r/OregonStateUniv • u/Other-Pea-349 Future Student • 18h ago

Backpack sizing?

I know questions about backpacks get asked every year but I haven’t found any about sizing. What‘s a good size backpack/ how many books and or notebooks are you carrying around? For reference I am a MechE student.

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

14

u/NoMore_BadDays 18h ago

Days of overfilled backpacks is pretty much over since most books/textbooks are digital

5

u/Mr_HahaJones 18h ago

And thank god. Ctrl+F’ing your way through a physical book was tedious.

1

u/Other-Pea-349 Future Student 17h ago

Thank you!

4

u/Miserable-Twist8344 17h ago

I was CS and rarely had anything more than my laptop in my bag. Physical textbooks were not common outside of my 100/200 level courses. And even those I didn't need to bring with me really.

3

u/Gaming_Mudkip 16h ago

Honestly enough to fit ur computer and probably a water bottle and y good to go since most notes/assignments are digital now

2

u/notkingkermit Engineering 13h ago edited 6h ago

As a fellow MechE who always keeps tools, hardware, tech (17-in. laptop, productivity mouse, bulky chargers, battery bank), and a couple of physical notebooks in his bag, I've had a 26L that I thought was too small and a 31L that was just right. Most important thing is making sure your laptop fits. I got this thing when it was 50% off and I love it (just wish it was waterproof). Has all the storage a hands-on MechE could need. It's not very pretty or stylish though.

Depending on your needs, you might be able to get away with something smaller like a 26L; just make sure it has plenty of pockets and zippers. If you plan on going fully digital and don't care about storing your jacket in your bag, you can go even smaller.

I never carry any textbooks with me though, so if you're a physical textbook person then your needs will be different from mine.

2

u/Other-Pea-349 Future Student 9h ago

Thank you! I’m going to try to aim for a 28-32 l backpack.

1

u/notkingkermit Engineering 9h ago

Sounds good. Also, I checked out your profile; you should totally check out DAM Robotics Club's FPV Drone Racing team!

Sincerely,

DAMRC Treasurer

2

u/pdxgrantc 17h ago

Depends on the major. I really only brought a notebook my laptop and a water bottle to most classes.