Originally Posted by ahpook
So I got panniers that I use instead, and now both my skin and my spine are happy.
If you don't want panniers, there's another option. I got sick of the backpack after a while and went with the messenger bag. It feels much better with the load riding across my back, rather than the backpack pulling down on it. I think some of the messenger bags are available with padded laptop compartments. It's also easier to look over you shoulder.