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.)
About Cairn
The Subscription Box: Cairn
The Cost: $29.95 per month with discounts for 6- and 12- month subscriptions
OR, use code TRAILHEAD to get the Trailhead welcome box your first month! Check out our review of the Trailhead Welcome Box to see what will be included.
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
Cairn January 2018 Review
My collection of Cairn stickers is steadily growing!
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.
Coal x UCO The Standard SE in Merino – Retail Value $30 (currently sold out in black)
First up this month is this super warm merino wool beanie from Coal! Longtime Cairn subscribers will recognize UCO - we got a USB headlamp from them last October. They’ve collaborated with Coal headwear to update their standard beanie with a leather patch that allows you to attach the lamp directly to the beanie! I have to say, this is amazing. The hat itself is very warm and very soft, and the leather patch is stylish and minimal enough that it can be worn without the lamp and not look odd. The lamp attaches quickly in the same way it attaches to the standard head strap. I’ve never seen a hat that interacts with a headlamp this way! I think it’s a perfect accessory for winter camping - you’re going to need to wear a beanie if you’re outside in these temps at night. As a little bonus, they include a guitar pick as part of the tag and instructional packet.
AllGood Unscented Sunstick – Retail Value $8.99
Up next this month is this 30spf balm from AllGood. The Sunstick can be applied just like sunscreen but rather than get it all over your hands you can just put it on using the stick. It’s a little larger than a roll of Life-Savers (do they even come in rolls anymore?) I like that it’s unscented despite having several natural oils like coconut, jojoba, sesame seed and more. It goes on light and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy like some sunscreens.
Defunkify Active Spray, 4 fl oz. – Retail Value $9.99
Next, we get this 4-ounce bottle of active gear cleaning spray from Defunkify. I really appreciate that they sent this in a sealed bag to ensure it didn’t mess anything up in transit. This spray can be used on any clothing or gear that gets stinky and is difficult to wash. It’s got peppermint and rosemary oils which smell great, and a proprietary blend of enzymes that fight long-lasting stank. They also claim that it’s non-staining. I sprayed some of this on some kayaking gear that got a little mildewy over the winter, and after a week the mildew scent is still gone! This is the time of year we should all be cleaning and maintaining our outdoor gear, so I think this was a great inclusion this month.
Apple Cinnamon Raisin Huppy Bar, 1.69 oz. – Value $2.29
Finally this month we get this delicious apple cinnamon Huppy Bar! I loved this bar. It’s got nuts, seeds, apples, raisins, cinnamon and more, and it tastes delicious. It’s chewy and packed with flavor. I have to say, Cairn consistently knocks it out of the park with the snacks they include and this month is no exception.
Verdict: Cairn is excellent this month! I love that they included an item that interacts with a past item, and everything was perfect for a dead-of-winter box. This month’s value adds up to $51.27, a little lower than some Cairns but still well over the initial cost.
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 - For a limited time, use coupon code BONUSTIME to get a bonus gift (retail value of over $30) with your first Cairn box!
OR, use code TRAILHEAD to get the Trailhead welcome box your first month! Check out our review of the Trailhead Welcome Box to see what will be included.
Value Breakdown: At $29.95 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Hat: $17.54
- Balm: $5.25
- Cleaner: $5.83
- Bar: $1.33
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What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get the same items?
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