As active outdoor enthusiasts we often spend a great deal of time analyzing the weather. After all, we need to know if conditions will be good for that afternoon mountain bike ride or whether or not we can expect rain on weekend camping trip. Smartphones have made it easier than ever to monitor the forecast on a consistent basis, but those devices weren’t built to provide any information about the weather patterns that are occurring directly around us. Worse yet, if you’re traveling through the backcountry and lose a cell connection, you won’t be able to get any weather updates at all. But a handy new gadget called the INO Weather Pro can prevent that from happening by providing real-time weather data anytime and anywhere.
Equipped with an array of special sensors the Weather Pro is capable of tracking temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, heat index, dew points, and more. It can even use its onboard barometric pressure sensor to accurately gauge your current altitude too. A record of all of that data that the device records is then stored in the Weather Pro’s logbooks, which the user can review at any time, essentially putting a mini weather station right in the palm of your hand.
Compact and rugged, the Weather Pro was designed to withstand the abuse that comes from using it in the outdoors. Its bright yellow case feels extremely durable, despite the fact that weighs just 6.6 ounces. That same case is water resistant as well, making it safe to use in the snow and rain. It is important to point out that it isn’t waterproof however, so be careful not to drop it in a river or lake.
The Weather Pro’s user interface is simple and intuitive. So much so that you can literally pick it up and start using it immediately without having to endure much of a learning curve. The device features a touchscreen for selecting its various options and each of the choices is clearly marked and easy to understand. That screen is clear and highly functional, displaying the various readings in a large block font that is easy to read. It does have a tendency to wash out in bright sunlight however, which isn’t a great option for a gadget designed for use outdoors.
One of the Weather Pro’s more highly touted features is its ability to detect lightning strikes within a 40 mile area and provide both visual and auditory warnings. This is a potentially life-saving feature for outdoor enthusiasts who could find themselves in remote places when dangerous storms hit. Knowing when it is safe to keep moving and when its time to take cover could make all the difference. That said, while testing the device ourselves, we found that it sometimes registered false strikes, even on a clear day. Fortunately, those readings never set off an alarm on the device itself and only showed up in the device’s logs.
Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, INO says that the Weather Pro can be powered on for up to 30 hours straight without needing to be plugged into a power source. To conserve energy, the device will automatically drop into a sleep mode, turning off its screen while still monitoring the weather conditions in the immediate area. This allows it to continue to collect weather data and issue alerts, while staying active for an extended period of time. While testing the device ourselves, we found the battery life actually exceeded expectations.
The INO Weather Pro sells for $497 (currently on sale for $447), which makes it an expensive investment for most of us. But, it should prove to be an invaluable tool for outdoor professionals, climbers, guides, and adventure athletes who need to keep an eye on the weather at all times. For them, this is a product that isn’t just about knowing how hot or cold it is, or when it might rain. Instead, it is an important safety device that could mean the difference between life and death. That’s the kind of security that you can’t put a price tag on.
Find out more at inotechnologies.com.