The new premium CoCoRaHS Rain Gauge

Approved as the "Premium CoCoRaHS Gauge", the TROPO exceeds the specs required by professionals and provides the ease-of-use appreciated by enthusiasts.

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98/100
Rated 98/100 by The Weather Station Experts™
Five stars
Rated 5/5 stars on The Climalytic™ Store
Five stars
Rated 5/5 stars on Google
Four and a half stars
Rated 4.8/5 stars on Amazon
A close up view of rain water collected in the TROPO rain gauge's inner and outer cylinders.

Why are rain gauges valuable?

  • Gardeners and farmers can optimize planting and irrigation
  • Meteorologists and citizen scientists can study climate trends
  • Precipitation data can be collected for insurance claims
  • Precipitation data can be collected for forensic cases
  • Homeowners get precipitation data for their exact location

Why use a manual rain gauge?

  • Superior accuracy when compared with automatic rain gauges
  • Superior reliability when compared with automatic rain gauges
  • Obtain “ground truth” precipitation measurements
  • No power required
  • No internet required
  • No need for calibration
  • Fast and easy deployment
  • Provides a fun way to engage with the environment
  • Allows for participation in citizen science projects, like CoCoRaHS
The TROPO rain gauge installed in a field with a stormy sky and big trees in the background.

Here's how the TROPO stands out.

The TROPO is a manual rain gauge that meets the accuracy and specification requirements of CoCoRaHS and NOAA. Based on NOAA’s National Weather Service Standard Gauge, the TROPO Rain Gauge uses the same dual cylinder design to measure precipitation at a resolution of 0.01 inches (.25 mm). The inner cylinder holds 1 inch (25 mm) of precipitation, while the outer cylinder holds up to 12.5 inches (317.5 mm) of overflow. The inner cylinder and funnel cap are removable to allow for catchment of snowfall or other frozen precipitation. The TROPO has revolutionized both accuracy and convenience, and is considered the “Premium CoCoRaHS Gauge”.

TROPO rain gauge features

  • CoCoRaHS approved
  • Resolution to the nearest .01" (.25 mm)
  • 4 inch (101.6 mm) diameter opening
  • Removable cap
  • Freeze-proof
  • Can measure frozen precipitation, like snow
  • UV and weather-resistant polycarbonate material
  • Lasting clarity
  • Units in both metric and imperial
  • 13.5" (342.9 mm) maximum capacity
  • Textured grips on the outer cylinder for secure handling
  • Outer cylinder graduations for quick, estimated readings
  • Pour spout on outer cylinder
  • Funnel opening atop inner cylinder
  • Inner cylinder stabilizing base
  • Beveled seat for inner cylinder
  • Tall cap for better catchment
  • Locking funnel cap
  • Removable bird deterrent rods
  • Removable handle
  • Mounting bracket for pole or post installation
  • Weather-protected bracket design for easy mounting/unmounting
  • Easy, no-tool installation
  • Includes a bubble level
  • Includes a cleaning brush

Here’s what others have to say.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS Headquarters is pleased to designate the TROPO rain gauge, manufactured by Climalytic Instruments, LLC, as another approved manual 4-inch rain gauge for CoCoRaHS. Field testing has demonstrated the TROPO rain gauge is accurate, and it incorporates observer-friendly features such as greater capacity, improved mounting bracket, and multiple mounting options.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Tyler Johnson

I’ve recently purchased the Tropo rain gauge, and it has been excellent. It is very accurate and best of all easy to use. I really enjoy the forethought that they had designing this gauge all the way down to the accessories that it came with. The brush I didn’t think I’d really need, but it really comes in handy more than I would have thought. If you’re having reservations buying this product… don’t. I highly recommend it!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Jason Sullivan

Everything about the experience was quality. From customer service to fast shipping to packaging of the gauge to instructions to the quality of the product itself.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Nick Stefano - Sussex County Weather / North Jersey Weather Observers

I have had the new TROPO Precipitation Gauge for over a month now. This gauge will supersede the standard Clear-Vu gauge. It is more robust, holds more precipitation, mounts easily, has a nicely incorporated handle and side grips for emptying the tube when necessary, easy to read graduated precipitation amounts in both mm and inches and, those bird spikes around the top rim really help by stopping our feather friends from sitting on the rim. (You know the rest). It even comes with a long cleaner brush to clean deep inside the tube when needed. They put a lot of thought into this gauge and I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who takes their weather readings of precipitation seriously and accurately. Great job!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Diane RMD

Five stars for both! Best customer service and assistance with shipping needs. Top quality product. I appreciate the increased precision and the improved "user friendliness" built into this tool. Worth every penny and then some!!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Brian Hamilton

This Rain Gauge is without a doubt the most well thought out and quality made gauge out there in the 4 inch category. Tye the inventor of the rain gauge put a 110% effort into its creation, and thought of everything.It is a well built QUALITY product ,and tested for complete accuracy. All of the extras you need to install and maintain the gauge are included! If you are SERIOUS about measuring Precipitation…. Look no further, just order this gauge! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! It’s a Top Shelf product…..from a Top Shelf Family Company. Finally their Customer Service is Amazing. As they say……JUST DO IT!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Carl Compton

I got my new TROPO gauge installed today, very easy to work with. I was very impressed with the packaging and excellent quality of the gauge!!! A very SATISFIED CoCoRaHS observer!!! I would recommend this gauge to anyone!!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Michael Sandler

The Tropo rain Gauge solved a number of problems I had with the Stratus Gauge I've been using for 30+ years. I need to mount the gauge on a pole to get it high enough to avoid the community sprinklers. I had the Stratus mounted to the pole using Bungee cords, not exactly ideal. The tropo with the included ties mounts securely to the pole. I also had problems with bird poop which the included bird spikes should take care of. It is also, much easier to put the tube back in, it balances nicely compared to the Stratus. It is also easier to read the rain accumulation and the spout & handle makes it easier to pour amounts over 1 inch. Great Job, highly recommended!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Brent Lamb

I knew when I opened the box that I had made the right choice when I ordered. I have now had over an inch at time. It's easy to pore from the large cylinder in to the small one. I recommend this for everyone wanting a new gauge.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Joshua Ortiz Rosario

Great product to read rain acumulations and a new inversion for CoCoRaHS.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Mike Jewell

Loving this rain gauge. It is so very well designed, manufactured and packaged. I drove a metal fence post in the ground and had it mounted and ready for rain in about 30 minutes. I have a Davis electronic, automated rain gauge that is super convenient to use/read but it's nowhere near as fun as actually seeing the water collect and getting a much better "feel" for just how much rain is 0.02 inches. Or 1.67 inches! Well done Climalytic!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Kevin S.

The Tropo rain gauge is great. It is made with high quality materials that give it a great fit and finish. It is also extremely clear, which makes taking readings even easier. I also love that the top snaps on keeping it in place, and that the inner tube has the funnel built into it making the whole thing easier. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a high quality gauge.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Bob Valen

I installed the gauge the day in it arrived. A few days later we had a nice rain event. The reading of the gauge is much more precise and easy than my old gauge. This is truly a scientific instrument.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Randall Yates

It's a thing of beauty and scientific! Can't wait for some rain. Thank you.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Michael Sparks, Kentucky CoCoRaHS observer

Out-of-the-box I was impressed by the crystal clear optical clarity of the cylinder material, and the sharp resolution of the laser engraving. A comment on the material: Based on specifications, I believe the material used will have longer clarity life using its UV enhanced material. This state-of-the-art construction almost felt 'flimsy' at first, because of appearance and material, compared to the 'other name', but it is at least as strong-- maybe stronger. Impressive. The outer cylinder measurement lines are an impressive addition, just be sure to use them as an approximation, as emphasized in the documentation. I compared the inner cylinder measurements (water density/weight measurements), with 6 "other name" cylinders of various production cycles, and found the Tropo one hundred percent consistent from .01" to 1", while the "other" name varied from 2%-10% across various volumes/cylinders. And, out of curiosity, on this specific instrument, I DID check the outer gauge markings 'for approximations', and determined, that on this production run, they were very accurate, but will state again, they're NOT to be used for measurement, follow the decant procedure. The mathematically computed slight taper of the cylinders and laser controlled post-process engraving has produced what appears to be a very accurate instrument, within it's resolution of 0.01". The funnel design of the inner cylinder is very convenient for outer cylinder decant into the inner cylinder. Even easier with the 'pour' spout molded in the outer cylinder! Just note the position of the Tropo's precision 1" overflow slot, to avoid decant spillage. Again, the 6 "other name" cylinders 1" overflow varied from -0.02" to +.03". I believe the 'nesting' design will aid in preventing evaporation loss. Upper cap has a 'locking' feature to minimize 'blow offs' which MAY be a little 'tight' on first few uses. The unit came with 8 optional bird spikes, which are obviously sharp, and with that snap-on cylinder cap, I'd urge care with my hands/eyes. I added tiny silicon tips to mine. There has been effort and thought into the cylinder designs, most not obvious at first... e.g. seating the inner cylinder into the outer is remarkable easy, compared to the 'hit-or-miss' balancing act on the 'other name'. The mounting bracket design and construction is a major innovation. It inserts easily, and 'snaps' slightly to lock. More importantly, it required just a minor tap to free when 'frozen', compared to very difficult removal on the 'other name' gauge. I did not evaluate the 'pole' mount, though that design is similar to the 'post' bracket. The addition of an add-on handle should prove welcome to those in high precip regions, especially since this will hold 13" liquid! I initially found it slightly cumbersome and a bit awkward during the few opportunities, choosing to utilize those wonderful finger grip moldings on the outer cylinder. Like anything new, some experience will prove its value!

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Ric W. (New Hampshire CoCoRaHS Observer)

From careful measurements by weight it is clear that TROPO is more accurate than similar 4" rain gauges on the market. The longer inner tube is easy to read. I expect TROPO will be the premier manual rain gauge for years to come.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Cheryl J. - Southwestern OR (NWS Spotter and CoCoRaHS daily reporter)

Sleek design, highly accurate, easy to mount, and simple to use. Some highlights that will not disappoint: Easy slide on/slide off secure/sturdy mounting bracket, convenient pour spout on the large tube and a brilliantly designed handle that slides onto the outer tube's mounting bracket to pour off your precip in excess of 1" into the inner tube. As a beta tester, I feel privileged to evaluate this excellently designed rain gauge and provide feedback to make it a better product for a wider audience.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
C. Ervin

Makes tracking precipitation. Very accurate down to 1/100 of inch.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
James Carter

Very well constructed rain gauge. Should last for years.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Anna B

I was excited to get this rain gauge. Love the fact that it is larger and easy to read, especially for the elderly. We installed close to the front door to give our elderly parents the opportunity to enjoy checking the rain levels. Easy to attach to a pole and made very well.

CoCoRaHS
Five stars
Ish Kabible

I had to hurry to get this installed before the rain finally hits (hopefully). Installation was a breeze. I just knocked a t-post into the ground and used a couple of hose clamps that fit right in the pre-cut grooves in the mounting bracket. Looks pretty cool. In case of monsoon this unit has a huge capacity. One of the nice features of this rain gauge is its ability to measure precipitation down to hundredths of an inch. This level of precision sets it apart from other gauges I've used in the past. This will now allow me to do my own measurements instead of depending on some of the local weather reporting stations around here. The difference between me and them can sometimes be the difference between a downpour and a bust. I've got a thirsty pond and I need accuracy. I like the fact that it doesn't rely on batteries or complicated technology. It's a straightforward, analog solution that I can trust to deliver accurate measurements every time. If you're in search of a reliable, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing rain gauge, look no further. The Climalytic Tropo is a standout performer in every aspect. Highly recommended!

Measure with the best.

Whether you’re just getting started with precipitation observation, or you’re a seasoned professional looking for an upgrade, you will find that the TROPO Rain Gauge is the best tool for the job.

Order your TROPO gauge