Westwind Moto Pathfinder 20 in a real-world test

During an elaborate video production around the Newchurch Summit in Neukirchen am Großvenediger, we had the opportunity to put the Pathfinder 20 from Westwind Moto through an intensive test over several days. The weather showed its typical alpine side: sunshine in the morning, rain showers in the afternoon and cool temperatures again and again in between. In other words, exactly the conditions under which a motorcycle backpack has to prove whether it is genuinely practical or merely a fashion accessory. After several days of continuous use, the verdict is pleasingly clear: the Pathfinder 20 proved itself in practice thanks to plenty of practical features and solid build quality. Particularly impressive was the exceptionally high carrying comfort, which never left anything to be desired, even on long working days with camera equipment, laptop, rain gear and personal kit.

As soon as you put it on for the first time, it becomes clear that the designers have given this some thought. The shoulder straps can be adjusted in length to your own body size just as precisely as the hip straps. As a result, the backpack sits firmly on your body without slipping or pressing uncomfortably. On the bike in particular, this is an advantage not to be underestimated – after all, a poorly fitting backpack quickly becomes an uncomfortable burden after a few hours. The Pathfinder 20, on the other hand, remains pleasantly unobtrusive even on longer rides. A real highlight is the magnetic buckle on the chest strap. What looks like a small detail at first glance turns out to be an enormously practical feature in everyday use. The magnetic quick-release buckle can be operated intuitively even with gloves on and practically snaps shut by itself as soon as the two halves of the buckle get close: one quick movement is all it takes to close or open the strap again. A clever little detail you won't want to do without after a short while. With its 20-litre capacity, the Westwind Pathfinder offers enough space for everyday use. Particularly practical is the large main compartment, which easily accommodates a laptop. According to the manufacturer, a 13-inch device fits, and in practice there is still enough room left over for chargers, rain gear and/or camera equipment. The waterproof construction reliably protects against rain and spray. The Pathfinder meets the IPX6 protection rating and is therefore well equipped even for heavy downpours.

More info on the Pathfinder backpack can be found here.

In addition to the generous main compartment with two mesh pockets inside, the backpack has a quick-access outer compartment. During our test, this proved particularly useful for things you need regularly – such as your smartphone, wallet, batteries or keys. Instead of having to open the main compartment every time, a quick reach from the outside is all it takes. Another feature sets the Pathfinder 20 apart from many competitors: included in the box is an integrated net that lets you attach a full-face helmet to the outside of the backpack when needed. If, for example, you want to pick someone up on the bike, you can comfortably carry the extra helmet on the way there without having to awkwardly strap it to the bike. The net holds a full-face helmet securely and makes transport as uncomplicated as it gets. The choice of materials also leaves a robust impression. According to the manufacturer, the 600D composite fabric used is designed to be waterproof, abrasion-resistant and tear-resistant. Overall, the build quality gives the impression of having been developed for the rough day-to-day life of motorcycling and not just for the walk from the car to the office. Also practical is the provision for attaching the Pathfinder directly to the bike. This means the backpack can also be strapped onto the pillion seat as a small "tail bag" if required. With an empty weight of around 1600 grams, the Pathfinder 20 isn't one of the absolute lightweights in its class, but in practice this is hardly noticeable. The reason is the excellently tuned carrying system, which distributes the weight evenly and ensures high comfort even when fully loaded. The Westwind Moto Pathfinder 20 is available for 77.95 euros in green, beige and black.

You can buy the backpack directly at westwindmoto.com - use code 1000PS at checkout for an additional discount!

The Westwind Moto Pathfinder 20 impresses above all with its great everyday usability. The well-thought-out carrying system, the excellently adjustable straps, the comfortable fit and the clever magnetic buckles make it a companion that works just as well on the bike as it does in daily use off it. Add to that the waterproof construction, the secure transport of electronics and the practical helmet net solution. During our multi-day stint around the Newchurch Summit, the backpack certainly showed no weaknesses and quickly became a piece of kit you no longer have to think about. And that is probably the greatest compliment you can pay a motorcycle backpack.