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 June 2018 Review
Ahh, thank goodness the sticker has returned. It just feels right.
We’ve got the standard Cairn Scout publication as per usual. 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.
Honey Stinger Cracker 'N Nut Butter Bar – Estimated Value $2.20 (Get a box of 12 for $26.40)
First up this month is this interesting and delicious bar from longtime camp snack experts Honey Stinger. I’ve never seen an energy bar with salted crackers in it, but hey it’s 2018, anything’s possible. This bar is basically two large saltines with some dehydrated almond butter sandwiched between, and then fully dipped in chocolate. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. This would make for a nice snack mid-hike as it’s only got about 4g of protein.
Mountain House Turkey Casserole Dinner – Retail Value $10.99
I have been enjoying Mountain House meals for years when camping and hiking, but I’ve never had this particular meal before. I was so excited to try it that I cooked it up right away, and it was so good I ordered an extra with the coupon in Cairn Scout! These meals are super easy to make: boil up some water, pour it in the bag, stir it up a couple times and in about 10 minutes you have a delicious, filling meal. The only thing I would change is to actually add a step: remove the bread/croutons from the top and pop them back in after the second stir so they retain a little crunch.
Cusa Tea Variety Pack – Retail Value $9.99
I’m actually familiar with Cusa Tea packets thanks to the fall Obsidian box and it was a nice surprise to be able to restock my supply. There are 10 packets of 5 different types of tea in the variety box. They’re very simple to make: pour the packet into water, stir, and enjoy! I really enjoy the black lemon flavor; it’s refreshing without an overpowering lemon flavor.
Outdoor Edge Chowpal – Retail Value $27.50
Finally this month we get this handy multi-tool from Outdoor Edge, the Chowpal! This lightweight utensil has tons of features: graduated wrench, bottle opener, can opener, fork, spoon, and sharp folding knife. Most of the time when you see these all-in-one utensils they are missing something, or are too heavy, etc. This one has pretty much everything you need but still feels comfortable in your hand. Also the fork is removable, unlike most tools I’ve seen in the past. I like that it came with a pouch as throwing a dirty utensil in my pack is kinda gross, and the pouch seems like it’d be fine to toss in with the laundry after a trip.
Verdict: My Cairn was great this month. I really enjoyed every item and will get plenty of use out of my Chowpal in the future. This month’s value adds up to $50.68, right on par with recent Cairn offerings and well over the initial cost.
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:
- Bar: $1.30
- Meal: $6.49
- Tea: $5.90
- Utensil: $16.25
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What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get the same items?
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