Cairn Box #3 arrived.
This is the rundown of what’s in June’s box…
Light My Fire Titanium Spork Value: $15.
What they say: “Most hikers and backpackers love titanium because it’s so lightweight. We love it because it’s one of the toughest alloys on the planet, handling whatever ruggedness you throw at it.”
What I say: I don’t have one of these, or rather, I didn’t have one of these. It may make a nice addition to the camping gear and I’m sure it will be mighty durable. I do find it funny that titanium gets such high praise for being lightweight (this weighs 0.7oz) while the poly version comes in at less than 1/3 as heavy (0.2oz) and like 15% of the cost. I’m sure the titanium is more durable and doesn’t have the potential to melt, it does however have the potential to scratch a non-stick pot.
My valuation: I suppose the $12 that it currently lists for on Amazon is fair, even if it is pricy for a utensil.
Light My Fire Grandpa’s FireFork 2-Pack Value: $10.
What they say: “Inspired by Grandpa’s ingenious design, and destined to become a modern classic. Attaches firmly to any stick; use it to grill marshmallows and hot dogs, or just about anything you want.”
What I say: Neat, maybe useful if they get taken along, but on the other hand maybe buried at the bottom of a camping bin.
My valuation: $5. 50/50 odds that they make it into the field.
Dragon Fire Tinderbox Value: $6.50.
What they say: “This awesome little box is packed full of nature’s best firewood! You don’t have to be a fire master to master this. Open the box, set in your prepared fire pit, light, and enjoy.”
What I say: Seriously? Wood shavings packed in a NON WATERPROOF cardboard box. That seems set to fail when most needed. Also, you’d be packing little bits of wood into the woods, which just seems unnecessary.
My valuation: $0. No. Just no.
Paleo Eats Chai Cro Bar Value: $3.50.
What they say: “Portable, convenient, and nutritious, this satisfying organic snack or meal replacement is perfect for your day pack, fueling your next adventure!”
What I say: It’s a bar… This whole extra-hippie food bar trend seems to be going a bit overboard.
My valuation: $1.50/ea. I do occasionally pack food bars and it will probably be pretty good. Small compared to a Clif bar (1.75oz vs. 2.4oz)
Simple Squares Cinna-Clove Value: $2.50.
What they say: “With just 5 ingredients, Simple Squares offers clean energy that is paleo, organic, non-GMO, and gluten free. Perfect for wherever nature takes you.”
What I say: Someone can’t count… there are 8 distinct ingredients listed on the back. I am glad they’ve done their best to fit into every new-age diet fad under the sun. At the end of the day, it’s just another snack bar…
My valuation: $1.50/ea. I do occasionally pack food bars and it will probably be pretty good. Even smaller (1.6oz)
Conclusion: As listed, the content’s value is $37.50. I would put the value of the contents at around $15-$20 depending on whether I really believe I would ever have bought some metal prongs to go no the end of sticks.
