BattlBox is a subscription service delivering survival and tactical gear every month. Each month has a theme based on a different experience with a focus on preparedness and survival.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is of the Pro Plus, $149.99 a month, box.
The Subscription Box: BattlBox
The Cost: $24.99 plus shipping for Basic, $49.99 plus shipping for Advanced, $99.99 plus shipping for Pro, and $149.99 plus shipping for Pro Plus.
The Products: A variety of tactical, survival and EDC gear
Ships to: U.S.
Check out all of our BattlBox reviews and the Men's Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Each month’s box is themed as a Mission and includes a detailed list of products and their values in all the different level options. This month’s theme is Outdoor Weather Protection!
Side note: As a reviewer, Battlbox sent us one of the items from the Pro/Pro Plus level in advance, but subscribers will receive a code to redeem for their specific size and will receive free shipping (3-4 week turnaround) on that item. This was a really smart move on Battlbox’s part - they know their subscriber base and want to ensure that all their subscribers get their preferred size rather than send out a one-size-fits-some item, especially at the Pro/Pro Plus level. If you are a subscriber, make sure to redeem your code by June 15, 2017!
Here are the items included in the Basic level ($24.99 cost / $60.27 value):
Frogg Toggs Adult Poncho - Value $10.38
First up this month is a poncho from Frogg Toggs. The poncho is your standard poncho size, but the outer layer is a soft, lightweight material that reminds me of nicer waterproof jackets. This isn’t your standard plastic sheet with a hood by any means. The interior is lined with a soft cottony material similar to the ez-towels from last month’s Battlbox, and it feels really nice against your skin, especially when it’s raining. There’s also a cinchable hood, which is a really nice feature for a poncho! While I wouldn’t normally reach for this item when considering camping gear, I’m actually kind of stoked to have it around. I was fortunate enough to have a nice rainy day to photograph and test this item, and it held up perfectly. Water just rushed off this material. It comes in it’s own pouch, though it is a separate piece and requires folding to make the poncho fit - don’t expect to just stuff it away when you’re done drying it out. At just over a half pound, you could easily toss this in your backpack if rain is a possibility on your next camping trip.
You’ll also get a 40% off coupon for future purchases of Frogg Toggs gear.
Duke Cannon Lip Balm 140º - Value $9.00
Up next we have this gigantic lip balm. I’m not kidding when I say gigantic, I would bet this thing is going to last me a year, even with daily usage. Just over a half ounce, it’s nearly 4 times the size of a standard Burt’s/Chap-Stick. It’s got a great blood orange mint scent (flavor?), and a 30 SPF rating. I actually dabbed a bit of this on my moustache too, as it’s mostly beeswax, and it kept my whiskers feeling soft and smelling pretty great for hours.
Duke Cannon also provides a 20% off coupon, chock full of their witty copy.
5ive Star Gear Shemagh - Value $7.95
Next up we have this handy shemagh. From what I can gather online, the most common pronunciation is “she-maah” but there are all sorts of opinions out there. How do you say it? This is truly a useful item. It’s very thin, allowing you to wrap and layer as needed for whatever situation you find yourself in. It’s designed to help combat dust and humidity, and help with ventilation in arid climates. Also, it’s a fashion item to some. I’ll admit, I didn’t really like this thing. I’m not a scarf guy, I’m not a Buff guy, I’ll deal with dust and sand getting on me and I don’t mind applying sunscreen. This item was a pass for me but I’m sure I’ll find someone who could get some use out of it.
Joshua Tree Winter Face Stick - Value $9.99
This product was a new idea for me. I’ve never considered using a beeswax stick to combat freezing temperatures. It seems this is mostly for moisturizing and healing chapped skin based on their product description, but now I guess I have a new fear. I suppose I should consider myself lucky I haven’t been exposed to weather so intense it would freeze my face. Unfortunately for this review, I haven’t been exposed to weather so intense it would freeze my face. I applied a bit of this to my cheeks before going to an outdoor concert, and it was fine. I’ll hang on to this for next winter and probably use it while shoveling or snowboarding.
Otter Wax Heavy Duty Fabric Wax - Value $12.95
I’ve never used a fabric wax before, but was definitely intrigued when I saw this item. The wax bar is perfect for reviving old waxed fabric items, waterproof items, and even for waterproofing or waxing items that weren’t waterproof to begin with. I haven’t yet decided what to use it on, but I’m thinking a wool ballcap might be my best option.
Readyman Basic Membership – Value $10.00
Included for free is a renewal for the basic membership to ReadyMan, a community founded by US Special Operation Forces veterans and skilled outdoorsmen. With the basic membership, you get the following:
In addition to the items included in the Basic box, here are the items included at the Advanced level: ($49.99 cost / $110.26 value)
Mission Enduracool Bucket Hat - Value $29.99
First up in the Advanced portion of this month’s box is this RealTree printed bucket hat from Mission. This hat boasts a 50 UPF rating to protect you from the sun, and it’s got Enduracool technology in the material. This basically means if you get it wet and wring it out, the material helps cool your skin. There are vents around the edge of the hat that help with that too, and there’s a cinch built in so a random gust doesn’t whisk this guy away. You may have noticed there is no image of me wearing this. Unfortunately, it was way too small for my head. I tried to squeeze it on there but it wasn’t happening. Luckily, I have an uncle who loves his camo bucket hats and I am excited to pass this along to him.
Yaxtrax Walk Traction Cleats - Value $20.00
I have always wanted a set of these, and was really excited to see the logo when I opened up the box this month! These cleats are awesome for icy winter walking and hiking. A friend has a pair and swears by them when we go winter camping. They fold down pretty small, small enough to just toss in a bag easily, and they’ll hold their shape. I wrapped one on my sneaker so you can see how they work - essentially like tire chains for your feet.
In addition to the items included in the Basic and Advanced boxes, here are the items included at the Pro level: ($99.99 cost / $253.24 value)
Dexshell Trekking Waterproof Socks - Value $42.99
These socks are crazy! Think of a wetsuit and you’ll be in the ballpark. I mean, they are fully waterproof so you could stand in a few inches of water and your feet would remain dry. They are a little thick, and there are multiple layers of material to them, so it may be difficult to fit them into boots if you don't have a little wiggle room. I am really excited to try these out on my next kayaking trip, and if rain is in the forecast for a camping trip I’m definitely going to pack them. You can’t beat dry feet.
Uncharted Supply Co. Hideaway Jacket - Value $79.99
This is the item I mentioned above that you will have to sign up for, and I can say that it is 100% worth the few minor steps involved to get it. This jacket from Uncharted is pretty fantastic. It stuffs down to the size of a can of soda, so you can always have it with you. It’s waterproof nylon, so it seems like a windbreaker but will actually keep rain off of you. It’s got built in pockets so you can go from a lightweight jacket to an insulated jacket in seconds as long as there’s something nearby to stuff into the lining. Newspaper, leaves, anything that will help hold in some heat - stuff it into the shell in an emergency! It weighs 10 ounces, so you can pretty much carry it anywhere, any time, and be prepared. I am 6’1” and the Large fits me comfortably, if that helps you decide what size you’ll need.
Readyman Premium Membership – Value $20.00
Pro and ProPlus Battlbox subscribers automatically get renewed access to the Premium side of ReadyMan, which includes the following:
In addition to the items included in the Basic, Advanced and Pro boxes, here are the items included at the ProPlus level: ($149.99 cost / $400.24 value)
SOG Kiku Satin Folder (Large) - Value $147.00
This month’s knife of the month is really beautiful. The Kiku from SOG is a collaboration between SOG and legendary knife maker Kiku Matsuda. It’s a little larger than some of the folders Battlbox has included in the past, but it feels really nice in your hand. The handle is made from linen micarta, and has a linen texture to it, giving it a ton of grip all over. 250 lucky Pro Plus members will receive a black blade version (which looks awesome.. Definitely wish I had gotten one! Did you?) I really loved that they included a second pocket clip allowing it to be worn reversibly - whichever hand you prefer. This is a slightly heavy knife due to the size, but still comes in just shy of a half pound. I have been using this as a standard utility blade since getting it. I don’t know that it’ll replace my Brous EDC knife from last month’s BattlBox due to size/weight, but it’s been a mainstay at my desk.
Verdict: Well, another BattlBox with a really well thought out curation. I’m not surprised at all. While a couple items weren’t for me, I won’t have any issues gifting them. The value is there as always - for a Pro Plus subscriber the value is nearly covered by the knife alone! Based on the most recent online prices, I put this month’s value at $400.24 - well over double the $149.99 cost. Rumor on their forum is next month’s Battlbox will be based on Urban Survival… can’t wait to see what they come up with!
What do you think about this month’s BattlBox?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.