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 an installment or even cancel or reactivate your account easily.
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 "City to Serenity Box"
Laek Seafield 30L Waterproof Backpack - Retail Price $135
Whether you are riding the water or braving a storm, this waterproof backpack from Laek will keep your stuff dry. The rolltop design keeps the water out. It also provides easy access and extra room when needed. It's durable; made of recycled 600 denier polyester with a double-sided TPU coating. It's versatile; features a large protruding pocket, a durable mesh water bottle pocket, and two attachment points for securing gear. It's comfortable; with a structured back panel, soft padding, and cushy shoulder straps. Inside the bag, which I could not get a good photo of, is a mesh zipper pocket and velcro strips to attach a laptop sleeve. On the bottom, a thick 1000 denier panel adds extra protection. The packed dimensions are 22 x 12 x 10 inches. The flat size is 19 x 19 x 2 inches. Empty weight is 2.7 lbs. (43.2 oz).
If properly sealed, the bag is completely submersible. That is except for the outside pouch, which is only water resistant. I've been on a number of kayak trips where this bag would have been amazing. It's essentially a large, heavy duty, wearable drysack. I'm excited to take it out on the next trip, especially if I know water will be involved. It would even do great at a waterpark or the beach.
This was a first for me. Not only have I never seen anything quite like it, but I also could not find any information on it. When it arrived on my doorstep, there was nothing on Laek's website, nor Nomadik's, not even Google. I had to reach out to Laek who said the item hasn't been released yet. There is now a website for it (linked above), but the item is not available for purchase at the time of this review. So it's pretty cool that Nomadik got a hold if it and included it for subscribers.
Gerber Swagger Framelock Knife - Retail Price $33
It's been more than three years since we've received a knife from Nomadik. This one from Gerber features a drop-point partially serrated blade, a frame lock, and lanyard hole. I like the black tactical look, pocket clip, and the lightweight feel. It measures 4.3 inches closed and has open length of 7.55 inches. All backed by the Gerber guarantee. Perfect for the campsite, around the house, or as an everyday carry.
Aquabend Soft Bottle (750mL) - Retail Price $16
Available in 500 ml and 750 ml capacities, these soft bottles from Mazama are sized to fit running vest pockets, pack holsters, or even jacket pockets. The flat bottomed, film bottles collapse completely when empty for convenient transport and storage. Mazama’s bottles feature a mouthpiece cap that covers and protects the bite valve when not in use. The 1/4-turn cap also provides a leakproof seal to prevent inadvertent leaks. The 35mm fill port keeps the bottle profile low, but is big enough for adding ice during fill-up. An integrated finger loop offers convenient carrying and pocket retrieval. I much prefer this bottle to the one I received in the Nomadik Fall 2023 Box.
Looprope - Retail Price $22
Tired of carrying a bunch of different length bungies or grabbing one that is the wrong size? Check out the Looprope. This 5 foot stretchy rope has multiple anchor points, which makes it very versatile. It's adjustable to any size. You can even clip other bungies to it while it's strapping something else down. My favorite use – shown on the website – was to string it between two trees and hang stuff from each loop: clothes, pots and pans, pack, whatever. I only wish they had included two or three of these.
Exotac FireSLEEVE - Retail Price $19
The fireSLEEVE creates a waterproof barrier around a Bic lighter while providing two separate lashing points for cordage. There is an integrated strap molded into the lighter body which allows the gas button to be held down for hands-free use. I not only forgot to photograph this, but now I see I have the lighter in the sleeve the wrong way. The cap not only keeps moisture out, but it also protects the red gas button from becoming accidentally depressed in your pack. When the lighter is in use, the cap can be stored on the bottom of the fireSLEEVE body.
Now, I don't want to be cynical, but I'm not sure how necessary this item is. Especially at the price. To test my hypothesis, I took the lighter into the bathroom, ran it under the sink for a bit, and it lit right up. Perhaps Bic lighters don't need waterproof protection, but I do like the idea of protecting the gas button in your pack and the option for hands-free use.
Right on Trek Backcountry Chili - Retail Price $9
This hearty vegetarian chili from Right on Trek has 25g of protein per serving. It's made with all-natural ingredients including real cheddar cheese, ten spices, two types of beans, sweet bell pepper, corn, and tomato. Nomadik sprung for the two-person meal, which I appreciate. Since I didn't have any camping trips in the foreseeable future, I decided to try this meal at home for lunch. I'm glad I did, because ... it was not very good. My expectations for heat-and-eat camping food in a bag are not very high, but this was inedible to me. I would have been twice as disappointed if I had brought this on an overnight trip as my only food.
The Verdict
Really cool of Nomadik to bring its subscribers a new, unreleased, unique item. The backpack is really neat and substantial. I hope it gives me a reason to go camping/hiking, even in the rain. I'll definitely be taking it on my next kayak trip. I really like the knife and Looprope. Both items are going in my car immediately. The water bottle is good for certain scenarios, like that kayak trip, but I'm not sure how often I'll use it. I'm going to use the lighter sleeve, because I have it. Otherwise, I don't think it's necessary for anyone else to pay $20 for it. And, unfortunately, the camp food is just a "no" from me. While a few of the items fell flat for me, I consider this box a win. However, the middle-tier items is usually what makes or break a box for me. So this was a close one, but I still think Nomadik is crushing its quarterly boxes.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No. 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 $234. That is nicely above the promised $200+ value and $80 more than the cost of the subscription ($149.99, shipping is free). With the money I saved, I could buy waterproof clothes to wear with my new backpack.
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