Nomadik quarterly is a lifestyle subscription box for outdoor lovers. Every three months, they send 5-8 items for outdoor adventures including gear, snacks, and multi-use items for $149.99 (shipping is free). They promise a $200+ average retail value and access to fresh, best-in-class gear (never overstock or close-outs) based on seasons and/or interests. You can skip a month or even cancel or reactivate your account easily.
Nomadik also has a monthly subscription. Every month, they send 3-5 items for $34.99 + shipping. It promises a $60 average retail value.
Nomadik says that people who subscribe to both the monthly and quarterly boxes shouldn't receive the same or repeat items.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Inside The Nomadik Quarterly Box "Emergency Prep Kit"
LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Water Filter System (3L) - Retail Price $66
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This gravity water system from LifeStraw is as useful as it is versatile. In addition to the durable 3L bag, you get a hose with a clip to stop flow and a standard quick connector, the membrane microfilter, a leak-proof cap for water storage, carry strap and carabiner, and a backwash syringe. The microfilter protects against 99.999999% of bacteria, parasites, micro plastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness. The filter lasts up to 2,000L or 500 gal. What is so cool about the system is that it's highly versatile: the gravity system, a leak-proof water storage, the straw can be used by itself or attached to a water bottle. That makes it great for a ton of situations. I'm really impressed with this item.
Sagan Life AquaBrick Portable Food and Water Storage Container - Estimated Price $27
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The AquaBrick is a stackable water storage container that holds 3 gallons of water or 20 lbs of food. The “bricks” are airtight, as well as guaranteed leakproof and crushproof. They are ideal for camping, emergency preparedness, and storing bulk everyday goods, such as flour, sugar, or even pet food. It's very robust. I like the idea of using it for water storage, especially for camping, but it'd be difficult to drink out of. For an additional cost of $22, there is a useful spigot. I think that it should have been included in this box.
Note: Their website doesn't sell a single container. They only come in packs of 2 for $75 or 6 for $186. Plus, each set comes with a spigot, which itself is sold for $22. With a little math, that comes to around $27 for a single container.
AceCamp Pocket Wire Saw - Retail Price $9
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A pocket-sized saw from AceCamp could come in handy. It measures 27.6 inches in length. It has two rings connected with swivels make it safe and easy to use. The idea is you pull it back and forth on a log or branch. I've never used one. Sounds like a lot of work, but I can think of a lot of times I wanted to cut up some wood while camping and didn't have a saw. This is so small and light, you could throw it in your pack without a thought. It could even be useful around the house.
Karmik Outdoors Hi-Viz Decal - Retail Price $5
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I'm a huge fan of these decals from Karmik. The idea is simple: slap this QR code on your equipment and make it easier for someone to get it back to you. They scan the code and are put in touch with you by Karmik. Their website claims a return rate of 75%. Aside from good karma, the finder is offered a chance of a reward which included 10 free decals of their own or a chance at a monthly/yearly prize. I can think of dozens of things I want these on. I wonder if I could put these on a tag and put them on my children?
Live Fire Original Emergency Fire Starter - Retail Price $10
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Fire starters can be a godsend or even just an easy way to do a boring job. This one from Live Fire is pretty sweet. It comes in a compact, light tin. It weighs in at approximately 0.9 oz, but burns an average 20-30 minutes with the lid completely removed. However, because the lid slides open and closed, it allows you to control the needed flame size. This also allows you to conserve resources for other uses. Camping is the obvious use for this, but it is also useful in the home for things like fireplaces, barbecues, smokers, wood-burning stoves, burn piles, and backyard fire pits.
My Medic Burn Med Pack - Retail Price $20
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If you get a little careless with your fire starter, you're going to need this burn kit from My Medic. The Med Pack contains: 2 SuperSkin bandages, burn gels, non-adherent pad, burn dressing, gauze roll, cold pack, pain relief, an antiseptic towelette, a super hand wipe, a towel tab, and a pair of gloves. And to top it all off – instructions on what to do with it all. I think most first-aid kits gloss over burn injuries. So it's nice to have a specific kit for that scenario.
SOS Food Lab Emergency Drinking Water - Retail Price $1.10
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These Emergency Water Rations give you access to potable drinking water in emergency and disaster situations. The water is triple purified using reverse osmosis, UV sterilized, and US Navy approved. It comes in an easy-open, vacuum packed foil bag that make it easy to ration or store. They are packaged to last 5 years, and meet many government safety and viability standards. Perfect for emergency kits and preparedness market. These are a cool idea, but I think I'll just go with my Life Straw and my Aquabrick at this point. These are sold in cases of 30 for $16.50. That's $0.55 for one or $1.10 for both.
DuraDerm SPORT Liquid Bandages - Retail Price $40
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DuraDerm SPORT is a FDA-cleared liquid polymer that actively kills viruses, fungi, and bacteria on contact. Simply snap the single-use applicator, apply and go. The liquid polymer dries within 30 seconds, creating a barrier that seals and protects the wound from water, dirt, and oxygen. The film is organic, clear, flexible, water-resistant, and non-odorous. It's great for covering minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, burns, and scrapes. I almost want to injury myself just so I can use one.
Warrior Ice Instant Cold Pack - Retail Price $4.66
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If you need a cold pack in an emergency, this Warrior Ice instant cold packs are for you. These use a chemical reaction to produce near freezing temperatures without the use of a fridge or ice. The cold packs are activated by adding water (or, as one website mentioned, even urine) and they hold their chilly temps for up to 20 minutes. They are mildly cold for nearly an hour. I didn't know they even made things like this. Pretty cool use of science. Sold in packs of three for $14. That comes to about $4.66 for one.
My Medic Hiker Medic Med Pack - Retail Price $30
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Also from My Medic, this hiker medic kit is more traditional with some outdoorsy items. In addition to things like bandages, antibiotic ointment, and ibuprofen, there are thoughtful items like a whistle, emergency blanket, a water purification tab, paracord, and even sunscreen. There is much, much more in this light, tiny pouch. It beats my homemade kit, which was mostly Band-aids and Advil.
Readyman Rapid Tourniquet GEN 2 - Retail Price $20
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If things really go south out on the trail and you get an injury that the med and burn kits can't handle, subscribers also get the Readymade rapid tourniquet. The tourniquet uses a solid vulcanized rubber core with a nylon sheath, combined with a unique locking mechanism to make an incredibly fast tourniquet to apply to self or others, according to the website. Perhaps most importantly, the bag comes with instructions on how to use it. It can even be used one-handed in case you're hiking alone. I just hope I can open the package one-handed as well.
The Verdict
A very smart, useful installment from Nomadik's quarterly box. There is a bit of irony in receiving a box full of items that I hope I never have to use, but I know I will be happy to have them if the time comes. The standout item was easily the water filtration system. It's just so dang versatile. I was also very happy to receive the QR tag and fire starter, because I know I'm going to use them. All the med kits, ice packs, and liquid bandages are great to have ready to go and I'll definitely be throwing them in my car or pack when the times comes. The pocket saw is cool, but I honestly doubt I'll bother with it. And the water pouches are a cool idea, but I really didn't need them. The final item is the Aquabrick, which I really do like, but I just wish Nomadik would have sprung for the spigot as well. Overall, I think this is an important box to have ready, but I wonder how subscribers will feel about spending $150 for several things they may never use. What do you think?
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes. More from Nomadik:
Order by the 15th, your first shipment will be processed on the 16th and ship in 2-3 days. Otherwise, it’ll get processed and ship by the 15th of next month.
Value Breakdown: This box clocks in at around $233. That is above the promised $200+ value and $83 more than the cost of the subscription ($149.99, shipping is free). I loved the varied, useful, thoughtful items. There were so many things. With the money I saved, I'm going to do something dangerous, because now I have a remedy for almost any way I can hurt myself.
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