This is a Cairn Box (I lifted the picture straight from their site since I didn’t take my own). It’s a package of outdoor-centric goodies put together by a company that sends them out as surprise packages / gifts. The base rate is $25/box shipped, ignoring any promotional prices and the claim is $35 worth of stuff in each box. It seems to be kind of a trendy thing that reminds me of the old blog “stuff white people like”, focused (based on their own page) on inspiration and discovery:
- inspiration for your next outdoor adventure – delivered monthly!
- discover new brands and new products
I received it as a gift – I don’t think I would have spent money to sign up for someone to send me extraneous stuff that I may or may not want. But, since I have no choice in the matter, I will document the deliveries.
This is the rundown of what’s in April’s box…
Hydro Flask True Pint Value: $22.
What they say: “The latest product form our friends at Hydro Flask keeps your favorite beverage frosty cold from the first sip to the last drop.”
What I say: It’s a $22 pint glass. After about a month of use, I can say it’s an absolutely fantastic pint glass and truly does insulate very well, but I would still have a hard time paying $22 for a glass.
My valuation: $10, maybe $15. That’s what I’ve seen the Contigo vacuum insulated coffee mugs go for. This has no lid, but it might be better insulated.
UST Brands SparkForce Value: $8.
What they say: “Having a back-up when your lighter dies or matches get wet is critical. This flint-based fire starter generates sparks in wet and windy conditions, and is compact and reliable too.”
What I say: Good emergency item I think. Not sure I’d ever have bought one myself, but it will go in the camping emergency kit. Also, I just like the concept of starting fires with flint and steel.
My valuation: $7 on Amazon seems OK.
Lasting Smiles Lip Balm Value: $5.
What they say: “Nourish your lips while you nurture the world. Not only is this awesome product organic and soothing, but with every 1000 lip balms sold, on child receives the gift of a cleft lip or cleft palate surgery somewhere around the world.”
What I say: I’m not sure about the marketing story they have there, it sounds good (rarely does helping some less fortunate people not sound good), but I’m always a bit skeptical of the real value of such things beyond their marketing impact. That said, the pepermint lip balm is great (not sure if the flavor varied)… and at the moment, lost.
My valuation: $3. Base rate for some chapstick seems to be $1.29. This does seem to be good stuff, so I’ll bump that a bit… But, I also have a whole bag of chapsticks collected from Delta flights.
Kate’s Real Food Stash Bar Value: $2.75.
What they say: “Kate’s Stash Bar is real food at its finest: peanut butter dark chocolate with flax & hemp. With only 8 simple ingredients, this nutty flavored bar will help keep you fueled and satisfied.”
What I say: The bar was pretty delicious (at it at the top of Mt. LaConte), but the flax seeds were whole, which means they’re nutritionally useless. Sad.
My valuation: $1.50 – $1.50 is my default amount for any energy bar thing, regardless of back-story.
Conclusion: I would put the value of the contents at around $21.50 – $26.50. I wouldn’t pay $22 for a pint glass, but it is kinda awesome.
