Cairn is a monthly subscription box that sends members outdoor, adventure, and fitness gear. Cairn’s goal is to enrich your outdoor adventures by connecting you with best-in-class products. It was chosen as one of our favorite subscription boxes for men but is suited to adventurers of all identities.
In addition to the monthly subscription, Cairn also offers a premium quarterly box, Cairn Obsidian; UnStacked by Cairn, a unique gear auction site in which prices drop over time; and Kitted, a curated gear “styling” service.
Cairn also has a give-back program called Gear Up, Give Back, where outdoor enthusiasts can send in their retired gear and Gear Fix will repair it and sell it in their shop. The net proceeds are then matched by Cairn and Gear Fix and donated to Outdoors For All, an organization working to enrich the quality of life of children and adults with disabilities through the outdoors.
THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE $34.99 MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION.
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.)
First Impressions
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My Cairn box arrived packaged securely. I appreciate that Cairn customizes the box each month to perfectly fit what's inside. No excess packaging here, and it's always recyclable.
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I always look forward to the monthly Cairn Scout included in each box – this August's theme is "Long Days, Longer Adventures". The newspaper-style info sheet provides detailed background on each item included within, along with a feature on a Cairn community member. This month also included some information on preventing wildfires – topical now more than ever.
Now, on to the items!
My Medic MedPacks Hiker Medic – Retail Value $24.95
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Every hiker should have a solid, lightweight first aid kit in their pack – even for day hikes. You never know when an emergency might strike, or heck, when you or someone close by might need a bandage or sting relief at 3,000 feet. I have a small emergency kit, but it's geared more towards starting a campfire and keeping warm, so I was immensely pleased to see this incredibly thorough kit included in this month's box. Not only it is super lightweight, but it includes a bit of everything – from bandages to alcohol wipes, to sunscreen.
My Medic offers a huge selection of emergency kits – the company was founded after the loss of a loved one in a car accident, with the goal of never being unprepared in the face of an emergency. I think I'm going to order the Auto Medic for my mother and brother as Christmas presents. We all live in cold climates with lots of ice and snow, and I want them to be prepared!
Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Jerky - Estimated Retail Value $6.24 (Buy a 4-pack here for $24.99)
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I'm a big fan of beef jerky and this pack of grass-fed beef jerky from Think Jerky did not disappoint. It had the perfect amount of seasoning, wasn't too dry, and had the ideal texture (chewy but not tough). I brought this along for a hike on Monhegan Island here in Maine, and it was the ideal mid-day snack.
Solemates Blister Blocker Sport - Listed Value $15.00
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I have finicky feet that are prone to blisters. I mean, I've gotten blisters wearing slippers, they're that bad, so I'm always happy to try a product that promises relief. I bought this along on my Monhegan hike and was pretty happy with it. You smooth it on areas of your feet that are prone to blisters or chafing, and it creates a soothing barrier to prevent friction. I'm happy to report: no blisters here! Next up, I'm planning on trying it on my feet when I wear my Dr. Martens sandals.
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost:$34.99
Part of what makes Cairn worthwhile, in my opinion, is the surprise it brings each month, and how the items inside can help fill gaps in your gear library. And I'm happy to see that since its acquisition by Outside Magazine earlier this summer, the boxes feel more tightly curated and diverse. Is it always the most thrilling box? No. Is it useful? Yes, absolutely. I was happy with the snack included this month, and the My Medic kit was something I needed. Frankly, even if I already had a thorough first aid kit, I'd still be happy to receive these supplies. The Blister Blocker will last me a while, too.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be the September box.
Value Breakdown: At $34.99 for this box, each of the items inside has an average cost of $11.66.
What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you receive any of the same items as me?
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