what backpack to get for grad school? - woman with scoliosis

Question

hello!:)

i am starting grad school this september and am looking for a good backpack, as i will be commuting around 3x a week for 4-5 hours daily (of which 3-4 hours is by train the rest is walking and obviously the time ill spend walking at the campus).

things are pretty difficult for me in picking the perfect (or near perfect) backpack as i suffer from severe scoliosis (53 degrees thoratic and around 30 lumbar) and also have a pretty short torso for my height (166cm/5'6+a 45cm/18 inch torso). i do have to mention that i get more pain in my lumbar spine though.

what is important for me:

-chest+waist straps
-good back support!!!!!!!
-a backpack that isnt too large and wont make me look stupid 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
-at least 2 separate big compartments and a good cup holder (i have a stanley aerolight transit mug in size medium)
-laptop compartment
-also doubles as a hiking backpack for short/medium hikes

what ill be putting into my backpack:

-15.6 inch laptop+its bulky charger
-phone, phone charger, earbuds, powerbank
-keys
-a notebook or two
-a bento box
-my aforementioned stanley mug
-a cosmetic/everything bag
-umbrella
-maybe a spare long sleeve if needed?

so far ive been looking at the tnf borealis W 27L backpack and the Jester W 28L backpack. Recon W 30L also sounds nice but i think it would look HUGE on my small torso..

i know that my needs are high and i might not be able to find a good backpack but id appreciate all the help i can get🥹🥹

thanks in advance!<3:3

Posted Aug 29, 2026, 1:27 PM UTC

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