A Word Of Caution Regarding Luke's Ultralite

[Matthew / BPL]

I’m disappointed to hear that.

[Frank E]

Similar story here. I have purchased high quality items from LU over the years and had been very pleased with the quality and service. Then in the spring of 2017 I had to do a PayPal claw back for items not received. I did this at the suggestion of Mark his brother who turned out to be his father. Late this winter I placed another order thinking he was rebuilding his business and reputation. I used a credit card. After the date passed for delivery I contacted him had he said he might be able to send me one of the items, maybe. Spooked by that and the continuing reports here and elsewhere I did a claw back through my credit card. I did not want to take a three hundred dollar hit. I am glad I did because apparently shortly thereafter he started asking for personal checks for payment ? Huge red flag. Still and yet, I hope for the best for Luke and his dad. I do not personally know what all the issues are that they are dealing with so I will not pass judgement on them but cannot recommend that anyone order from them directly at this time.

[Kattt]

“I noticed that Dutchware starting selling shirts that look a LOT like Luke’s laundry shorts. I forgot that the two brands were affiliated”

They are not affiliated any more than i am affiliated with other vendors that are on Outdoortrailgear. We are just hosted there.

[Dena Kelley]

If he’s taking personal checks, which ostensibly would have to be mailed, then he’s also committed mail fraud.

And yeah, I don’t think we should all be happy for him getting back on his feet when he has many, many customers who he has unfulfilled orders for or owes refunds. He needs to take care of existing orders before taking new orders or at least work on them simultaneously.

And frankly his brother/dad Mark seems just as shady, based on what I’ve read.

[Ken Larson]

If you have an issue with LUKE’S ULTRALITE  concerning the loss of money for good he did not make,  may I suggest contacting Carol O’Brien ([email protected] )  a prosecuting attorney for Delaware County, OH. OR if you prefer you can use the Crime Victims Rights Toolkit ( https://victimsrightstoolkit.com/ )

[jason a]

Thanks Ken, that is a good post and I will contact Carol and I’ll see what happens. The sheriff’s office sent the investigation up to attorney general for the county but I’m not sure where it went from there. I will say that I have been following Luke’s and his fathers Facebook and Instagram page. Facebook has not been updated since late May and Instagram has been taken down. I know I reported the business as fraudulent to both entities so maybe some progress.

[Mark R]

My first two orders with Luke went well.  My third order for a rain jacket, which I made on 03 March 2018 has yet to be fulfilled. I waited patiently for one month, then started sending a few emails over the second and third months.  During that period, I received two emails, with the promise to complete the order.  In June I gave up and requested my refund.  I have followed up with three more requests.  All the talk about honorable veteran is no longer applicable.  He took my money and has ignored me.  My opinion now is the this guy a rip-off con.

[Joshua H]

Same here.

July 22nd orddered $300 in rain gear.  Doesn’t respond.

6 weeks later I send a message on his website asking for a new jacket – replies in less than 2 hours, and continues to respond.   Send message about my old order and wanting a refund – ignores.

How can any business ignore customers who have paid $300.

 

[Joshua H]

The Better Business Bureau has given him a rating of “F”.

Venmo has banned him from their services.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has investigated previous complaints and can not get in touch with him.

And he is still quickly responding to inquires on his website about new orders.

[Matthew / BPL]

His website doesn’t load for me.

[Gumbo]

Me too. None too soon, by the sounds of it.

[Ken Larson]

[Roger Caffin]

Thank you Ken for the posting.
All very sad, for both Luke and for his customers.

Cheers

[Ryan Smith]

Bummer. I wore my LUL windshirt just yesterday. It’s a great piece.

Ryan

[Frank E]

It looks like someone / some entity finally shut him down. If you look on Facebook ( Luke Stegner ) he is trying to sell off a lot of his clothing material, zippers, down, etc. trying to raise what money he can that way ? Sad. I would say if you haven’t gotten your money or goods at this point you are SOL.

[Frank E]

Not sure how to word this but, as an addendum to this thread. Luke made some of my favorite gear and some of it I still use to this day. I purchased it early on before the issues arose.
Luke died on 12/31/22 at the age of 38. His father, Mark died in 2021 at the age of 62. Luke’s obit stated that he was “now at peace”  I hope he is. Addiction is a hell of a beast to fight and I have lost more than one friend / family member to it.

[Matthew / BPL]

Luke made great gear, communicated clearly and was wonderfully accommodating to requests until things went off the rails. I have several pieces of his gear which are among my favorites.

I hope he is at peace now.

[Thom]

He made me some very nice things. I packed his rain jacket today for a trip.
thom

[Todd T]

Sad news.  An extra-long pair of his wind pants (with zippers) goes on most of my trips.

[Nick B]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>That’s a shame. Always hate to see a man fall to his demons. RIP.</p>

[Jeff McWilliams]

I had one of his eVent jackets which I really loved.  Sad news.  :-(

[Eli]

Rest in peace. I’ve used one of his silnylon rain suits for many years.

[Gerry B.]

I have one of his windjackets and a pair of windpants that are still my go-to’s after all these years.  The pants have about a dozen small tenacious tape patches from walking through briars but I still love them.  My wife sewed the stuff sacks for each of them onto the jacket and pants so they get stuffed into them but I can never lose them.

[Author]

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