Cairn is a monthly subscription box that sends members outdoors, adventure, and fitness gear. Cairn's goal is to enrich your outdoor adventures by connecting you with best-in-class products.
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
Check out our review of the "Hammock Collection" welcome box to see what will be included.
The Products: Outdoor gear, including apparel, nutrition/energy products, skincare, and other essentials to keep you prepared and comfortable on your adventures.
Ships to: The US for free, Canada for $5, and internationally for $10
Cairn March 2020 "Happy Camp" Review
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Last month's Cairn box had me dreaming of warmer weather to get out there and use the camping gear I was sent. Now it's a hint warmer (come on already, Spring!), and the front page of the Cairn Scout encourages us to hit the wilderness with the items in this month's items in tow. Well, folks, I suppose there are some adventurers out there who are carrying on with camping, hoping the isolation of the wild is a safe place right now, but for the time being I'm staying home. Perhaps setting up my tent in my back yard will be in order soon!
This edition of the Scout gives its usual shout out to the quarterly Obsidian upgrade, charitable initiatives, a list of products in your subscription, a community feature, and more.
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EcoVessel Transit Camp Mug, 12 oz - Estimated Value Approx. $22 (similar mug found here for $21.95)
Cairn subscribers are the first to receive the not-yet-launched Transit Camp mug—exciting! It's a redesign of a pre-existing EcoVessel model, updated to have a non-slip bottom (love it), a new look, and to have the latest temperature retention technology. I never fail to be impressed with temp retention technology and wasn't sure how it could possibly improve, but I'm thrilled to give this mug a spin. I often use insulated mugs when drinking coffee, tea, or even water at my desk because I am a slow enjoyer of beverages, so it's a nice treat when the temp can be maintained over long stretches. For me, the true test of if a travel mug is a great one, is if it fits in my Outback's cup holder. This one sort of does—it's a bit precarious but if I'm careful I don't think I'll have any accidents. I also like that the lid has rubber around it so it seals securely in the mug. I don't expect any leaks!
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Basecamp Playing Cards - Retail Value $9.62
I'm more pumped than I ever thought I could be over a deck of cards! Playing cards are something everyone should have in their junk drawer, even if you go long stretches without using them, right? Up until this month's Cairn box came I would have been hard-pressed to locate a deck, but now more than ever, when my family is largely stuck inside just wishin' and hopin' we can remain inspired and entertained in the coming weeks of social distancing, these guys are welcome. They're pretty, they're water-resistant (def important for camping), they come in a nice tin, and each card has a thought-provoking question—some silly and some serious—so they double as another type of game.
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Honey Stinger Gluten-Free Organic Waffles - Buy 2 boxes of 6 variety packs for $17.49
Aww yeah, my husband and I are all about the Honey Stinger waffles. They have fueled us through several half marathons (and in his case, full marathons), and we have to practice major discipline to avoid eating them between workouts. For those familiar with stroopwafels, Honey Stingers are basically those but marketed as exercise fuel. And, honestly, they're my favorite form of it. We are die hard chocolate fans in all its forms so that is our favorite flavor, but Cairn sent me four flavors I've never tried before so we're excited to try 'em! My husband Guy consumed the Wildflower Honey flavor during an intense interval run and he said the flavor was really subtle and nice, not overly floral.
Verdict: March's Cairn box gets two thumbs up from this lady! I love and will use all three things I received. It's hard to pick a favorite but I will say I wouldn't be disappointed if Cairn sent Honey Stingers more often because I really do love them so much.
This box costs $29.95, including free shipping, and the contents add up to $37.62 (using an estimated cost for 4 Honey Stingers). I'm cool with this value, especially because I know I'll get great use out of all three items, and because I was tickled by the surprise of receiving the cards and Honey Stingers!
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.
Check out our review of the Hammock Collection welcome box to see what will be included.
Value Breakdown: This box cost $29.95 + free US shipping, but I estimate it contained $37.62 worth of product. That comes down to a value of approximately $12.54 per item.
Check out all of our Cairn reviews, and learn more about our readers' favorite fitness boxes.
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What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get any of the same items as me?
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