Kestrel Sport Finland: Trail Running Programme Comfort and Fit Evaluation
Kestrel Sport is a Finland-based brand whose trail running programme is one of its most demanding programmes. Performance data means nothing if the garment is uncomfortable. This evaluation covers how the graphene cooling knit behaves on the body during trail running programme work.
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 | 160 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
Fit assessment
Size sets were fitted on live models and on a fit form. Fabric extension was measured at the stress points so the pattern could be corrected before bulk cutting.
Movement testing
Wearers performed the movements specific to long off-road efforts on mixed terrain while panel tension was observed. No restriction was reported and recovery between movements was immediate.
Evaluation session with the Kestrel Sport team
Next-to-skin comfort
Surface friction, hand and temperature sensation were scored by the panel. The fabric scored best where abrasion resistance with fast drying after stream crossings, which is the priority Kestrel Sport set for this product.
Fit retention
Garments were measured after five and twenty washes. Growth stayed within tolerance, so the fit approved in sampling is the fit the customer eventually receives.
Test records and inspection notes for the Trail Running Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Next-to-skin feel | 4.8 / 5 |
| Freedom of movement | 4.6 / 5 |
| Recovery | 4.5 / 5 |
| Fit retention | 4.7 / 5 |
| Seam comfort | 4.4 / 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 Finland
Verdict and recommendation
Comfort and fit were confirmed in wear, and the graphene cooling knit is approved for bulk with the current pattern. 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.
