C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw Review

First Impressions of C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is a piece of climbing equipment designed to connect your rope to protection points on a climb. Manufactured by C.A.M.P., a brand known for their lightweight and innovative climbing gear, this quickdraw aims to offer security and ease of use, particularly with its keylock carabiners and locker on one end. My first impression was focused on the locker feature, aiming to minimize accidental gate openings – a concern close to my heart after a near miss on a multi-pitch route last year.

I was seeking a reliable and secure quickdraw for multi-pitch trad climbing, where peace of mind is paramount. I needed something that would inspire confidence when clipping into less-than-ideal placements, and the locking carabiner on the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw seemed like a promising solution.

Out of the package, the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw felt solid. The carabiners had a smooth action, and the dogbone webbing felt durable without being overly stiff. Compared to my older Black Diamond quickdraws, the C.A.M.P. offering appeared more refined, particularly the keylock design which eliminates the annoying snagging issues I’ve experienced with notched gates. I also considered the Petzl Djinn Axess quickdraw, a popular choice for sport climbing, but ultimately chose the C.A.M.P. due to the added security of the locking carabiner.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The quickdraw seemed well-made, but the true test would be how it performed on the rock. The locking biner added some bulk, but I was keen to see if the added security would outweigh any handling drawbacks.

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Real-World Testing: Putting C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw on a granite multi-pitch climb in the Sierra Nevada. The route involved a mix of crack climbing and face climbing, presenting diverse scenarios for gear placement.

The quickdraw performed admirably in varied conditions. Even with gritty granite dust coating everything, the carabiner gates remained relatively smooth. Clipping the rope into the non-locker biner was easy, as expected, and the locking action on the other end was simple and intuitive.

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw was easy to get used to, especially due to its intuitive gate mechanism. I did have to consciously remember to lock the gate, but it quickly became second nature. The keylock design proved its worth almost immediately, eliminating the frustrating snags I was used to.

I did notice that the locker carabiner was slightly heavier than a standard carabiner, making the quickdraw a touch more bulky. But the added security was worth it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw has held up impressively. The dogbone webbing shows no signs of fraying, and the carabiner gates still operate smoothly.

The only minor wear and tear is some cosmetic scratching on the carabiner bodies. This is to be expected from granite climbing and doesn’t affect functionality. Cleaning is easy – a quick rinse with water and a scrub with a soft brush is all it takes to remove dirt and grime.

Compared to my old quickdraws, the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw outperforms them in terms of security and ease of use. The locking carabiner provides added peace of mind, and the keylock design eliminates annoying snags. The added weight is negligible compared to the benefits.

Breaking Down the Features of C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw

Specifications

• The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw features a straight gate carabiner on one end and a Locker (screwgate) carabiner on the other. The Locker provides increased security by preventing accidental gate opening.
• The length of the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is 12 cm, making it a good all-around length for a variety of climbing situations. This length offers a balance between reducing rope drag and minimizing fall distance.
• The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is manufactured by C.A.M.P., known for their lightweight and high-performance climbing gear. C.A.M.P. has a long history of innovation and quality in the climbing industry.
• The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw has a ‘Last Chance’ specification. Although the exact intent is vague from the product description, this suggests that it’s designed for situations where a secure connection is critical, emphasizing the reliability of the locker mechanism.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the quickdraw’s performance and safety. The locking carabiner provides added security, the length balances rope drag and fall distance, and the C.A.M.P. brand ensures quality and reliability. The ‘Last Chance’ specification, though unclear, reinforces the focus on security.

Performance & Functionality

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw performs its job exceptionally well. It securely connects the rope to the protection point, and the locking carabiner provides an extra layer of security.

The straight gate biner makes rope clipping easy and smooth, while the locker biner provides peace of mind at the anchor or on suspect placements. The only minor weakness is the added weight of the locker biner, but this is a worthwhile trade-off for the increased security. It definitely meets my expectations, particularly in potentially sketchy placements.

Design & Ergonomics

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The carabiners are easy to handle, and the dogbone webbing is comfortable to grip.

The keylock design eliminates annoying snags, and the locking mechanism is intuitive and easy to use. There’s no significant learning curve – it’s ready to use straight out of the package.

Durability & Maintenance

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw appears to be very durable. The materials are high-quality, and the construction is solid.

With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years of climbing. Cleaning is simple, requiring only water and a soft brush.

Accessories and Customization Options

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.

It is compatible with standard climbing ropes and protection points. The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw carabiners are standard size and shape, and should work with most commercially available climbing gear.

Pros and Cons of C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw

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Who Should Buy C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw?

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is perfect for:

• Trad climbers: The locking carabiner adds an extra margin of safety in trad climbing situations, where placements can be less predictable.
• Multi-pitch climbers: The added security is particularly valuable on long multi-pitch routes, where mistakes can have serious consequences.
• Beginner climbers: Provides new climbers with added peace of mind as they develop their gear placement skills.

Who should skip this product?

• Sport climbers: Sport climbers who prioritize weight over security may find the locking carabiner unnecessary.
• Those on a tight budget: Cheaper, non-locking quickdraws are available for those who are looking to save money.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A good climbing harness: A comfortable and well-fitting harness is essential for all climbers.
• A belay device: A reliable belay device is crucial for safe climbing.

Conclusion on C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw

The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is a well-designed and reliable piece of climbing equipment that offers an added layer of security. While the locking carabiner adds a slight amount of weight, the peace of mind it provides is well worth the trade-off.

The price is justified by the quality of construction and the enhanced safety features. The C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is a solid investment for climbers who prioritize safety and reliability.

I would personally recommend the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw to any climber looking for a secure and easy-to-use quickdraw. If you’re a trad climber or multi-pitch climber looking for an extra margin of safety, the C.A.M.P. Locker Draw KS Quickdraw is an excellent choice. Go climb with confidence.