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
New Deal: Use code HAMMOCK to get the Hammock Collection Box your first month!
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 August 2018 Review
As usual, we get a Cairn logo sticker. The ever elusive light blue this month.
We’ve got the standard Cairn Scout publication as per usual. Featuring all the info we’re used to - full descriptions of each item, a look at the current Obsidian box, tips for using your new gear, and more. It is printed on easily recyclable newsprint too. A reminder after the change last month - the Perks section has been updated. All the coupons you’re used to finding in Cairn Scout are now easily accessible online from your Cairn account page.
Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0 – Retail value $29.99
First up this month we get this pocket picnic blanket from Matador. This handy little blanket reminds me of a groundsheet for a tent, just a little thinner. It’s a good size for 2 people to stretch out on and have a meal, or relax in the park. The material is very light, and water repellant so dewy grass is no issue here. There are stakes attached at the corners to make sure it doesn’t go floating away in the breeze. I like that they sewed the folding pattern into the blanket itself so it’s easy to refold and stuff into the attached elastic pocket. This is one of those items that has many uses to the imaginative traveler - maybe drape it over a low hanging branch for some shade during a pit stop on the trail, or toss it over your gear at night to protect it from drizzle or dew.
Green Goo Doublemint Castille Soap 2 Oz. – Retail value $4.95
Up next we get this little bottle of Castille Soap from Green Goo / Sierra Sage. I actually received this in another subscription earlier this year, and while I haven’t run out yet I’m always happy to have extra Castille soap on hand. The doublemint scent is very pleasant, but not overpowering. Castille can be used for all sorts of things when camping. It’s versatile enough to wash your hands, your hair, your socks, your pet, and your cook kit! If you’re planning on using this to wash all that stuff on a weekend trip, this 2 oz bottle might make it through to Sunday. I normally just use it for pots and pans, and washing my hands.
Green Goo First Aid Stick – Retail value $9.95
We’ve got another item from Green Goo / Sierra Sage up next - the First Aid salve. This stick contains a bunch of natural oils and herbs that help to reduce the symptoms of certain insect bites, minor cuts and scrapes, and other minor irritations. It’s completely homeopathic, so be sure not to fully replace your first aid kit with this stick in case something a little more serious happens.
Laird Superfood Hydrate – Estimated value $1.36 (buy an 8 oz bag for $12.95)
Finally this month we get this packet of Laird Superfood’s Hydrate. This powdered mix contains dried coconut water and Aquamin - a mineral complex derived from algae. Apparently, the calcium in Aquamin is more bioactive than calcium carbonate from limestone. Sorry to say I can’t evaluate that statement for you. I will say, this stuff was not pleasant to drink. It gave me the sensation of seawater without being salty if that makes sense. Maybe that’s what coconut water is. Anyway - they claim it will help replenish electrolytes and for that alone it may be worth it for some folks!
Verdict: Cairn was pretty solid this month. All the items are useful, minus the powder (for me) so I know I’ll be getting use out of nearly everything. This month’s value adds up to $46.25, slightly low for Cairn but still above 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.
New Deal: Use code HAMMOCK to get the Hammock Collection Box your first month!
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:
- Blanket: $19.42
- Soap: $3.20
- Balm: $6.44
- Powder: $0.88
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What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get the same items?
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