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
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 December 2017 Review
Gotta love the monthly Cairn sticker. I’m building up quite a collection!
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 is printed on easily recyclable newsprint too.
Luminaid PackLite Max 2-in-1 Phone Charger Lantern – Retail Value $49.99
First up this month is this solar lantern and USB charger from Luminaid, featuring exclusive Cairn artwork! This is the largest lantern Luminaid offers, and it features USB charging capability for all your devices! You can attach this to your pack at the beginning of the day and load up the battery in 12-14 hours, or you can load it via USB in 1-2 hours. It’s waterproof, it floats, and it holds 2000mah of power, which is enough for about ⅔ of an iPhone plus battery. I’ve gotten Luminaid lanterns in other subscriptions, and they are always a handy and welcome item when camping, as are USB backup batteries, so this combo is perfect. Also, the Cairn artwork is a really cool little touch.
Nite Ize Taglit Magnetic LED Marker – Value $9.99
Up next we have this magnetic LED clip from Nite Ize! Nite Ize is one of those companies that makes ingenious little items that seem to come in handy all the time, and this product fits right in with the rest. The LEDs are bright, and there are multiple modes so you can have it steady or blinking. I supposed the best use would be for dusk/night running when you need to be seen for safety. The magnets are powerful and allow the light to be attached to clothing or even hat brims without shaking loose. It’s also weather resistant so if there’s a surprise storm on your run or bike ride, you don’t have to worry about stowing it away.
Natti Bar Original – Estimated Value $1.49 (Buy a box 16 for $23.84)
Finally this month we get an original Natti Bar. This is a banana. Mashed up and put into a pouch. That’s it! There’s not a ton of protein but there’s potassium obviously, some naturally occurring sugar, a bit of carbs. I mean, it’s literally a mashed up nanner in bar form. It’s tasty! It’s a convenient way to carry a banana, I guess? You can also carry a banana, but this is smaller. You could probably eat this faster.
Verdict: I liked my Cairn box this month, as usual. I will get a ton of use out of the lantern for sure, and the magnetic light will be great when I force myself to go out running when it gets a little warmer. This month’s value adds up to $61.47, which is a little over double the cost and feels like a really good value.
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:
- Lantern: $24.36
- Magnet: $4.87
- Bar: $0.73
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What do you think of Cairn this month?
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