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Cairn Obsidian Subscription Box Review – Fall 2016

Anna Rodriguez
ByAnna RodriguezSep 24, 2016 | 4 comments

cairn-obsidian-fall

Outside Discovery Collection
3.9 overall rating
10 Ratings | 6 Reviews

Cairn is one of my favorite subscription boxes, and I've been happily subscribing to their regular monthly box of outdoor adventure gear for over a year now. Recently, I had the opportunity to try their quarterly premium subscription box, Obsidian. How exciting!

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My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

cairn-obsidian-fall-2016-review

The Subscription Box: Cairn Obsidian

The Cost: $199 a quarter

The Products: Outdoor gear, 5-10 products with a total value of over $300

Ships to: US for free

Good to Know: The Obsidian box ships in March, June, September, and December

Check out all of our Cairn box reviews and the Lifestyle Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

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This is the info booklet that was included in my (giant) package. This quarter's box is all about camping in comfort. My family has no less than three camping trips planned in the next five weeks, so the timing on this box is awesome!

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Sweet-Dreams Astro Sleeping Pad by NEMO - Value $109.95

This is the most lightweight sleeping pad I could possibly imagine. The baffles are designed for comfort, and the pad itself inflates to a 3" thickness. This would be perfect for backpacking! The only thing I don't love about it is that it's not compatible with our compressor, so I guess we will have to blow it up the old-fashioned way. Otherwise, it's brilliant!

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Craft Dry + Warm Active Comfort Baselayer - Value $59.99

I know I have been modeling all the clothing I receive in subscription boxes lately, but I have to make an exception with this piece. This fits me well, but is designed to be very thin, and it fits snugly. Think of it as almost being underwear. In any case, this is super soft and is designed to keep your body temperature well regulated. It also wicks away moisture, which is key. It's not cool enough yet to be able to comment much on its warmth, but I am so excited to have it when we go into the mountains!

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Wash Bag by Scrubba - Value $55

It's the world's smallest washing machine! This is actually a dream come true for a camping mom like myself. It has an internal rubber washboard for scrubbing clothes clean. I'm so excited to try it out! It would also be great for travel.

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UCO Flatpack Grill and Firepit - Value $39.99

Check out this tiny portable grill! How awesome! It packs flat and takes 30 seconds to set up. It can also be used as a fire pit. The sides make sure the coals or wood stay hot and don't blow out in windy conditions. I can already tell we are going to get a lot of use out of this.

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Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Camp Chair - Value $53.50

I have seen people with chairs like this, and I finally have one! This is another item that would be awesome for backpacking. It's super lightweight, and when you're roughing it, you don't usually get a lot of back support. Plus I absolutely love their slogan - "Don't just do something... Sit there!" Haha!

Verdict: I am blown away by my first package from Cairn Obsidian! This box was awesome! I will use everything in it, and I think it really will contribute to a much more comfortable and convenient camping experience. I love cool gear, and this is some of the coolest I've seen. The total value comes to about $318, which is well over the cost of the box ($199), and tops their promise of $300 worth of products. What a great win!

What do you think of the Cairn Obsidian box? Have you tried it yet?

Starting at $34.99
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Outside Discovery Collection is a monthly subscription box that sends members outdoor, adventure, and fitness gear. Outside Discovery Collection’s goal is to enrich your outdoor adventures by connecting you with best-in-class products. It was chosen as one... read more.

Anna Rodriguez
Anna Rodriguez
Anna has been a fan of subscription boxes since joining Birchbox in 2013, but didn't become a true addict until discovering subscriptions she could share with her children. Her favorites include Kiwi Crate and Fab Kids.

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4 comments

Derrick Dodson

Hoping this is the box I receive – first one for me. The regular monthly boxes have been hit and miss..

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Justin

They company told us if we order by the end of October we should get the September/Fall box. Otherwise we’d have to wait for December/Winter…which I expect to be a good box as well since it would be a holiday gift for many people.

And I agree on the monthly boxes. My first one (Sep ’16) was awfully boring, just random little things from past boxes since I don’t like coffee and apparently Stanley ONLY makes coffee products. It’s hard to get excited about rubber bands and uninspired chapstick :/

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Amber

Just fyi, the pad you received is insulated, making it worth $159.95!

http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Cosmo+Insulated+Lite+20R

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Kc

I’ve received 3 Obsidian boxes so far, and they have all been awesome. Useful stuff, and innovative stuff.

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