Kestrel Sport Norway: Trail Running Programme Comparison Test
Kestrel Sport is a Norway-based brand whose trail running programme is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new graphene cooling knit against the fabric Kestrel Sport used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for trail running programme.
Kestrel Sport: Graphene Cooling Knit in use during long off-road efforts on mixed terrain
Evaluation background
The programme covers trail shorts, technical tees and light shells, used for long off-road efforts on mixed terrain. The environment is mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes and the requirement written into the brief was abrasion resistance with fast drying after stream crossings. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Graphene Cooling Knit |
| Composition | 90% polyester / 10% spandex with graphene filament |
| Weight | 160 GSM |
| Width | 170 cm |
| Primary function | gives an instant cool touch and spreads heat away from the body |
| Target | Q-max above 0.20 W/cm2 |
| Test method | Q-max contact cool feeling measurement |
| Additional note | far infrared emissivity above 0.88 |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Graphene Cooling Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
What was compared
Construction, weight and colour were held constant. The only difference was the fabric, which is the only way a comparison tells you anything useful.
Laboratory comparison
The new fabric reached Q-max above 0.20 W/cm2 against Q-max contact cool feeling measurement, while the previous material missed the same target. Comfort measurements were closer, which is expected because hand had already been approved.
Evaluation session with the Kestrel Sport team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes. Wearers described the new version as cleaner and lighter in use, even though the scales said the two garments weighed the same.
Cost comparison
The upgrade adds a modest amount per garment. Measured against the return rate of the previous season, the change pays for itself within a single drop.
Test records and inspection notes for the Trail Running Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.9 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.5 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.6 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.3 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.7 / 5 |
“Fifty washes later the fabric still performs. That is what convinced our buying team.” — Kestrel Sport Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Norway
Verdict and recommendation
The new graphene cooling knit outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Kestrel Sport the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue Q-max contact cool feeling measurement results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
