14 Best Backpacks for Medical School - Tested for Real Med Students
Looking for the best backpack for medical school? Let us help!
In this buying guide we test and review over a dozen backpacks just for medical school students. From roomy compartments for books and tech to pockets to keep your residency gear organized - we are sure you will find the best med school backpack for your needs.
How We Chose These Backpacks
Finding the best backpack for medical school can be a challenge when shopping online but we make it easy by sticking to specific criteria that students absolutely need when starting their medical school journey.
Pictured: Inside the Knack Pack Series 2 backpack
1.Great Organization
Whether you are a first year student or gearing up for residency, a good medical school backpack needs to offer amazing organization. We made sure that each of the backpacks on the list have plenty of pockets and compartments to keep you nice and organized.
Pictured: GULU Made Innovator with laptop and tablet sleeves
2.Laptop and Tablet Sleeves
Every med school backpack needs a laptop compartment and a place to quickly access a tablet. A good backpack should keep your expensive tech safe and give you the organization you need to thrive on busy days.
Pictured: The Ridge Commuter Backpack
3.Stylish and Mature Design
We aren’t in undergrad anymore! Why not upgrade to something a bit more mature and stylish? Most of the backpacks on this list are sleek enough to use beyond medical school and are built to last years, not just a few semesters.
Best Backpacks for Medical School
Knack Pack Series 2
The Knack Pack Series 2 is our top medical school backpack for its professional design, incredible organization and variety of color and size options.
What makes the Knack Pack special is its special hidden “travel” compartment that expands when you need it. While the main compartment is perfect for books and folders, the expandable travel compartment can be utilized for gym gear or a change of clothes during residency.
See the Knack Pack Series 2 in action
What makes the Knack Pack Series 2 the best backpack for medical school:
Available in Medium and Large sizes for the perfect fit
Water resistant with PU coated fabric and YKK water resistant zippers.
Mature design made with premium materials
Separate laptop and tablet compartments
Best organization - there are pockets for everything!
Main compartment is large enough to fit multiple binders, books and folders
Built-in expandable hidden compartment for clothing
Best in class organization
The Knack Pack Series 2 has one of the best designs when it comes to organization. Along with a massive organizer compartment on the front, the main compartment is also lined with larger pockets for mid-sized gear such as a tablet, a stethoscope and notebooks.
Separate Laptop and Tablet Sleeves
The Knack Pack Series 2 offers a 15” laptop sleeve that can be found against back of the bag which features side zipper access so that you can reach for your laptop without disturbing the other compartments. For tablet carry, Knack includes a fleece-lined pocket inside the main compartment. Separate dedicated laptop and tablet pockets allow you to keep you organized and your tech safe.
Expandable Hidden Travel Compartment
Need more packing room? Expand the Knack Pack’s travel compartment for additional storage! This allows you to keep a compact profile on light days and carry extra shoes and clothing on busier days all with the same bag.
Stylish and Mature Design
The Knack Pack Series 2 is currently available in Medium and Large sizes and each size is available in a variety of mature colors. The sleek exterior is made with either high-density 420D nylon or a 600D two-tone polyester ottoman fabric. Both materials are PU coated for water-resistance and have an upscale look and feel. The water-resistant YKK zippers on the Knack Pack are smooth as butter and have held up flawlessly during our extensive use and testing.
This is one of those bags that we can confidently say that feels as good as it looks. If you are looking for a medical school backpack that you can use beyond graduation then the Knack Pack Series 2 will be a solid choice.
Nomatic Backpack
The Nomatic Backpack is one of the best backpacks for medical school thanks to its innovative features, sleek professional look and an expandable main compartment that will be sure to come in handy on long busy days.
One of the Nomatic Backpack’s standout design features is that is boasts over a dozen pockets for everything from water bottles, notebooks, a laptop and a tablet. If you want a backpack that will help keep you organized then we recommend giving the Nomatic Backpack a closer look.
See the Nomatic Backpack in action
What makes the Nomatic Backpack the best backpack for medical school?
Sleek and professional exterior design
Can be carried as a briefcase on days you need to look more professional
Separate Laptop and Tablet sleeves to keep your tech safe
Expandable main compartment: 20-24L
Made of durable water resistant materials
Tons of compartments to keep you organized
The Perfect Med Student Backpack
With over a dozen pockets and compartments the Nomatic Backpack is perfect for students who want a backpack that they can grow into throughout their years in medical school. With a roomy main compartment and tons of organization options, Nomatic will make transitioning from the classroom to residency a breeze.
This bag is also one of the few medical school backpacks that can be used beyond graduation thanks to its clean professional appearance and ability to be converted into a briefcase when needed. Simply tuck away the shoulder straps to change your look!
Find a Spot For Everything
The 20L main compartment in the Nomatic Backpack is large enough to store multiple binders, notebooks and folders for busy class days. Need additional room? The Nomatic Backpack expands to a total of 24L so that you can pack extra clothing or gym gear on the days you need it.
One design feature that we really like is that both sides of the main compartment are lined with pockets with the backside featuring a full tech and document station that includes both a laptop and tablet sleeve plus extra mesh pockets to keep all of your tech accessories and chargers together for easy access.
A smaller compartment on the front is lined with additional pockets for quick access to personal and professional items such as a pocket reference guides, small notebooks, stethoscope, pens and more!
The North Face Surge
Available in both a men’s and women’s fit, the North Face Surge is a workhorse of a backpack designed to tackle the needs of busy students and professionals alike. As a backpack for medical school you’ll enjoy the Surge’s large 31 liter main compartment that can hold everything from shoes and clothes to bulky binders and books.
See the North Face Surge in action
What makes The North Face Surge the best backpack for medical school?
Roomy 31 liter main compartment
Available in men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit
Lots of pockets on the front for easy access to smaller items
Great protective laptop compartment with extra spots for a tablet and book
Modern look designed specifically for work and school
For the medical student with multiple tech devices
We have always been big fans of the laptop compartments in premium North Face backpacks for their protective design that keeps your expensive tech safe and the Surge is no exception.
Unlike other North Face backpacks that only feature a single padded laptop sleeve, the laptop compartment on the Surge has an expanded design that allows for storage of a 15-inch laptop, a large tablet and a notebook or textbook. In fact, the laptop compartment in the Surge is roomy enough to hold two laptops if needed. The expanded laptop compartment gives you quick access to items such as a notebook or book without having to rummage through the main compartment.
In addition to the laptop compartment, The North Face Surge also includes a separate fleece-lined tablet sleeve that is located in the organizer compartment. Unfortunately, this front tablet sleeve is too small for a full sized iPad and iPad Pro but it can store an iPad Mini and other smaller tablet models. You can store larger tablets inside the laptop compartment.
The Ridge Commuter 20L Backpack
The Ridge Commuter backpack is one of our favorite backpacks for medical students thanks to its insane organizational pockets and sleek compact design. The outer weatherproof shell also makes the Ridge Commuter perfect for students who commute to campus and need their valuables protected from the elements.
See the Ridge Commuter in action
What makes The Ridge Commuter a great backpack for medical students?
Streamlined minimalist design without the bulk
Tons of pockets for personal, school and residency gear
Side-access laptop compartment (up to 16” Macbook Pro)
Weatherpoof design is perfect for commuters
Conquer Your Commute to Campus
If you are looking for backpack that will last you all four years of medical school then it’s worth noting that The Ridge Commuter doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quality. The outside of the bag is made with a waterproof 900D ballistic nylon and is equipped with tried and true YKK Aquaguard zippers to protect your important stuff from the elements. This backpack also feels as good as looks with beefy padded shoulder straps and a molded foam back panel for all-day comfort.
Serious Organization for the Serious Medical Student
The Ridge Commuter is a deceptive little bag since its minimalist design doesn’t prepare you for the incredible array of pockets and compartments that line the inside. From pens to tech chargers - you’re sure to find a spot for everything.
From the outside you also get a couple of sneakily placed pockets for items such as headphones, a stethoscope or phone. These outer pockets allow for quick-access to your most important gear in seconds.
Dual Access Main Compartment
A great feature of The Ridge Commuter is it’s dual-access main compartment that features two different zippered access points. The first zipper allows you to access the main compartment like a regular backpack which works great for loading books and notebooks.
The second zipper allows you to use the Commuter as a clamshell backpack. This lay-flat design is great for utilizing all of the pockets that line the inside of the bag and comes in handy when packing clothing and gym gear.
Matein offers an affordable backpack for medical students with everything you need to get through long days on campus and during your residency. This backpack is definitely our top pick for medical students on a budget thanks to its tech compartment for a laptop and tablet, a large main compartment and tons of pockets for organizing your daily carry.
See the Matein Laptop Backpack in action
What makes the Matein Laptop Backpack a great backpack for medical students?
Available in two sizes (for 15.6” and 17” laptops) and in various colors to fit your needs and style
Tech compartment with seperate laptop and tablet sleeves
Integrated external USB charging port
Roomy main compartment for large binders, books and clothing
Great pocket placement
Med School Ready
The Matein Laptop Backpack can be divided into three compartments: the front organizer compartment, the large main compartment and a rear tech compartment. We found the main compartment large enough to hold plenty of large folders, binders and books or a weekend’s worth of clothing.
The tech compartment includes both a laptop sleeve and separate tablet sleeve. This compartment also leaves enough room to hold an additional notebook or book if needed. For quick access to small items you are going to want to take advantage of the front organizer compartment where there are small pockets for sunglasses, a medical reference guide, pens and more.
Best Backpack for Medical Students on a Budget
Matein is a value brand found on Amazon but it’s no secret that they offer some of the best backpacks for medical school for those on a tight budget thanks to their great designs. You can usually grab a Matein Laptop Backpack for under $50 and at this price point the features this backpack includes are pretty impressive.
If you are looking for a bombproof backpack that can take the abuse of four years of medical school then you might want to take a look at some of the more premium backpack options on this list. With the Matein Laptop Backpack you just won’t be getting high end features such as water repellent fabrics, YKK zippers or ergonomic comfort features that are the standard in more expensive bags.
But what you do get is an affordable backpack with great pocket placement and a comfortable wear which can definitely be a huge win for medical students on a budget. The integrated USB charging port is also a great feature for long days on the move and a simple addition that most expensive bags lack completely.
GULU Made Innovator Backpack
Equipped with a laptop and tablet sleeve, two roomy main compartments and plenty of pockets to keep you organized - the GULU Made Innovator has everything you need to conquer medical school in style.
The Innovator offers a 22 liters capacity for everything from tech to large binders and notebooks. This mid-size backpack keeps its profile slim while still providing enough room for medical school essentials.
See the GULU Made Innovator in action
What makes the GULU Made Innovator a great backpack for medical school?
Slim profile with a mature design
Lots of pockets for organization
Roomy enough for bulky items such as a change of clothes, binders and books
Padded sleeves for both laptop and tablet
Water, abrasion and dirt resistant ballistic nylon exterior
GULU Made offers What We Need in a Reliable Med School Backpack
At only 22-liters, we found the GULU Made Innovator to be roomier than it looks. The backpack can be divided into two major compartments - the main compartment and a smaller secondary main compartment that includes padded laptop and tablet sleeves with extra room for a couple of books or notebooks. This split-style design is perfect for medical students who like to keep their class items and a change of clothes or lunch in separate compartments.
The front pockets are made of two separate slim compartments with small pockets for stuff like pens, headphones, a wallet or a phone. The GULU Made Innovator makes organizing small items incredibly simple which is to be expected in a great backpack for medical students.
Built to Make a Positive Difference
Each GULU Made product is handcrafted in Gulu, Uganda by local residents in an effort to build a hopeful future after years of civil-conflict. The brand prides itself in employing highly-skilled local sewers to give back to the city of Gulu and in offering high quality bags and backpacks for all to enjoy in the process. Click here to learn more about the GULU Made story.
Knack Pack Series 1
The Knack Pack Series 1 is one of the most versatile backpacs on our list and it’s easy to see why once you delve into all of its great features.
The quality of the bag itself is top-notch with robust zippers and high quality fabrics. Even the inner lining is made with an antimicrobial fabric that will leave your backpack smelling fresh after long days on campus. It’s little details like these that make us love the Knack Pack Series 1 and why we believe you will too!
See the Knack Pack Series 1 in action
What makes the Knack Pack Series 1 a great backpack for medical school?
Available in multiple colors and sizes - find the perfect one for you!
Lots of great pockets for organizing school, personal and tech items
Hidden expandable travel compartment for when you need extra room
Robust high quality construction that will last beyond medical school
Seriously comfortable back panel and shoulder straps for all day wear
The Swiss Army Knife of Backpacks
The Knack Pack Series 1 is a fun and functional backpack that is more than meets the eye. The expandable travel compartment stays hidden on light days and can be utilized on longer days where packing extra gear is a must. The best backpacks for medical school all include pockets for protecting your expensive tech, lots of great ways to keep you organized and a stylish design. And it’s in all of these areas where the Knack Pack Series 1 really shines!
Knack offers the Series 1 in a wide range of different sizes and colors that makes it easy to match a Knack Pack to your body type and personal style. This is one of the few medical school backpacks we recommend that is offered in such a wide variety of fit options.
Why choose the Knack Pack Series 1 over the Series 2 for medical school?
The Knack Pack Series 1 has more size options (Small, Medium and Large), has a few more color options and is more affordable than the Knack Pack Series 2. To explore the difference between the two bags take a look at our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 backpack comparison.
The North Face Recon
The North Face Recon is one of the most popular backpacks for school, work and play thanks to its versatile design. The spacious 30-liter main compartment gives you enough packing room for a full day on campus while the large variety of pockets and compartments allows great organization for daily essentials.
The Recon is available in both men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit!
See The North Face Recon in action
What makes The North Face Recon one of the best backpacks for medical school?
Great pocket placement for daily essentials
Protective 15” laptop compartment
Roomy main compartment for books, clothing and more
Water resistant design
Available in tons of colors and men’s and women’s fit options
Modern design
Great Organization and Carry Options
Backpacks from The North Face are known for their great pocket placement and the Recon is no exception. Each Recon is equipped with a quick stash pocket on the front that allows you to stash items on the go without having to dig into zippered pockets. Other pockets include a large fleece lined pocket for sunglasses and two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella.
The inside of The North Face Recon can be divided into the front organization compartment, the 30-liter main compartment and a padded laptop compartment. The main compartment is large enough to stash everything from notebooks and books to a packed lunch or even a change of clothes and a pair of shoes. On lighter days you can take advantage of the Recon’s side and bottom compression straps to lessen the bulk when on the move.
A Backpack for School and Weekends
One reason we love The North Face Recon is that has an incredibly versatile design. Along with being a great medical school backpack, the Recon can also be taken on hikes and other outdoor adventures. The rear laptop compartment can be converted into a hydration pocket thanks to the small velcro loop and hydration port found inside.
For days in the city the Recon also features reflective points for visibility at night, an ultra-protective 15” laptop compartment and plenty of pockets to stash essentials such as wallets, phones and a metro card.
Osprey Nebula Backpack
With a large main compartment and plenty of pockets to keep you organized, the Osprey Nebula is one of our favorite backpacks for medical students who need a spacious bag to conquer long days.
Read more about the Osprey Nebula
What makes the Osprey Nebula a great backpack for medical students?
Large 32L main compartment for books, clothes and other bulky items
Includes a front panel organizer compartment for quick-access to small items
Large lay-flat laptop compartment for stowing away tech
Upper and lower straps can compress the bag down and helps stabilize your load on light carry days
What makes Osprey backpacks special is that the brand uses comfort designs usually reserved for technical hiking backpacks on their daily commuter backpacks. This means you get an ergonomically designed backpack that puts an emphasis on proper weight distribution and comfort in a design sleek enough for the city.
Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack
Touting a sophistical design with premium materials, the Troubadour Bivy proves that you can have a functional backpack that is also stylish. This backpack is large enough for stowing away medical school essentials including books, tech and a change of clothes. The weatherproof zippers and fabric also makes it a great option for city students who need a reliable backpack for daily commutes.
Read more about the Troubadour Bivy
What makes the Troubadour Bivy a great backpack for medical school?
Professional look made with premium materials
Convertible tote backpack (you can tuck away the backpack straps)
Roomy main compartment for notebooks, books and more. Lots of pockets on the inside for organizing your daily essentials.
Large padded 17” laptop sleeve
Stealthy front pocket to quickly stash away keys, notebooks and essentials
S-shaped shoulder straps for a comfortable women’s specific fit
The Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack is best for medical students who need a stylish way to carry their daily essentials with the added peace of mind of a weatherproof construction. In fact, the Troubadour Bivy even made it to our list of best waterproof backpacks for women thanks to its waterproof fabrics and water resistant zippers.
What the Bivy does best is keep you organized. Inside the main compartment there are plenty of smaller pockets for your medical school and personal items plus a 17-inch padded laptop compartment and additional tablet sleeve for your tech. At a 21 liter capacity, we recommend this backpack to medical students who want a sleek and versatile way to carry their items without too much bulk of a larger backpack.
Thule Subterra Backpack
Designed as a versatile backpack for travel and daily commuting, the Thule Subterra is one of our favorite backpacks for medical school thanks to its roomy 30-liter main compartment, separate tablet and laptop sleeves and clean minimalist exterior.
Read more about the Thule Subterra
What makes the Thule Subterra a great medical school backpack?
Protective 15” padded laptop sleeve with side zipper access
Seperate soft-lined tablet sleeve
Plenty of smaller and mesh pockets for organizing your gear
Roomy 30L main compartment for large binders, books and extra clothes
Great quality construction that Thule is known for
The Thule Subterra is available in a few different base colors that are mature and will blend well in residency environments. One feature that we really like is that the inside of the Subterra is lined with a bright contrasting color so that it’s quick and easy to spot your items.
The laptop sleeve inside the main compartment uses Thule’s SafeEdge construction that prevents the laptop from touching the edges of the bag in case of a hard drop or bump. This laptop sleeve also has dual access through the main compartment or through a special side zipper so that you can always quickly grab you laptop even when the main compartment is fully packed.
All in all the Thule Subterra has many must-have features for busy medical students who need to lug a lot of gear through long days on campus and during residency.
Doughnut Macaroon
Available in over a dozen colors, the Doughnut Macaroon is perfect if you are looking for a compact and fun backpack for medical school. The 14-inch padded laptop sleeve keeps your tech safe while a full panel of smaller pockets helps keep your essentials organized.
Read more about the Doughnut Macaroon
What makes the Doughnut Macaroon the best small backpack for medical school?
Dozens of color options and a fun stylish design
Padded 14” laptop sleeve
Roomy main compartment for notebooks and large textbooks
Lots of pockets for organizing smaller items
Great construction that’s built to last
Often described as a Fjallraven Kanken alternative, it’s the small details on the Doughnut Macaroon such as its robust stitching, infinite color options and amazing array of pockets for organization that sets it above other backpacks in its class.
Despite it’s smaller size, the standard Doughnut Macaroon can still fit a couple of large textbooks and additional notebooks and folders inside its main compartment. The quality of the Macaroon also doesn’t disappoint - this is a backpack this will still look great after years of daily use thanks to its hard-wearing construction of water-repellent fabric, metal hardware and leather trim.
Pacsafe Vibe Backpack
The Pacsafe Vibe is an anti-theft laptop backpack with a streamlined look that is perfect for medical students who commute daily to class or residency. A few of the anti-theft features include lockable zippers, an RFID blocking pocket and the ability to attach and lock the backpack to a leg or table chair.
We love the Pacsafe Vibe as a medical school backpack for it’s great organization, mature design and lightweight construction that makes all-day carry a breeze.
Read more about the Pacsafe Vibe
What makes the Pacsafe Vibe a great backpack for medical school?
Unisex design available in multiple colors
Protect your valuables with anti-theft features
Padded 13-inch laptop sleeve
Lots of pockets for pens, water bottles and tech accessories
Spacious 25 liter internal capacity
The Pacsafe Vibe is a great blend of a feature-rich design to get you through long days of classes and a slim and sleek style for more professional residency settings. The front organizer compartment is great for organizing smaller items you need quick access to while the 25-liter main compartment is large enough for class and residency essentials such as binders, books or an extra change of clothes.
On the weekends you’ll also have the ability to take the Pacsafe Vibe outdoors thanks to the fact that the laptop sleeve can double as a hydration pocket. The lightweight design of the Pacsafe Vibe allows for comfortable all-day wear while a removable hip belt, sternum strap and compression straps allow you to dial in the perfect fit.
Osprey Centauri
The Osprey Centauri is a unisex laptop backpack with a lightweight construction, minimalist design and loads of features for comfortable daily carry. Inside the 22 liter main compartment you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets to organize your items for easy commutes to class or residency.
Read more about the Osprey Centauri
What makes the Osprey Centauri a great medical school backpack?
Slim design gives you the room you need for carrying essentials without the bulk of a larger backpack
Includes a padded 15” laptop sleeve and secondary sleeve for a tablet or documents
Great for bike commuting - includes loop for attaching a light
Stretchy water bottle pockets that allow for a discreet look when not in use
How to Choose the Best Medical School Backpack
Choosing the right size
A backpack’s capacity is usually measured in liters and when shopping online the the number of liters is an important way to determine how much can fit inside the backpack you are looking to purchase.
To keep life simple, we like to divide backpack capacities into three size categories: small, medium and large.
Small (under 20L)
Small backpacks under 20 liters are best for students who only need to carry essential items such as a laptop, tablet, and a few personal items. The main compartment can usually accommodate a few textbooks and binders or a change of clothes but not both at the same time.
Medium (20-29L)
Most medical students will fare well with a medium sized backpack between 20 and 29 liters. Here is where you can pack a full day’s worth of books and notebooks plus have room for a few personal and work items. Medium backpacks are a “Goldilocks” size between a backpack being too small and too large and bulky.
Large (30L+)
If you are a medical student who has long days between school, work and the gym then you are going to want to go with a large backpack with a capacity over 30 liters. At this size is where you’ll find plenty of room in the main compartment for large textbooks, binders, lunch and bulkier items like shoes and a change of clothes.
For a more in-depth guide on backpack capacity sizes please check out our Ultimate Backpack Size Guide where we show real examples of what fits inside backpacks of different sizes.
The Ridge Commuter (left) and Nomatic Backpack (right)
Don’t Forget About Pockets!
A backpack with the right pockets and compartments is essential to keeping organized while in medical school. If you mostly write notes and read textbooks on a laptop or tablet then you will want to make sure that the backpack you choose has both a laptop and tablet pocket to keep your expensive tech secure.
Other valuable pockets include water bottle pockets, a key leash for your keys and smaller pockets for items like eyeglasses, pens and your residency gear. We did our best in finding backpacks for medical school that include plenty or organizational compartments but ultimately you have to decide which compartments are must-haves and which ones you could do without.
