eating chocolate cake and fries, either, but what is the best option for them first? For long-term health benefits, it is important to do what is best for you and your health, even if it means a rolling backpack.

 

[shenningdo]

You might want to have your textbooks "cut". There was a thread on this a while back. Basically, Kinkos or another copy store with cut off the binding neatly and three hole punch the whole thing. That way you can only put in a binder the portion of the book you will be using. A good way to cut down on weight IMO.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely look into it!

 

[shenningdo]

As the token Occupational Therapist here on SDN, teaching you to complete tasks with innovative new ways to prevent injury is my duty. Did you fracture your vertebrae by carrying a backpack??? (Hopefully, not, but just wanting clarification...). Honestly, I wouldn't wear a backpack unless you have done extensive lumbar and abdominal exercises with your local physical therapist and you no longer fear a point of weakness in your spine. If I were you I would get a rolling bag that you can pull and never go back to a shoulder bag or backpack unless it is less than 20# (which is never with pre-med/medical school gear and books). Take your calcium, keep in touch with your orthopod, get a physical therapist to teach you how to complete exercises to prevent further damage and good luck!

Just my minor two cents....

Thanks for the advice; you sound like all of my doctors 🙂. To answer your question, no, I did not injur my back by wearing a backpack. It was an unfortunate situation with a slick limeston staircase and gravity 🙂. I am only 5'2", so I am trying to weigh all options and avoid heavy bags on my little, pathetic back 🙂.

 

[shenningdo]

It's the risk of being teased by a couple of insecure students who have nothing better to do than to make fun of a bag or to save your back from further injury.

If you are thinking about being a doctor, this would be an important lesson to learn from. You will have patients who are more concerned with a simple change in lifestyle to prevent future health problems or injury and it will frustrate you to pieces because they will come to you for a "pill to fix it". Especially if you interested in becoming a DO who looks at the patient more holistically and, hopefully, will have preliminary health options for preventative care over pharmacology options for things, such as back pain due to prior injury. Obese people don't want to stop eating chocolate cake and fries, either, but what is the best option for them first? For long-term health benefits, it is important to do what is best for you and your health, even if it means a rolling backpack.

That was a great post! It sounded like something I would write to someone else. I completely agree with you about it all. My ONLY concern with a rolling backpack was ease of the "rolling" part. My undergrad was covered with steps and uneven ground and everything else that made rolling backpacks a pain in the ass. I am going to NYCOM, where it is three buildings total. I think I will be fine! Now it is just a matter of size and compartments within the bag. Thank you for all of the advice.

 

[DrMom]

duplicate thread, so closing.

feel free to contribute to the open thread in the lounge.