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.)
The Subscription Box: Cairn
The Cost: $29.95 per month with discounts for 6- and 12- month subscriptions
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
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Cairn Scout! Featuring all the info we’re used to - full descriptions of each item, coupons from manufacturers, a look at the current Obsidian box, tips for using your new gear, and more. It is printed on easily recyclable newsprint too.
Another Cairn sticker this month, but it looks like an older design. I find it funny that I can differentiate between sticker designs in sub boxes now.
Point6 Hiking Light Crew Sock in Black – Retail Value $23.95
First up this month are these ultra-soft wool crew socks from Point6. The older I get, the more stoked I get about a good pair of socks, so I was pretty excited to see these when I opened up Cairn this month. These socks are made from wool, spandex and nylon so they dry quickly, which after a long day of hiking can be quite helpful. The cushioning on these is pretty light, but they are considerably cushier than a standard pair of socks. I normally wear ankle-high boots so I’m glad these were crew sized too.
Xtenex XH200 Accufit Running Laces – Retail Value $9.95
Up next is this set of running laces from Xtenex! These are a new item to me, and I can totally see how these would be helpful. I’m not a regular runner, but I’ve tried to convince myself to be one in the past. These laces allow you to dial in your preferred compression/tightness and keep it locked in day after day. There are tiny knots inside the outer shell of the lace that are tapered and will hold the lace in place against the eyelets of your shoes. I tried to show the different between the standard shape of the lace and the stretched version so you can see how the interior knots work. I threw these into my running shoes and took them off and on a handful of times, and they held the shape without any issues.
Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm – Retail Value $4.99
I’ve used Body Glide and other anti-chafe products in the past and love them, but I never knew they made one specifically for feet! It appears the foot specific formula has additional vitamin A and C to help with dry, chapped foot skin which can always be an issue when hiking. This is the smaller sized balm but a little goes a long way, and if you’re concerned with pack weight, you can toss this .35oz stick in a ditty bag without a second thought.
Clif Peanut Butter Nut-Butter Filled Bar – Retail Value $1.79
Finally this month we get a nut-butter filled Clif bar. There’s not a ton to say about these if you are familiar with Clif’s products - think of a skinny version of the standard Clif bar that’s filled with a soft peanut butter. That’s it! They packed 7 grams of protein into the bar, and it’s fully organic. And guess what - it’s delicious.
Verdict: My Cairn box this month was good. I love the socks, and I’ll get a lot of use out of the foot balm. While I don’t know how much I’ll use the laces, they seem to do their job well. This month’s value adds up to $40.68, which is on the low end of the Cairn spectrum but still beats the cost of the box itself.
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.
Coupon - While supplies last, use code TRAILHEAD to get the Trailhead welcome box your first month!
Value Breakdown: At $29.95 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Socks: $17.63
- Laces: $7.33
- Balm: $3.67
- Bar: $1.32
What do you think of Cairn this month?
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