I tell you what I did to mine. I am an HVAC mechanic by trade and took the black insulation tubing designed to cover the suction line to prevent sweating on an AC unit. Can buy it at home depot or lowes in 5' sections for just a few dollars. I then cut it to length and slid it over top of the straps and then wrapped electrical tape around each section of insulation from top to bottom to prevent fraying and it also makes them a little slicker which is easier to get it on and off. You wont hardly know its on your back. No more straps digging into your shoulders and hurting like hell by the time you get to your stand. Its a great fix and really comfortable for less than $10. hope this helps.