Kestrel® Library

Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters & the Outdoors (See more Kestrel applications)

Snow Sports  
Snow conditions can change by the minute. In 2006 the Kestrel 4000 helped the US Olympic Biathlon team select appropriate equipment and wax on the slopes in Turin as an official team sponsor. All Kestrel Meters feature an external temperature sensor making snow temperature measurement as simple as sticking the unit right into the snow pack. Add in wind, wet bulb temperature, relative humidity, wind chill, and barometric pressure, and the Kestrel 3500 and 4000 are portable, full-service weather stations ideal for monitoring any resort or facility with no setup required. Track conditions relating to snowmaking right where the equipment is operating. Add value to ski tours with real-time weather information. Equip ski patrol with a Kestrel to provide condition reports from all areas of the mountain. snow sports

Sailing and Boating  
The Kestrel family features 10 weather meters that are ideal as supplemental on-board weather stations for large craft (no external power or setup required), or sole weather instruments for small craft. Use a Kestrel 1000 to assess wind speeds and sail setup, and step up to a Kestrel 4000 to monitor all weather conditions. Automatic data storage and on-screen barometric pressure trend graphs make it easy to track developing storms. Plus every Kestrel is completely waterproof and floats, so you don't have to worry about dropping it overboard. sailing and boating

Hang Gliding, Para-sports and Ballooning  
Hang gliding, paragliding, parachuting, and ballooning all are influenced heavily by one thing — the wind. The Kestrel 1000 offers the easiest way to accurately measure wind speed, average wind and maximum wind gusts wherever you're planning to ride or jump, and the Kestrel 2500 is an inexpensive way to measure altitude and pressure. The large replaceable impeller ensures accurate readings, and the waterproof case and slip-on cover ensure your investment will last for years of flights. With a 5-year warranty and starting at under $90, a Kestrel meter is a must-have for any air-sports participant. hang gliding

Backpacking, Camping, Climbing and Mountaineering  
Anytime you are enjoying the outdoors away from civilization, it's important to monitor the weather to ensure that you aren't caught unprepared for a storm. Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters are ideal for just that - slip one in your pack and you have a weatherman on your trip with you. Barometric pressure and dew point help to predict weather trends; wind chill and heat stress index warn of dangerous conditions for long-term exposure. The Kestrel 4000's extensive memory and computer interface is ideal for keeping logs or sending information back to base camp. Whether you are a car camper leaving for a day hike, or a high altitude mountaineer making a push for the summit, make sure the conditions are favorable with an easy-to-use Kestrel Meter. Backpacking, Camping, Climbing and Mountaineering

Search & Rescue and Avalanche Control  
Avalanche and search and rescue teams need to quickly and accurately assess the conditions wherever they're working. A fast-responding Kestrel Meter makes it easy to monitor exposure and heat stress conditions. A Kestrel 4000 allows ground crews to report the density altitude and ground conditions to the rescue helicopters for safe evacuations. Working dog handlers can make use of Kestrel meters to monitor the wind speed, temperature and humidity conditions and keep their dogs working safely and effectively. Search & Rescue and Avalanche Control

Wind Surfing and Kite Boarding  
The local weather report doesn't do a lot of good when your passion is wind surfing, kite boarding or any other wind and water sport. You need to know the wind speed right where you are. For under $90, equip yourself with the accurate, light, waterproof Kestrel 1000. Want to know the water temperature, too? Step up to the Kestrel 2000 and measure instantaneous water and air temperature. The Kestrel plays as hard as you do - it's completely waterproof and floats, has a sturdy slip-on cover, and allows you to replace the impeller in the unlikely event of damage. Wind Surfing and Kite Boarding

Paddling  
Avid paddlers like to know the wind speed and water temperature, and the Kestrel 2000 is the perfect tool. Tie a 3-ounce Kestrel onto your life-vest and know the facts wherever you paddle. Those who choose to explore distant shores can select a Kestrel 3500 or 4000 to monitor changing weather conditions and possible storms. Every Kestrel is compact, light and waterproof — there's no reason to leave the weather to chance. paddling

Aviation  
Whether you fly a private plane, small helicopter, ultralight or glider, it's critical to know the weather when taking off and landing. The president of Kestrel is a competitive glider pilot and his know-how is reflected in every Kestrel instrument. Pilots who fly into unimproved locations will particularly appreciate the Kestrel 4000 with wind speed, altitude, barometric pressure and density altitude readings. & aviation

FAQs  

Get the answer to this and other questions at NK's:

Knowledge Center

Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters & the Outdoors Brochure (PDF)

What's so great about the Kestrel impeller?
The Kestrel impeller measures 1 inch across, and turns on a Swiss precision pivot mounted on sapphire bearings. Its large size ensures accurate readings even if pointed off-angle from the wind, and its very low start-up speed allows measurement of the lightest puffs of wind. If damaged, a new calibrated impeller can be purchased for $19 and popped in without tools, restoring like-new performance.

How does the Kestrel measure humidity so accurately? 
The Kestrel features a patented dual temperature sensor configuration for rapid response and accurate measurement. Every Kestrel is calibrated against NIST-traceable standards, and can be recalibrated in the field with the Kestrel RH kit.

What's that curly looking thing? 
That's the patented Kestrel temperature sensor. Unlike most watches and other products with a temperature measurement, the Kestrel sensor is outside the case to ensure it measures the air, not your hand or pocket. The "curls" serve to further isolate the temperature sensor from the effects of the case temperature.

How does the Kestrel measure altitude?
The Kestrel uses an atmospheric pressure sensor and calculates altitude based on a standard atmosphere. This is just like the altimeter in an airplane, or an altimeter watch. It's more accurate than a GPS altimeter, but does require periodic reset of the reference pressure to eliminate weather effects.

Does the Kestrel have a GPS in it?
No, not yet. We may add basic GPS location to a future Kestrel model, but we'll leave the full-blown mapping and navigation to the companies that specialize in GPS as much as we specialize in weather.

Do you really mean MADE in the USA?
Yes.  The entire Kestrel line is designed and built in the USA. Some electronic components have to be sourced overseas these days, but we buy American wherever we can.

Who do I call if I have a problem? 
You call us!  From our Customer Service Representatives to the President of the company, we all answer the phone and know these products inside and out.  If you have a problem, we'll fix it. Kestrels hardly ever break, but if they do, they're covered by a 5-year warranty.