Cairn Box #4 arrived, but then I left on vacation and ate the included snacks instead of posting a review. Anyway, here’s what was in July’s box…
Klymit Pillow X Value: $30.
What they say: “The next generation of inflatable pillows has arrived with the Pillow X, featuring an innovative self-centering design that keeps your head oriented perfectly. Plus it weighs under 2 oz, and packs up smaller than anything else out there. Lose sleep while camping no more.”
What I say: Labeling things as innovative is the trendy thing to do right now, but there’s no way to really substantiate that claim so I suppose they can have it. I actually had a chance to use this while camping and I liked it as I’m a person who is very fond of having a pillow. Is it better than a roll of spare clothing? Yes, maybe a little. Is it made in China? You’re damn right it is! The 2 oz claim seems legit and it’s pretty tiny when packed, though it can be a bit difficult to get it fully deflated. I would like it to be a bit fuzzier, but that probably comes at the expense of weight and size.
My valuation: The $20 Amazon price at the time of writing this seems OK. I’m sure there are slightly cheaper options out there, but the “X” design does seem functional.
Sierra Sage Bugs Be Gone Value: $8.
What they say: “Finally, an outdoor spray that is highly effective and safe to spray directly on your skin. Bugs Be Gone’s potency comes from the blend of organic herbs and essential oils that help keep the bugs away so you can play!”
What I say: I’m not sure my bug spray needs to be organic, but maybe it’s safer than deet… maybe. I haven’t had a chance to field test this to see how effective it really is.
My valuation: $3 – the bottle sent was a sample size and to be fair, I think should be based on what a competitive product would sell for, even if it doesn’t have the same hippy organic herbs.
Munk Pack Blueberry Acai Flax Oatmeal Value: $2.50.
What they say: “Enjoy the vibrant taste of antioxidant-rich berries bursting from your oatmeal in a portable package. The blend of blueberries, pure acai, wholegrain rolled oats and Omega-3 packed flax is more satisfying than a smoothie!
What I say: It was a big werid slurping oatmeal out of a little tube, but the concoction was indeed tasty as long as you are OK with a slightly odd texture. The biggest oddity was the Munk Pack because it seems like an expensive way to make a single serving package resealable and increase the volume of trash left after consuming.
My valuation: $1.50 – I’d value this about like an energy bar, but I’d probably just buy the bar instead.
Mountain House Neapolitan Ice Cream Value: $3
What they say: “Classic chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream in a single serving pouch. Use it to top off a great meal when you use the rebate in this Cairn.”
What I say: It’s space ice cream! A nice little treat when camping. I’m not going to say this is a “new” product since I think it’s been around for 10-15 years at least.
My valuation: $3 – I’ll give this one the full value. As a dessert it’s inherently a luxury item anyway, so I might never actually have bought it and packed it into the woods.
Conclusion: As listed, the content’s value is $43.50. I would put the value of the contents at around $27.50, though there are probably equivalents to the consumables that were in the box that I would buy instead.
