****LOCUS GEAR****

Reader Gear Reviews gets much less traffic than the Gear forum, even though it's right at the top of the forum index. Frankly I find it only slightly more useful than "reviews" on backpacker magazine.

I've heard nothing but good feedback about Jotaro's customer service and the quality of Locus Gear items. The only slight blemish might be the CP3 pole rattle. But the shelters consistently review well, both here and on other websites / blogs.

What's the question behind the question, Ken?

I ended up with a Locus Gear Khufu in a gear trade. It is excellent quality.

I emailed back and forth with questions concerning custom made inners for the Khufu. Replies were all timely (within 12hrs) and helpful.

I ordered a pair of trekking poles and a DPTE and they arrived within 5 days of placing my order. Coming from Japan, I consider that very impressive ship time.

Stuart….I've read many POSTIVE postings concerning Locus Gear and it seemed strange that there is NO COMPANIES (Customer Service) & Equipment Reviews postings. I'm sure it just was an over sight by the many that have and use their equipment.

On May 31 I ordered a pair of CP3 poles. They shipped on June 3 and I received them on June 6. I have not noticed an audible rattle but it is possible to induce a vibration that lasts for about 1/2 second if the pole tip strikes a rock with some force. With less than 20 miles of walking with them I am very pleased so far.

The only slight nitpick is that the shipping "container" was not a box but merely some paper and plastic bags. Everything arrived OK, though.

i've ordered the CP3 poles from them and they arrived within days…very impressive.

I've emailed him about several things, including the rattle, and always had a great response quite quickly.

I think people just don't write reviews for that section any longer – all the ones on there are pretty old.

In the last six months I have purchased two sets of trekking poles (CP3), a Khufu-Hapi Cuben fiber shelter, inner, and DPTE. I have nothing but good things to say about them. Their products are top notch and impeccably made. I'd personally rate them above MLD and HMG where 'mid shelters are concerned.

Ken, my point was the fora you mentioned don't seem to be popular on BPL anymore. I put it down to the lack of discussion that results from a post there.

Looks like you're getting some good feedback to this thread.

Stuart….You are absolutely correct and anticipated a reply like yours. The reason I made a point with this company I believe the "newbie's/oldies" would benefit if people used them. BPL brought this to the attention of ALL when they made it one of the "front page" articles.

So all of you out their when you have a spare moment record your thoughts in Customer Service & Equipment Reviews on equipment and services that you purchased AND critique it in these postings……

Over the last few years I've bought a cuben Khufu, a custom 2/3 inner, a DPTE, CP3s, a Nanos, a Hypnos mat, and odds and ends from them. I've also privately bought a Pneuma Bivy eVent (thru Gear Swap).

I am very pleased with their service, and with the quality of their products.

I highly recommend them.

Robert, what do you think of the Hypnos mat? I tried to get more information on it to see if I could source one locally. It seems to just be a particular type of industrial (?) foam. I wonder if anyone has used the Nyx quilt. LG has taken a lot of my money, what's a couple hundred more for a nice synthetic quilt? ;)

Dave, I find the Hypnos mat to be great – it's tough and light, but the surface has just the right consistency for comfort. (I'd really like another that's thinner as well, for day trips). I notice the LG site seems not to be listing them at present (?). I've not tried the quilt, went the EE way instead.

http://locusgear.com/products-2/accessories/hypnos-mat?lang=en

Still listed but out of stock.

I'd be interested to try it too if they had one half as thick at 6mm, and short.