Originally Posted by
johnr783
I dont believe there is a BACKpack that keeps the weight off the back.
If price is not an issue, there are backpack pannier hybrids. The popular one is the Arkel Bug. One that I plan on getting when I want to throw the cash into it (college here too) is the Aquapac Pannier/Backpack. It is waterproof and is a pannier on one side, a backpack on the other.
A good backpack actually puts the weight on your hips. Not sure it really works for cycling though. This
thread discusses some good backpacks for cycling. Some use different types of suspension mechanisms for maintaining airflow across your back.
Considering the weight your carrying, a simple option may be to put a milk crate on the back of your bike and bungie a backpack inside. Extra weight on your bike does change the ride but it might be the lesser of evils. I prefer to carry stuff on my back too but there's a limit. If it was just a laptop and some extra clothes, I'd say no problem. Throwing a couple of heavy books in there would make it uncomfortable for me. You can always try it though.