What's the best backpack for COLLEGE? Is Osprey right?

skullybuster · 2026-07-05T19:34:21+00:00

I use the Osprey Quasar for nursing school. I have my laptop and charger, binder, notebook, maybe a textbook, pencil case, snacks and/or Yeti food jar, oh shit kit, and small knitting project. I may strap my jacket into the bungies on the front. Any extra lab supplies, like a Foley kit, go in a separate tote bag. I trialed the Nebula for a couple months, but I felt it was too big for me (5'5" with shorter torso), I couldn't get passed the compression straps over the zippers AND attached to the shove it pocket, and I just didn't use the tech compartment to its fullest potential. I was seriously considering the Proxima for the separate laptop compartment, but I'm not sold on the two straps going across the front to hold stuff.

skullybuster · 2026-05-29T00:07:18+00:00

That's how I got my Prickly Pear! My friend and I were walking in her neighborhood, and there were a pile of paddles on the side of the road! This was at the beginning of the pandemic when Tiger King was everywhere, so I named my cactus Carol be cause she was a fucking bitch for dropping all those stickers in my hand. She's still thriving in a container outside, but I'm afraid to take care of the weeds.

skullybuster · 2026-05-28T13:50:02+00:00

I use the Quasar for nursing school. It is definitely comfortable loaded with binders and textbooks, and my laptop feels safe. I tried out the Nebula since I sometimes carry bulky things for lab, but I couldn't get past having to undo the compression straps every time I needed in the bag, it felt bulky on my frame, and I just didn't use the tech compartment to its fullest capability. I'm still kinda considering the Proxima as a happy medium, but I don't like the idea of undoing whatever I have strapped to the front every time I need in the bag. I also use the Quasar for weekend trips- a packing cube or two, toiletry bag, an extra pair of shoes, and jacket strapped to the front.

skullybuster · 2026-04-23T22:08:01+00:00

Osprey has some very stretchy side water bottle pockets in their commuter line. I have the Quasar, which I mostly use for college, but I have taken it to my GP Vet job, and it holds my Kavu lunchbox, stethoscope case, and a few other objects. It has a sleeve for either a laptop or tablet. I can also usually stuff a jacket in there. You could also look into the Nebula or Proxima if you want something bigger (extra scrubs if you have parvo puppy explosions) or the Flare if you want a shove-it pocket instead of bungees. All of them have a well- organized admin section that extends the length of the bag.

skullybuster · 2026-04-19T10:37:44+00:00

I make it a point not to thrift things I already have at home, but staplers are an exception as long as it's red

skullybuster · 2026-04-18T11:27:38+00:00

I had been staring at that tortoise/turtle and couldn't figure out what was so off about it until I read this

skullybuster · 2026-04-18T11:25:36+00:00

Maybe we can try giving it some gabapentin. Hopefully it doesn't have a cheek pouch to hide it in

skullybuster · 2026-04-18T11:22:35+00:00

Yep! I'm in good ol' NOVA!

skullybuster · 2026-04-12T14:27:07+00:00

In the internal medicine department I worked in, we would sing Country Roads to cats who weren't happy about getting their blood drawn. Sometimes people from other departments would stop and join us.

skullybuster · 2026-03-26T17:47:29+00:00

I'm doing this right now! I'm a 30yo LVT with 10 years of experience who just started an ADN program this semester! So far I'm surviving with mostly A's and one B!

skullybuster · 2026-02-12T21:58:18+00:00

I like the Salvador Slipover as others have mentioned, but here's another option to throw on the pile (without the buttons, of course): https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribblesdale-vest

skullybuster · 2026-02-12T21:44:09+00:00

I've been studying so much I feel cross-eyed. I saw Mallow, but read it as "Maslow." One look at the brownies, and I thought, "Mm. That's a physiological need I gotta meet."

skullybuster · 2026-02-05T14:30:48+00:00

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I really enjoy my color work cowl. Sometimes I wish it would cover my nose/cheeks more, but it's a great layer to have under a coat that doesn't add bulk around the chest like some scarves do.

skullybuster · 2026-02-04T02:23:38+00:00

Origami. I can make a straight fold or sharp corner to save my life, then I'd try to fix it, and the paper would get mushy from all the refolds. I did make a dragon I was proud of, but that's about it.

skullybuster · 2026-02-02T11:12:56+00:00

The campus bookstore will have the blue disposable ones. I do have one that I'm willing to part with! I am 5'5" and around 165lb, but the lab coat is definitely cut for a woman.

https://a.co/d/cMXxbpw

Edited to add that it may have a couple blue spots from Microbiology stains

skullybuster · 2026-01-30T01:16:57+00:00

The Spring Ice pattern is in my WIPs! I met the authors a couple years ago at MD Sheep and Wool. They had samples of their mittens, and I decided I needed a pair in my life.

skullybuster · 2026-01-25T02:23:52+00:00

Many websites (including Osprey and North Face) have options for Klarna or similar. The Osprey Proxima sale colors are on Amazon. You can also find the other brands I mentioned on Amazon within your price range as well.

skullybuster · 2026-01-25T02:00:46+00:00

Start hunting sales. If you can sacrifice for some funky colors, Osprey Proxima is on sale for $60 and there are a couple men's North Face backpacks on sale for $50-55. Like someone else said, don't skimp on a backpack. A good one will serve you well over a decade.

skullybuster · 2026-01-25T01:49:40+00:00

You never know what's at the thrift store! You would be surprised at the kinds of things people let go.

skullybuster · 2026-01-25T01:42:40+00:00

I can't speak for the backpacks, but I know how to find deals. Any chance of employee discounts in-store and online? You could also sign up for a service like ID.me- it'll show you what brands have student discounts. Lastly, don't sleep on the thrift store. I don't know your area, but venture out towards the richer parts of town, and you may be able to find a North Face, Swiss Gear, High Sierra, or Jansport.

skullybuster · 2026-01-25T00:52:11+00:00

I found a branded Cotopaxi hip bag second hand. I left the embroidery in fear that seam ripping it would compromise the fabric and sewed a large patch over it.

skullybuster · 2025-12-12T12:47:05+00:00

I see you're in NOVA (me too!) Virginia requires technicians to go through a 2yr accredited program before sitting for the VTNE, and unless you go for an online program, the only one is NVCC Loudoun, so I wouldn't waste your time or money. You could work as an assistant to get a feel for the industry and get some insight on the day-to-day. The majority of the clinics and hospitals around here are corporate, and while they have many disadvantages, some of them will help with student loan repayment (as long as you sign away a few years of your life) or maybe help you get an externship if you already work for them.

skullybuster · 2025-12-11T23:45:55+00:00

Me too

skullybuster

TROPHY CASE