I like a backrest. Paddle all day and start doing a little fishing it's nice to ease back a bit.

I have used a crazy Creek for over a decade but it helps only very minimally. On the positive side it doesn't seem to interfere with good paddling.

I had decided to "upgrade" to a solid wood back/cane type seat and didn't like it. It did interfere with good paddling, plus it was heavy.

I see where Duluth Pack has come out with a seat modeled after the crazy creek. I will likely give it a shot. Perhaps it will be a bit beefier that the crazy creek but still have that flex that allows for good paddling. If I do spring for it I will likely sew some mesh type material in the spaces created by the straps (triangle open areas on each side)...........they strike me as an entanglement hazard especially if you have anything on your belt.

I know its not very common anymore, but if your an alluminum canoe guy interested in pure comfort bolt in a bass boat seat. It works great for base camping but obviously portaging gets even heavier. I have used it for a long time and dont mind the heavy weight for the extra comfort but i travel with my brother and we are young and athletes! ha. just an idea to throw out.