After several years and ten boats in this nutty business, I've gotten to preferring no back band at all. It's even become so pronounced that I find myself removing the back bands from older boats to make 'em more comfortable. I paddle practically every day, and often over long distances in open ocean -- well, Gulf of Mexico anyway -- conditions. I roll like I'm getting paid for it, and often sit relatively still for hours while fishing. No back band. Not trying to prove anything, just going for whatever delivers max comfort for all day in a yak. How 'bout that? I mean, I never woulda guessed...

Oh, I guess I might mention I use carved minicell seats, but paying attention to good posture is where it's at after that. For me, anyway.

Cheers, Kurt