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
New Deal: Use code HAMMOCK to get the Hammock Collection Box your first month!
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 July 2018 Review
As usual, we get that Cairn logo sticker. I seem to be getting yellow regularly these days.
We’ve got the standard Cairn Scout publication as per usual. Featuring all the info we’re used to - full descriptions of each item, a look at the current Obsidian box, tips for using your new gear, and more. It is printed on easily recyclable newsprint too. One minor change this month - the Perks section has been updated. All the coupons you’re used to finding in Cairn Scout are now easily accessible online from your Cairn account page.
Power Practical Lithium 4400 Battery Pack – Retail Value $29.99
First up this month we’ve got this battery pack from Power Practical! I know this brand well, my brother has actually gifted me a few different products from them and I’ve gotten their Luminoodle (which plugs into these packs easily) from other subscriptions in the past. This pack has a USB port for charging/powering devices and has two light sources - one at the top for spotlighting and a row of LEDs on the side for lighting up a larger area. The side LEDs double-function as a power meter when you have something plugged into the USB port as well. 4400mAH isn’t a TON of power, but it’ll keep the lantern feature running for about 30 hours, or will give you about one full charge for most smartphones. They really pack a lot into this palm-sized gadget, and at just over 4 ounces, it’s a no-brainer pack addition for most outdoor activities
Gaia GPS One Year Membership – Retail value $19.99
Up next we received a one-year membership to Gaia GPS! Gaia GPS has a plethora of topographic, satellite and roadmaps that are regularly updated, and gives you the ability to save those maps for offline use - a fairly important part of hiking in rural or backcountry areas with poor reception. The tracking feature within the app is fairly robust - it keeps track of time, distance, altitude and more. It will provide you with profiles of each at the end of your hike. You’re also able to add photos and text to your hike to help others, or you can keep them private for your own use. Gaia GPS is a pretty cool app that’s perfect for regular hikers who also love keeping track of their personal stats and hikes.
Jimmybar! Lemon Vanilla Swirl – Estimated Value $2.49 (Buy 12 for $29.99)
Finally this month we get this tasty lemon vanilla flavored bar from Jimmybar! This particular bar was really delicious and packed a ton of protein (21g!) in a pretty small package. The whey crisp was close to a puffed rice, and the topping was sweet, despite the bar only having about 4g of sugar. This could definitely be a good meal replacement for the trail, or even a snack on those days when you’re feeling particularly drained.
Verdict: My Cairn was good this month. Additional battery backups are always useful, and I know PP is a reliable brand. I’m not sure how much use I’ll get out of the GPS membership, but hopefully, I’ll be able to log a hike or two every month and build up a nice profile! This month’s value adds up to $52.47, right on par with recent Cairn offerings and 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.
New Deal: Use code HAMMOCK to get the Hammock Collection Box your first month!
Coupon - 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:
- Battery: $17.13
- Membership: $11.41
- Bar: $1.41
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What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get the same items?
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