I have the same problem. The times I ride with the backpack, and is full of what ever, I have to tilt my head as you do? I have thought of getting a handle bar mirror, now that I moved the shifters from bar end to brifters. I'm also curious to see what other people recommend. I also have panniers and admit that for some applications I rather use the backpack. When the pannier is too much and the trunk is not enough! Double O