It seems a shame to remove the nicely stitched handles, but I don't see how it could possibly be comfortable on your back with them on there. Maybe you could create some sort of padded (quilted?) sling/backpack with a top opening wide enough for this bag to go into? If you just want to try a harness, how about attaching them to the square metal rings on the side handles. That way, they would be pulling from your shoulders toward the middle area, which I think would keep it in place - still would need some major, serious padding there and at the front of the shoulders if I was going to carry it - LOL. Most backpacks I've seen seem to have the straps coming out in an X configuration from the middle area of the back. If you're going to carry anything the least bit heavy, your comfort is the first consideration!