What do you think of Harnesses("leashes") for toddlers?

Everytime I have saw a kid on a leash I thought it looked a little ridiculous but now I have a 14 month old son who loves to run but will not hold my hand. He is not bad behaved at all (nor does he understand that he can't go wherever he wants) because he is so young. The other day I was trying to do my banking and a complete stranger was calling him over and he was trying his best to get away from me. I Broke my back when I was younger so it is really hard for me to carry him everywhere and constantly bend over. He hates being confined in a stroller he loves to be independant and walk by himself. I am thinking of getting one of those harnesses that are a stuffed animal backpack. My sister thinks people will judge me and think I am irresponsible. I am obviously going to be watching my son the entire time and it's not so I can be lazy, I just think he will feel better having a little more independance and it will keep him safe. I wouldn't use it all the time, but we are going to marine land and I know he won't want to be in a stroller the whole time so maybe that would be good to let him walk around a little bit. What do you guys think? Does it look bad or what? I usually don't care what people think but I just want others opnions on this. It's not that I am lazy or can't control him, I just think it might work for both of us. Please don't be rude! Thanks! :)