SCOUTbox is a monthly subscription service built specifically for scouts, by scouts. Their goal is to provide quality gear and educational materials to enhance scouting at all levels for boys, girls, and adults.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About SCOUTbox
The Subscription Box: SCOUTbox
The Cost: $40 per month with discounts for 3- and 6- month subscriptions
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $8.88 off your first box!
CODE: SCOUTOFTHEBOX
The Products: “Every SCOUTbox will feature hand-picked gear from leading outdoor experts, scouts, and scouters.”
Ships to: U.S. for free, Internationally for an additional price
SCOUTbox April 2018 Review
This is my first SCOUTbox review, and it looks like this month is their one-year anniversary box. I looked into the backstory of this subscription a bit, and was delighted to find out it was started by 2 brothers who are Eagle Scouts from a troop in Connecticut! I grew up in the scouts in Connecticut (Troop 102) and became an Eagle Scout as well, and while I can’t find their particular troop in the scouting.org database, I am fairly positive we would have been in the same local council, which is pretty awesome! Small world.
Each box comes with an info card detailing each month’s theme and the gear within. This month’s theme is Trail and is apparently back by popular demand.
They threw in a logo sticker too.
GearAid Microfiber Travel Towel – Retail Value $24.95
The first item this month is this large microfiber travel towel from GearAid! GearAid is known for making affordable, high-quality outdoor gear and this towel is no exception. At 30”x50” this towel is just about as large as a standard bath towel, and the microfiber can hold up to five times its weight in water. I’ve been camping and hiking for over 20 years at this point, and have had several of these kinds of towels over the years, and they are a staple for outdoor adventures. This one, in particular, was easy to wring out and once it was no longer dripping wet, it took about 40 minutes to dry. With the attached button loop or included mesh bag, you could easily hang this on a pack to dry during the day while walking around. This is a great addition to any young scout or adult hiker’s kit!
National Geographic Guide to State Parks of the United States – Retail Value $25.00 (found here for $12.00)
Next up is this handy guide to the state parks in the US, compiled by National Geographic. The book provides a couple of pages worth of info on a handful of parks in every state. While it’s not a complete list by far, some of the best parks in each state are detailed here. National Geographic talked to park directors in each park to help introduce newcomers to hikes, sights and more within each park.
Adventure Medical Blister Medic Kit – Retail Value $10.00
Up next is one of the best additions to a standard first aid kit available. The Blister Medic Kit from Adventure Medical contains everything you need to treat that ultra-painful blister you unexpectedly developed during the first day of your 4-day backpacking trip. It includes two sheets of padded moleskin (which is made from cotton) cut into various shapes to protect your blistered skin from rubbing your socks and boots, alcohol pads and antiseptic towelettes, and some Glacier Gel to immediately relieve the pain. I always pack a kit like this when going on a hike as foot pain can really crush your spirits while hiking.
Omeals Crunchy Cheese Bites – Retail Value $5.99
Up next is this awesome snack from Omeals. I’ve never had anything like these cheese bites, and I have to say they are delicious. There’s a texture at first that is a little odd, but they are freeze-dried. After having a couple of them though, I was tempted to finish off the whole bag. They have a mild cheddar cheese taste, and because they are freeze-dried, they are shelf stable and require no refrigeration - perfect for trips when you might have limited to zero cooler space.
Explorer Scout Sighting Compass – Retail Value $6.77
Finally this month, something no scout or hiker should be without - a heavy-duty compass. The Sighting Compass from Explorer has all the features you need for basic orienteering. The copy on the back of the package is a biiiit extreme. The lanyard included in the package was fraying a bit so I sealed them with a match before attaching to the compass with a standard cow hitch/lark’s head knot.
Verdict: My first SCOUTbox was excellent. While I already have some of the gear included this month, I believe this box would be perfect for anyone getting into scouting or non-scouts who enjoy hiking/camping. This month’s value adds up to $72.71, well over the $40 a month investment, which includes free shipping. I’m looking forward to seeing what SCOUTbox has in store for next month already!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No - They finalize subscriber lists at 11:59pm on the final day of each month and ship on the 15th of each month.
Coupon: Use code SCOUTOFTHEBOX to save $8.88 off your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $40 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Towel: $13.73
- Book: $13.75
- Blister kit: $5.50
- Cheese: $3.30
- Compass: $3.72
Check out more outdoorsy subscription boxes in the Fitness Subscription Box List!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of this month’s SCOUTbox?
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.