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 September 2018 Review
As always, we start with a Cairn logo sticker. This month we are back to brick red.
We’ve also 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. All the coupons you’re used to finding in the Perks section are now easily accessible online from your Cairn account page.
Kate's Real Food Stash Bar – Retail Value $2.99
First up this month we’ve got this delicious snack bar from Kate’s Real Food. The Stash Bar is made of oats, honey, peanut butter, chocolate, rice, flax, hemp, and salt - that’s it! The bar is compacted into a squared shape but as soon as I bit into it, it was very crumbly and fell apart. The flavor was mostly oats and peanuts, and I didn’t get an energy bar flavor from it, it was more like eating a handful of quality granola.
Ursa Major Essential 4-in-1 Face Wipes 5-Pack – Retail Value $6.50
Next up we’ve got this pack of face wipes from Ursa Major! I’ve gotten stuff from this brand in subscription boxes in the past and I love their branding. The Essential 4-in-1 Face Wipes are soaked with a tonic that is 100% naturally derived and they smell amazing. When I opened the packets, the liquid looked almost goopy, but when I applied it to my face and hands it reminded me of a standard tonic that quickly evaporated and didn’t leave any residue. I tossed a few in my disc golf bag and the others into my backpacking dopp kit!
Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool – Retail Value $35 (found here for $29.12)
Finally this month we get this beautiful multi-tool from Gerber. This thing is lightweight at just 6.7oz and fits nicely in the hand when closed at 4.25”. Gerber was able to pack a bunch of tools into this package, including a set of scissors which is a rare inclusion in most multi-tools. Of course, we have the standards: blade, screwdriver heads, pliers, bottle opener, etc. What stands out to me on this tool, in particular, is that everything is well-oiled and very easy to swing out and put to use - this is a surprising rarity when it comes to tools I’ve received in boxes and I have to say I’m impressed!
Verdict: Cairn was great this month. The bar was a tasty snack, the wipes will come in handy and the mulit-tool is probably the best I’ve received from a subscription box. This month’s value adds up to $44.49, another month that feels slightly low for Cairn but still above the $29.95 a month cost, including free shipping.
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:
- Bar: $2.01
- Wipes: $4.37
- Tool: $23.56
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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