Cairn Box #2 arrived.
This is the rundown of what’s in May’s box…
Brunton Pulse 1500 Value: $30.
What they say: “Sometimes all you need is an extra bit of energy to make that call, send a crucial text, or get that epic shot to share your adventure. So small you won’t notice it until you really need it.”
What I say: Nice package with the integrated charging and power plugs, but poor valuation, not very powerful. These things are <$10 for certain colors on Amazon and commonly <$10 for non Brunton branded higher power ones at 2000mAh everywhere you turn these days. For reference, the 1500mAh charger here won’t fully charge a smartphone, and even the 2000mAh versions would be challenged there.
My valuation: $10 if you wanted one, but $0 if you already have one
Pro-Knot Outdoor Knot Cards Value: $6.
What they say: “Waterproof plastic cards mean you can take this little reference with you anywhere and not worry about it getting wet. These 20 essential knots will cover any essential situation.”
What I say: Can and will are two different things. Yes, I can take this with me, but it’s one extra thing that adds extra weight. If I do take it with me, it’s probably going to end up forgotten about in the bottom of the ’emergency’ stash. Disclaimer: I’ve never had an issue remembering the knots that I want to use, so the expected utility of this low for me.
My valuation: $0. If you expect to need fancy knots, but can’t remember them, choose a different adventure.
Aloe Up Pro Ultra Sport SPF 30 Value: $5.50.
What they say: “Designed for the extreme athlete in all of us, this 35% by volume pure Aloe Vera Gel base provides natural moisturizing properties while protecting you from the elements.”
What I say: This is fine. It’s probably good stuff, but it’s a little sample size and I can go to Meijer and buy a tube of sunscreen that will last me all season for that much. If I’m willing to use last year’s sunscreen, them I’m already set and then some. Is the Aloe base really meaningful beyond making for a nice hippie story? Who knows.
My valuation: $0-3. It’s worth something, but if you’re already buying a season’s worth, it’s just extra.
Clif Bar – Bery Pomegranate Chia Value: $1.50.
What they say: “One of the newest flavors off the line at Clif. A sweet and tangy combination of strawberries, cranberries, pomegranates, and chia seeds.”
What I say: Value seems fair – $1.50 or so seems to be about what bars go for when not on sale. Flavor – sounds good, I’m generally a fan of Clif Bars flavor and texture, and appreciate the fact that they’re kind of a blob. Also, thanks for the Oxford Comma, Cairn.
My valuation: $1.50/ea. I do occasionally pack bars and I do like Clif Bars.
Skipping the other Clif Bar since the comments would be the same and it’s just a different flavor.
Conclusion: I would put the value of the contents at around $15, $10 for the power pack, $3 for the bars and $0-3 for the sunblock. But, there’s a caveat here: I already have a handful of the 2000mAh battery packs that were handed out as promotional items, so we’ll see if the improved packaging of this Brunton one gives it any real value.
I’m ignoring any promotional value here as that’s a value for the company and not so much for me. If it’s good stuff, I’ll find out about it without paying to be told about it. If they want to send completely free stuff to promote their brands, then we can talk.
