DOCTOR’S BAG GUIDE
Not sure which doctor's bag suits you?
You’re not alone. Many GPs and medical residents struggle with the same questions: which size, with or without front pocket, will my laptop fit? After over 15 years of experience, we know exactly what GPs face. This selection guide helps you make the right choice.
FEATURES
Key features of a good doctor's bag
Your bag must:
- Open quickly – essential during emergency house calls
- Stay open – you want both hands free
- Be well-organised – you find what you need at a glance
- Have robust material – for years of daily use
- Be comfortable to carry – with handle or shoulder strap
All McFermoir bags meet these requirements as standard. The construction ensures the bag stays perfectly open. No sagging or closing bag during visits.
SIZE
Size: Small, Medium or Large?
8 out of 10 medical residents choose size Medium. This size offers enough space for your standard equipment – blood pressure monitor, stethoscope, otoscope, small medication supply – but remains compact enough to carry easily.
When to choose Medium? (most popular)
You make daily house calls with standard equipment. You want enough space without the bag becoming bulky. You travel by car or bicycle. This is the size most GPs use for years.
Medium doctor’s bag with contents of a practicing general practitioner
A4-voorvak met magnetische klepsluiting van de McFermoir A4 Wout Ranger
FRONT POCKET
With or without front pocket?
Not all doctor’s bags have the same front pocket. There are three variants:
With zip pocket Most doctor’s bags have at least one zip pocket on the outside for your keys and phone, and a zip pocket on the inside for valuables. The Wout Basic series, for example, has only a zip pocket without a front pocket. Models without an additional front pocket look sleeker and more classic and are slightly more compact.
With front pocket Many models have an additional front pocket besides a zip pocket for more space. The size of the front pocket depends on the bag size.
With A4 front pocket (most popular) Some models have an additional A4 front pocket with magnetic closure. Handy for documents, visit papers or an iPad. You have these items within reach without opening the main compartment. The bag becomes slightly larger but offers more organisation options.
Only a few models have no front pocket at all or two front pockets instead of one.
COMPARTMENT SYSTEM
Compartment system: Overview in your bag
A frequently heard complaint: the contents of your doctor’s bag quickly become messy. Where’s your otoscope? Which pouch contains the anticoagulants?
The McFermoir Wout series has an adjustable compartment system (1 long and 3 short dividers). You decide the layout yourself. Blood pressure monitor left, stethoscope right, medication in the middle – the way you work.
Other McFermoir bags have a removable (non-adjustable) compartment system. Also handy, but less flexible.
Tip: Use coloured transparent pouches for small items. For example, blue for blood sampling, orange for ear examination, yellow for medication. You see at a glance where everything is.
The luxurious compartment division with adjustable dividers
The deluxe doctor’s bag carrier – luggage carrier extension
BICYCLE
Doctor's bag on the bicycle
More and more GPs make visits by bicycle. The included shoulder strap helps, but a full doctor’s bag is heavy for longer rides.
A carrier rack widener Your doctor’s bag clips onto your carrier rack with a bungee cord. The bag sits firmly, doesn’t get damaged, and you cycle comfortably. Also theft prevention: the bag is secure and not easily removed.
Visit backpack Developed by and for GPs who cycle frequently. All instruments within reach, but on your back. Tested by our panel of GPs for comfort and practical use.
MATERIAL
Material: What suits your practice?
You carry your doctor’s bag for years, every day. The material determines not only the appearance, but also how the bag develops through use.
Leather doctor's bags
Glossy leather: Classic, professional appearance. Easy to clean. Maintains its shine over the years.
Matte leather: Subtle, modern appearance. Less sensitive to scratches than glossy leather. Popular with GPs who prefer an understated look.
Unoiled leather (suede-like): Soft, natural character. Feels warm. Quickly develops a beautiful patina. Requires slightly more care.
Emergency bags
Tarpaulin: Waterproof, lightweight and extremely wear-resistant. Easy to disinfect. Ideal for emergency bags that need to withstand a lot.
Polyester: Lightweight and shock-resistant. Good price-quality ratio. Easy to keep clean in hectic situations.
A McFermoir doctor’s bag lives – see the difference here: the same bag after years of use
COLOUR
Colour: Professional or personal?
The colour of your doctor’s bag is personal. Some GPs choose timeless and classic, others striking and recognisable.
Brown shades (most popular)
Ranger, Taupe, Cognac, Dark brown, Chestnut, Buffalo. Timeless colours that suit any situation. Develop a beautiful patina. The safe choice that’s always good.
Monochrome colours
Black, White, Grey. Sleek and professional. Black is popular with GPs who want a classic, formal appearance.
Bright colours
Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, with patterns. Striking and personal.
Pastel colours
Pink, Beige, Moss green, Bordeaux. Subtly different from standard. Distinctive without being too striking.
OTHER OPTIONS
Not completely sure yet?
Visit our showroom – see all models in person, try your own instruments in the bag, get personal advice.
Contact us – ask your question via email or phone. We’re happy to help.
You can always return within 14 days.
Designed with
GPs, for GPs
Developed and tested by 50+
practicing doctors and midwives
Free EU shipping
on orders over €100
We deliver your new doctor’s bag
anywhere in the world
Built to last
decades
Quality craftsmanship you
can repair, not replace