Cairn is a monthly subscription box that sends members outdoors, adventure, and fitness gear. Cairn's goal is to enrich your outdoor adventures by connecting you with best-in-class products.
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
Check out our review of the "Hammock Collection" welcome box to see what will be included.
The Products: Outdoor gear, including apparel, nutrition/energy products, skincare, and other essentials to keep you prepared and comfortable on your adventures.
Ships to: The US for free, Canada for $5, and internationally for $10
Cairn December 2019 "Give Winter a Hand" Review
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Cairn always includes a copy of their newsprint informational sheet Cairn Scout, which gives the lowdown on the month's products, subscriber perks, the Adventure Upgrade, the Obsidian box, and more. Check out the Cairn blog for some great tips and pieces on outdoor-related topics.
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Smartwool Tech-Compatible Liner Gloves - Retail Value $24
Ah, Smartwool. I am such a fan. A few years ago around this time I asked for Smartwool socks from multiple family members for Christmas, and it was then that I transitioned to nearly all Merino wool socks for year-round wear. It was such a game-changer and I have been a Smartwool evangelist ever since. Also since, I have discovered the joys of their base layers and other clothes, but I did not own any of their gloves until now. Thank you, Cairn! Because I have my size and gender information noted in my Cairn account, they knew what size to send me, too, which is amazing. I have teeny-tiny hands, but these guys fit perfectly. Winter morning runs are about to be so much better!
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Green Goo Hand Goo, 1.82 oz - Retail Value $14.95
This is also the time of year when balms of all sorts are more than welcome. I find that outdoors brands do 'em best—they often use natural ingredients and base oils or waxes that go on thick. This one has organic beeswax & organic olive oil at its foundation and is blended with a whole slew of organic essential oils that lend themselves to moisturizing and healing. It requires a bit of warming with your hands to soften it out of the tin, but once it's applied, it deeply moisturizes. Amazing.
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Cusa Tea Everyday Wellness Herbal Tea, Hibiscus Rose, 10 servings - Retail Value $9.99
These tea packets contain powder that can be added to hot or cold water—genius! I love a good iced tea, but sometimes going through the steps of brewing then chilling a big batch—then making sure you drink it within the first day or two so it doesn't get moldy—is a bit of a barrier to entry for me. Alas, it was 20 degrees on the morning I collected my Cairn box from my doorstep so I decided to make this as a warm drink.
As you can see in one of the photos above, Cairn included a card showing the different flavors Cusa Tea carries. On the flip side is a coupon code for 50% off your next order on Cusa's site. I visited it and found Spicy Chai and Lemon Black Tea packets that I think I'd enjoy, so I'll have to take advantage of the perk!
The bold magenta powder dissolved almost immediately, so this beverage was ready to drink as soon as it was cool enough not to burn my tongue. How amazing is the color? The flavor I was sent is Hibiscus Rose, and the floral scent was truly unmistakable and really pleasant. The flavor was equally rich, and I will say I think you need to be a fan of floral-flavored drinks to enjoy this one. It's very specific. I liked but didn't love it, though I think it might be partially that I'm wanting more spiced flavors for this season. I'm going to keep it around and give it another try in warmer weather!
Verdict: December for Cairn was overall good in my book! I greatly appreciated the gloves and the hand balm, and while I didn't love the flavor of the tea for this season, I have hope that it'll be a treat I enjoy more in a few months.
This box costs $29.95, including free shipping, and the contents add up to $48.94. Though it isn't as high of a value as I've seen in past months, I'm satisfied with it.
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.
Check out our review of the Hammock Collection welcome box to see what will be included.
Value Breakdown: This box cost $29.95 + free US shipping, but I estimate it contained $48.94 worth of product. That comes down to approximately $9.98 per item. Or, here's how it would break down per item:
- Gloves: $14.69
- Hand Balm: $9.15
- Tea: $6.11
Check out all of our Cairn reviews, and learn more about our readers' favorite fitness boxes.
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What do you think of Cairn this month? Did you get the same items as I did?
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