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The Camp Life Monthly Essentials Review + Coupon – September 2020

Carlos Lamborn
ByCarlos LambornSep 30, 2020 | 10 comments

Camp Life Crate
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Updated 9/30 to note this is a review of the Monthly Essentials box. (thanks for catching, Deb!)

The Camp Life is a subscription box for outdoor lovers. Whether you camp in a tent or RV, this subscription will bring gear, snacks, and multi-use items straight to your door.

The Camp Life offers two subscription options:

  • the Outdoor Essentials $44.95/month box is geared toward avid campers and includes 3-5 curated and custom-designed items.
  • the Camp Life $49.95/quarter box is for those who live the RV life. It includes 6-8 items for camping enthusiasts that includes camping themed products, RV accessories.

This is a review of the quarterly Camp Life Box. Stay tuned for our upcoming review of the Outdoor Essentials monthly box!

This is a review of the monthly Outdoors Essentials box. Stay tuned for our upcoming review of the quarterly Camp Life Box!

This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

About The Camp Life Monthly Essentials Box

The Subscription Box: The Camp Life

The Cost: $44.95/month + free shipping. Save with longer subscription commitments.

ACTIVE DEAL: 15% off your first crate. No coupon needed - just use this link.

The Products: 3-5  outdoor essential products

Ships to: The U.S. and Canada for free.

The Camp Life September Review

 

There is a small index card that shows you the items included and what brand they are. There was a sample of Tiger Balm muscle rub and muscle gel, which wasn't included on the card.

 

Toaks Outdoor Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set - Retail Value $19.95

I've used all kinds of eating utensils in my years of camping. They usually sacrifice usefulness for the sake of weight and/or space, are too clunky, or it's just a spork and you have to use your pocket knife to cook. Not that different things aren't without their merits, but here is a very lightweight, full set of full-size cutlery. The spoon is actually bigger than what I use at home. In my opinion, these would even be a great set for those backpackers who take their pack weight and space seriously. The set comes with a small carabiner; more for keeping them together and less for attaching them to your pack, which is for the best really. I personally wouldn't want to hear them clanging together while I walk. These are definitely going in my pack right away.

 

Outdoor Element Firebiner - Retail Value $14.95

Another item going straight onto my pack is this neat carabiner. Although it's not officially for climbing, it's rated at 100 lbs. and does way more than just hold stuff. It's a flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, cord cutter, and – most interestingly – a fire starter. Truth be told, I've never started a fire with a flint, but carrying one has never been easier. The carabiner weighs only 1 oz., is corrosion-resistant, and has a few hang slots. The blade – for things like cord or fishing like – is so that you can't cut yourself. The bottle opener works but takes a little patience. All in all, I am impressed with this multifaceted carabiner. If you're going to grab a few for your pack, I say spend the extra couple bucks and get one of these. It'll serve the same purpose and you never know when you might need the extra spark. And save the packaging, it comes with two additional ferro rods to keep your Firebiner sparking. Note: you will need a precision flathead screwdriver when the time comes to switch out the rods.

 

Wildly Good Lightweight Merino Wool Socks - Estimated Value $12.50 (Site sells two pair for $25)

I'm a sucker for a good pair of socks. Since the weather is cooling down, I was pumped to receive these Merino wool socks. I have several pairs like these. They're great for hiking, sitting by the fire, or just staying warm at home. I like the grey sock with green accents. It has breathable areas on the top on the foot. All around, a great pair of socks for winter or hiking in any season.

 

Combat Wipes (Active) - Retail Value $8.13

I've got two young kids. Wipes are my life. So I appreciate a good one. These are about the size of a tissue and have a sort of cologne scent to them. Pretty nice actually ... hold on ... still smelling. Anyway. It says they are "extra thick." They are just right, but I wouldn't call them extra thick. Another plus is that they are biodegradable. The packaging even suggests that you could bury it in the soil if a bin is not available. Personally, it is not within me to purposely litter, but if worse came to worse I could feel better knowing they won't be around for long. Depending on the trip, these are definitely coming with me.

 

Pocket Latte Coffee Bar - Retail Value $2.50

This was a new one for me. A pocket latte. I'm a coffee drinker and like all things coffee. I enjoyed this coffee bar, although I think I personally would prefer one of the other flavors. I'm not a cream and sugar kind of guy. In fact, I'm not crazy about the fact that cane sugar is the first ingredient in this bar. Overall, it's a quick, easy, interesting way to get your caffeine fix, but I'm sure you'll agree nothing beats sippin' a good coffee.

Verdict: This is my – and MSA's – first The Camp Life box review and I have to say I was very pleased with it. Each one of these items – save for the coffee bar – is going straight into my backpack. Sometimes with subscription boxes you're left with an item you don't like or one that is a good idea, but mediocre in quality. For $49.95 $44.95 plus free shipping,  I received a little over $58 in products. It's not a high-value box, but all these items are as useful as they are valued. I'm a sucker for good socks and I really like the Firebiner, but I'm going to pick the cutlery set for my favorite item. Maybe because I needed a good set and it is the kind I would buy for myself. I eagerly await what The Camp Life has in store.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You will likely receive the October box. From The Camp Life:

Monthly Boxes: Boxes ship out to current subscribers by the 5th of each month. New Subscriptions after the 10th will receive the next month's box.

ACTIVE DEAL: 15% off your first crate. No coupon needed - just use this link.

Value Breakdown: At $49.95 $44.95 for this box, each of the 5 items has an average cost of $9.99 $8.99.

Check out all of our The Camp Life reviews and other Lifestyle Subscription Boxes.

Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist.

What do you think of the items from this month's The Camp Life?

Starting at $44.95
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The mission for Camp Life Crate is to get people outside, and build community around the campfire. Discover supplies, gear, and camp life foods for your next adventure. Our Glamping & VanLife crate (5-7 items) is curated for comfort-camping and RV experiences. Recent products included travel spi... read more.
Carlos Lamborn
Carlos Lamborn
Carlos is a husband and father of two. He likes coffee, beer, camping, disc golf, a good box cutter, and the accomplishment of even the most menial home-owning task. Carlos is new to the world of subscription boxes and loves the wonderment of receiving them in the new mailbox he just spent all day installing.

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10 comments

h

Great review of what looks like a nice box. Maybe you can also start reviewing Sprezza Box. It doesn’t have high-end male items, but with a nice shirt, pants, and belt, the review would make the Sprezza Box look more impressive.

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Carlos Lamborn

Stay tuned. Thanks for the comment.

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Delia Maldonad

That firebiner is everywhere lately… i love it but I already have 2 from other boxes… not terribly impressed with this one

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Carlos Lamborn

I saw that as well. I agree. You only need one of these – if that. Thanks for commenting.

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Wendy

Agree, Dea. My first thought was, I have all those things already. Why more? So I appreciate Carlos’ breakdown of why each was better than what he already had in his pack. But yes, for $50, I would’ve expected more. And I for one would leave the utensils hanging on my pack, to make noise on purpose. There are bears and bobcats here!

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Carlos Lamborn

I agree with you and Dea, the value to cost ratio wasn’t impressive. And as for getting items you already have, that’s a risk I don’t like about subscription boxes. I guess worst case the extra item could make a good Christmas gift. I’ll take my chances with bears if it means I don’t have to be annoyed by the clanging of my utensils. Thanks for the comment.

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Deb

Wrong box, this is the monthly outdoor essentials box, not the quarterly camp life box

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Sara McClelland

Thanks so much for catching, Deb! We’re planning to review both options and I was mistaken while editing. Carlos’ review is now updated 🙂

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Dea

Seems a bit thin, like it’s missing an item. They’re obviously counting the cutlery set as four pieces instead of one to meet their promise of the item count – not cool. I’d be upset if I paid $50 and received just a cutlery set for one, a carabiner, a pair of socks, a pack of wipes, and a snack. Really seems like one item is missing.

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Carlos Lamborn

While I liked all the items, I agree the value to cost ratio wasn’t impressive. The bar should be more of throw-in rather than an item. I would like to point out that my review was incorrect in the cost and item count. The monthly box, which this is, is 3-5 items for $45. You point still stands. Thanks for your comment.

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