I've seen this more than once in this forum (roll-tops are annoying). Where does this particular idea come from?. I have a Chrome Ivan (roll-top, waterproof backpack) that I used for school during the last ~2 years of college, and I that I still use (occasionally, I prefer panniers) to go to work and regularly to get groceries (on foot, since I live .5 miles from the store). I have never once found the roll-top to be annoying or frustrating or any more (or less) of a hassle than the various backpacks I had prior. (I bought the Chrome because my other bags kept falling apart due to cheap shoulder straps)