Rolling book packs on college campus?

[horseshowmom]

Need some help from those of you who have college students in the family or who are college students yourselves:

My daughter is getting ready for her freshman year (got accepted into the Early Entry Pharmacy Honors program! ). She is trying to decide whether or not to get a rolling backpack for campus use.

Are the rolling backpacks popular on campuses? If so, which ones seem to be the most popular? We looked at LLBean and found some nice ones (pretty pricey but lifetime warranty).

 

[Cindy B]

I've never seen one, but I have no idea.

 

[ilovedale3]

Yes, at my college, I saw lots of people using them. I had a regular backpack and was envious of those with the rolling kind when I was carrying lots of huge textbooks.

If she knows that she is going to have really heavy books, then I would go for it.

 

[ToriLammy]

Haven't really seen that many rolling backpacks around my daughter's school (University of Oklahoma). See a couple here and there but mostly the kids wear their backpacks or use messenger bags.

 

[Tiggeroo]

There are some here. My dd had a bad back problem and I tried to convince her to use one. She wouldn't. Some days she carries a ton of books.

 

[nmudisneyfan]

On my campus, I mostly see professors using them. I've only seen one or two students using them. Most of us stick to the regular ole backpack.

 

[icebrat001]

I used a rolling bag. I refuse to let other peoples opinions break my back! If you have a lot of heavy books, why try to kill yourself carrying the darn things.

You go to school to get an education, not be trendy or be like all the other students. Nothing is wrong with a bag on wheels.

 

[smilingmouse]

I had both in college---the rolling one was WONDERFUL when I had lots of books to carry!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I'll be honest- the only students using them at my school are the "older" students, if you know what I mean. People returning to school after a career and family.

A younger student wouldn't be caught dead with one.

Though very practical, they haven't quite made a "trend" yet in the younger crowd. I would let her wait until she gets there and then see - who knows, it may be the thing to do on her campus! If it's not, she'll likely leave it in her closet and you'll be out the money.

 

[Jockaroo]

I just finished up a program at a very large community college and I saw very few rolling backpacks. The only people I saw using these were people who had obvious physical disabilities.

 

[Pugdog007]

I use one for a briefcase and love it! It's so nice to have it when traveling through airports. I pack an extra pair of clothes and toiletries in there when traveling, having been stranded so many times recently (don't ask but I advise against flying US Air and United!)

Target has Jansport on sale for $50 in several different colors.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Are the rolling backpacks popular on campuses? If so, which ones seem to be the most popular? We looked at LLBean and found some nice ones (pretty pricey but lifetime warranty).

They aren't here, but I wouldn't let them being popular or not be the deciding factor in getting one if she has a lot of books.

Personally, I don't use one. Used the right way, a backpack is actually a good workout walking to classes

 

[bride03]

I'll be honest- the only students using them at my school are the "older" students, if you know what I mean. People returning to school after a career and family.

A younger student wouldn't be caught dead with one.

Though very practical, they haven't quite made a "trend" yet in the younger crowd. I would let her wait until she gets there and then see - who knows, it may be the thing to do on her campus! If it's not, she'll likely leave it in her closet and you'll be out the money.

I go to college in Texas and I agree with the above post. I think in some places it's trendy but in Texas, younger people don't carry them. The older students (40 and up) do use them though.

 

[lajones81]

I cannot recall seeing more than maybe 5 people the whole time I was in college with a rolling backpack. Even now with my Masters I've only seen a few people with them in my class because we have to bring supplies (tape, scissors, construction paper, etc.) when we work in projects.

Hope this helps!

Also, feel free PM me with other questions! I'm a fairly recent grad and my sister is in college now. We would love to help you out with any questions!

 

[Forevryoung]

I agree with the "younger students dont use them"- Professors and faculty use them sometimes. I dont see many in general though. There aren't many classes (probably 2 or 3) in the past three years that have asked me to bring my text book with me to class. They usually know how heavy the book is and that it's a pain to lug around.

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks, guys, you've all been a great help. I had actually suggested to her that she wait until after the first week or so to make up her mind. Then she can see how much she'll actually have to carry around at a time.

Thanks again!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

There are 3 colleges/universities in our town. College kids are everywhere during the school year. I can't say that I've seen a single one with a rolling backpack. In our area, they seem to be reserved for primary students.

 

[MinnieM21]

I've only seen a couple of people with rolling backpacks and they're older students. I think I've seen a total of less than 10 people using them and there's over 20,000 students at my school. I haven't even seen a professor use a rolling backpack either. Honestly, I wouldn't be caught dead with a rolling backpack. I use a messenger bag.

 

[bellacam]

I live in Maine ( LL Bean is based here) so rolling LL Bean back packs are a very common sight. I have seen quite a few when visiting U Maine.

 

[nuke]

I hated them when I was in college and I hate the rolling briefcases now while commuting. They are a hazard in a crowd because the person pulling it 9 out of 10 times is oblivious to the people next to and behind them that they are running over.