Whether you’re training to be a doctor, nurse, or technician, it’s important to have a quality backpack for medical school that not only supports your back but can carry all of your med school textbooks.
In this guide we’ll be reviewing some of the best backpacks for medical school based on what’s on the market currently + some features you should consider when buying.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3:
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Best Athletic
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Best Overall
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Best Anti-Theft
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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$49.99
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$99.00
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$37.99
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Description: Soft-lined laptop sleeve—holds up to 15"" MacBook Pro or similarly sized laptop |
Description: Keeps up to a 17-inch laptop protected in its padded sleeve! |
Description: Keep your laptop and items secure with this anti-theft designed backpack. |
Soft-lined laptop sleeve—holds up to 15"" MacBook Pro or similarly sized laptop
Keeps up to a 17-inch laptop protected in its padded sleeve!
Keep your laptop and items secure with this anti-theft designed backpack.
8 Best Backpacks for Medical School
Swissgear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack
Made of sturdy/water-resistant polyester, this Scansmart Laptop Backpack is designed to withstand heavy-duty use and harsh conditions like heavy rains.
Complete with pockets galore, there is ample space to store both your laptop (with padded slot) and your odds and ends like water bottles, notebooks and easy access through the U-zip compartment.
Also, this one of the few med school backpacks that can accommodate a 17-inch screen, so if you’re rocking a larger-than-normal laptop this is the bag for you! Plus, the laptop storage area opens quickly making it easy to navigate the TSA and noisy airport staff.
Comfort-wise this bag has a lot going for it – the padded back panel features airflow ventilation to keep you cool and dry while the contoured shoulder straps include side compression straps that are adjustable to boost the unit’s ergonomics.
What we like
- Very durable backpack
- Convenient cup holder
- Very comfortable when using
- Big main compartment
What we don’t like
- Not as heavy-duty as the others
- Zipper quality
Best for: Students who travel often or have a long commute
Keeps up to a 17-inch laptop protected in its padded sleeve!
Related: 53 Medical School Scholarships
Hustle Backpack by Under Armour
The Under Armour Hustle backpack is made up of about 80% Polyester and 20% Nylon which provides a good blend of durability and flexibility. The Under Armour backpack also includes a bottom panel that’s sturdy and abrasion-resistant for added support.
When it comes to storage the Hustle II is ahead of the pack – the front valuables pocket is water-resistant to help keep you valuables dry while the entire backpack includes a total 5 exterior pockets and 3 interior pockets.
In addition, this medical school backpack has a really nice laptop sleeve that is both padded and lined – when a laptop can cost as much as your tuition this is a great feature!
Finally, the HeatGear shoulder straps are totally adjustable and provide a comfortable fit that Under Armour has put a lot of research into.
What we like
- Compact/comfortable
- Good quality
What we don’t like
- Basically a standard book bag
- Not wide enough for some books/binders
Best for: Students who want a reliable, durable, and proven bag
Recon Backpack by The North Face
The Recon Backpack is made of durable 210D Cordura nylon and includes mini-ripstops to help prevent tears in the material when cruising through campus.
The fit is specifically designed for women with a FlexVent suspension system and shoulder straps that are injection-molded. The shoulder straps include attachment points that are shaped for a woman’s torso ensuring a correct fit every use.
In addition, there is also a padded mesh back panel that includes a spine channel shaped for ergonomic fit as well as a lumbar panel to provide high-end support/ventilation.
The Recon has ample storage as well with a padded laptop sleeve and a front stash pocket with stretch side panels. This provides extra volume so you can store more items for your day at medical school.
Finally, the tablet sleeve (yes, it has a tablet sleeve!) found in the front compartment is fleece-lined for protection.
Another major feature of this med bag is its sub-$100 price range which means you get a ton of awesome features for less than a lot of other bags on this list.
What we like
- Very roomy/comfortable
- Sturdy bag
- Big enough for laptop & tablet
- Affordable
What we don’t like
- Thin fabric
- Uncomfortable to carry by hand
- Very basic design
Best for: Students who use their bag outside of class for hiking & exploring
One of the best designed sports backpacks can now be used for school - features two water bottle pockets, a fleece lined pocket for sunglasses, and a padded laptop sleeve.
Related: A Day in the Life of a Medical Student
Slim Travel Backpack by MATEIN
The Travel Backpack is a great option for a med school student looking for something durable, theft-proof and water-resistant.
This bag is made of durable/water-resistant polyester which helps keep your stuff dry while also remaining lightweight and comfortable. In addition, the shoulder straps include an anti-sweat feature so you can stay as comfy as possible when carrying the bag throughout the day.
The Slim Travel Backpack maintains a slim style while also featuring large compartments for storing big items including laptop and books as well as smaller inside pockets with velcro straps for personal items.
This is one med school backpack that also has a focus on security with a high-end combination lock with lockable zipper in order to protect your valuables while in class or when traveling.
The USB charging port lets you charge your devices outside the bag while the built-in charging cable inside the backpack lets you hook up your phone/tablet when walking. Keep in mind the charging port requires a battery pack in order to function.
In addition to being one of the most affordable bags on this list, buyers also report great customer service should you need it. If you’re on a tight budget due to school costs, then this is arguably one of the best options.
What we like
- Slim design
- Good day backpack
- USB charging
What we don’t like
- Cheap zipper
- Thin material
Best for: Students looking for an affordable yet feature-rich bag
A slimmer, sleeker option for students who have up to a 15-inch laptop.
Oscaurt Laptop by XD Design
This Oscaurt backpack is designed as an anti-theft backpack with one of the major features being a cut-proof design. The good news is that while this will definitely deter thieves from stealing your med school computer and books, it does not impact the usage for you, the student.
The backpack includes other safety features like secret pockets and hidden zippers which might seem like overkill but could be worth it if you live in a dangerous city.
The backpack’s durability is boosted with the shock-proof storage design which helps to keep everything upright and in place when being stored or tossed around. This is a critical factor since backpacks take a lot of abuse in and around campus.
Finally, this backpack is made of water-resistant fabric which is definitely a plus if you live in the NW or simply want to safeguard against sudden downpours.
And, like many of the other packs on this list, it has a built-in USB charging port which makes it easier to juice up your mobile device including smartphones and tablets.
What we like
- Good for crowded cities
- Compact but good quality
- Water-resistant
What we don’t like
- Some features are overkill
- Small storage space
Best for: Students that often carry expensive books and gear
Keep your laptop and items secure with this anti-theft designed backpack.
KAUKKO Laptop Travel Backpack
This College Daypack by KAUKKO is constructed of durable 6000 polyester fabric which makes it one of the most resilient on the list. The material makes the backpack soft/comfortable while also making it water resistant – very much a double threat when it comes to medical school backpacks.
This backpack is a multi-purpose bag that can be used for several applications and is perfect for class as well as:
- Business
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Shopping
- Traveling
Another plus of this backpack is the storage capacity – it can handle a 15in laptop and still have plenty of room for your books + valuables.
In addition, the front pockets include a hidden key clip and zipper which help keep you most prized possessions safe and secure.
The shoulder straps are made of padded material with air mesh in order to ensure comfort + lightweight. There’s also a drawstring closure that’s adjustable at the main compartment.
This book bag also comes with a 6-month warranty. You can also return the bag within 30 days and exchange it within 60 days.
Finally, the backpack is in the under-$40 price range. It provides a quality unit without taking out another student loan.
What we like
- Good value
- Practical for school/hiking
- Canvas looks/feels sturdy
- Good side pockets
What we don’t like
- Material has a bit of an odor
- Magnets in the closures are temperamental
Best for: Students that want a fashionable and practical bag