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
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Now through 9/24, use coupon code MSA20 to save 20% off your first month of Cairn when you sign up for a 6-month subscription!
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
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!
Cairn Scout! Featuring all the info we’re used to - full descriptions of each item, coupons from manufacturers, a look at the next Obsidian box, tips for using your new gear, and more. It looks like it’s printed on easily recyclable newsprint too.
As usual, we get a logo sticker. I’ll be adding it to my growing collection!
Nectar Polarized Coltic Sunglasses – Value $34.99
First up this month we have this awesome pair of sunglasses from Nectar! I’ve been seeing this brand in my social feeds here and there and was stoked to see a pair, and in a color I would normally wear! I’m loving the matte finish and classic wayfarer shape. I normally wear a slightly wider set of polarized sunglasses, but the shape of these isn’t throwing me off or anything. They’re very lightweight, and the hinges are tight so they don’t just loosely fall open. Including a microfiber pouch was a nice touch, and it doubles as a cleaning cloth (at least for a couple of uses). Bonus, Nectar is partnered with BeeCause, so a portion of every sunglasses sale is donated to help expand the shrinking honeybee population around the world! So I get to look sharp and also save the dang world. Win/win!
PackTowl Nano in Blue Mountain – Value $9.95
Up next this month is a PackTowl Nano with a pretty cool mountain print! I’ve received PackTowls in a few other camping boxes, but had never seen one with a print before. At first I was a little skeptical because I assumed the print might affect the absorbency of the towel, but after a quick test it seems to perform just as well as the blank one I have. I took one of these on a recent trip to Idaho and it came in super handy. While it’s not large enough to dry off from a shower, it’s certainly enough to dry off wet hands or face, or to quick dry items before packing them up. It dries out quickly too, and is really easy to just clip onto your pack after use. It’s nice to have a few on hand!
Zealios Sun Barrier SPF45 Single Use Packets – Value $9.95
This was a new-to-me item, but I think it’s a great inclusion. This SPF45 sunblock goes on smooth and dries clear, and it barely feels like you’re wearing it since it’s oil-free. It’s rated waterproof for 80 minutes too. I’ve never actually seen single use packets of sunscreen, but I feel like it’s a really smart idea! Backpackers are always looking to cut weight, so rather than carrying a big bottle of sunblock that you will barely use, you can just pop a couple of these in your ditty bag. I put a couple of these in my disc golf bag and the rest in with my camping gear. I know I’m going to put them to good use!
Buddy's Nut Butters Honey Peanut Butter – Value $1.50 (buy a box of 10 for $15)
Buddy's Nut Butters Cinnamon Raisin – Value $1.50 (buy 3 jars for $21)
I actually received these in July and LOVED THEM. Here’s what I had to say then, with a little update at the end:
Finally this month we have two packets of Peanut Butter from Buddy’s Nut Butters. These would be perfect to have as a trail snack and they both pack a ton of flavor. I just ate the Cinnamon Raisin one and it was truly delicious - think cinnamon raisin toast that’s been slathered in your favorite peanut butter. The Honey Peanut flavor was pretty much just standard peanut butter, but still very tasty. I like that they were in single-use packets, and that they were both made from simple ingredients. No crazy preservatives or anything like that to be found.
I was excited to see these again and before I started photographing the contents I told myself to hold on to these for a hike I have planned at Dolly Sods. No surprise, I couldn’t resist and ended up eating both of them as I was shooting this box.. 😀
Verdict: Cairn was awesome for me this month! I’m actually wearing the sunglasses as I write this, and wishing I had more of those nut butter packets to nom on. This month’s value adds up to $57.89, a real deal for the $29.95 investment.
What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get similar items, or maybe different colors in your sunglasses?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.