Cairn is a subscription service that delivers outdoor gear every month. They are inspired to enrich and expand the outdoor experience by fostering connections among those who create and enjoy it.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Cairn
The Subscription Box: Cairn
The Cost: $29.95 per month with discounts for 6- and 12- month subscriptions
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use this link to sign up for Cairn Obsidian and receive a bonus item of your choice!
The Products: “A recurring delivery of outdoor related products sent to your doorstep! Get introduced to new brands and products, including gear, apparel, nutrition/energy, skincare, and more.”
Ships to: U.S. for free, Canada for $5, and Internationally for $10
Cairn May 2018 Review
I couldn’t believe there was no sticker this month! I certainly don’t need any more really, but it was a surprise. We do get Cairn Scout though! Featuring all the info we’re used to - full descriptions of each item, coupons from manufacturers, a look at the current Obsidian box, tips for using your new gear, and more. It is printed on easily recyclable newsprint too.
Gerber Paraframe I in TI Serrated – Retail Value $25
First up this month is this gorgeous, lightweight folding knife from Gerber. The Paraframe I has an ultra durable handle with large chunks missing, cutting down on extraneous weight. I had a little trouble with closing it as the locking clip is heavily (purposefully) bent inwards and the frame doesn't have a ton of grip area. That said, the knife is still very nice. It fits well in my hand, and with the attached clip I think this would make an ideal EDC-style blade. One caveat: If you aren’t super careful, it is possible to cut yourself due to the open handle design. Possible, but very unlikely.
Flowfold Craftsman Wallet – Retail Value $19.00
Next up we get this interesting wallet from Flowfold. The craftsman is a step above a duct-tape style wallet with some added stitching to protect the edges. It’s got three pockets, though it’s really more like 2 - an inner and an outer. The outer acts as more of a billfold as the folded edge is not sewn shut. I was able to cram about 8 cards and a few bills in here before it felt really hard to get things in and out of. It doesn’t feel like it will stretch much. This is a great item for just-the-basics - you should take ID and health insurance cards with you especially if hiking alone, along with some emergency cash and/or credit cards. But you probably won’t need your Starbucks card, grocery rewards card, or other miscellany that’s probably hanging around in your wallet right now. All that said, I’m not sure this really feels like a $19 wallet.
Viter Energy Caffeine Mints in Wintergreen – Retail Value $4.99
Finally this month we get this tin of caffeinated mints from Viter Energy. Each mint packs 40mg of caffeine into a minty little package, which equals about a half a cup of coffee. I drink a lot of coffee, so I didn’t really notice the boost, but the wintergreen flavor was really bright and left my mouth feeling fresh. They are sweetened with sorbitol and xylitol, no aspartame or saccharin aftertaste here. I’ll probably throw these in my pack for a quick boost or just to improve my likely-awful trail breath.
Verdict: Cairn was good this month. I get a ton of knives from subscription boxes, but this one stands out. I don’t know that I’ll use the wallet but will likely be able to gift it. This month’s value adds up to $48.99, well over the initial cost, as usual!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Based on their subscription model, your items may vary based on your survey responses and boxes you have received in the past.
Coupon - Use code TRAILHEAD to get the Trailhead welcome box your first month! Check out our review of the Trailhead Welcome Box to see what will be included.
Value Breakdown: At $29.95 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Knife: $15.28
- Wallet: $11.62
- Mints: $3.05
Check out all of our Cairn reviews and the Lifestyle Subscription Box Directory!
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What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get the same items?
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