Inspiration for Adventures: Cairn January Box

Last Updated on January 30, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS

If you forced me to pick a sport that defines me as an athlete, I’d tell you I’m a runner.  But the truth is, I just love to be outside.  From trail running, to kayaking, to hiking, to camping, I will find any excuse to breathe in fresh air, feel the sunshine on my face, and push my body to do what it was designed to do…MOVE.    I’m very fortunate to have a “partner in outdoor crime”, if you will, who is equally as adventurous as I am, and never turns down the opportunity to try something new in the great outdoors.

But what happens when you combine two outdoor loving, adventurous athletes in one house?

Well…to put it simply, we have a lot of stuff.

Leaving the comfort of our homes to seek adventure requires a lot of gear.  The big stuff is obvious: sneakers, snowshoes, hydration packs, sleeping bags, tents, mountain bikes, you get the idea.  But the little stuff…the nutrition gels and bars, the hand warmers and head lamps, the compasses and GPS watches…it really adds up in both space and finances.  Especially when you are wanting to try something new, or splurge on the latest and greatest gear.   And if you know anything about outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, you’ll know how much we like our gear.

Enter: Cairn.

Cairn is a monthly subscription box delivered right to your door, bringing you the latest and greatest products in the outdoor and recreational industry.  From apparel to skin care, to emergency medical supplies, and “gear” of all types, each monthly box is packed full of goodies that outdoor enthusiasts will love, at a fraction of the price.   It allows us to sample new products, without having to spend money (or clutter our home) with the full size option (and run the risk of not loving them).  It also gives us the opportunity to acquire some really kickass pieces of gear at a fraction of the cost.

And what’s more, Cairn connects the consumer (you) with the companies providing the product, so you can give direct feedback on what you like, what you dislike, and what you want more of.   A monthly survey that is sent via email after you receive your box gives you a voice to let these companies know what it is YOU are looking for in outdoor gear.

Let’s take a peak at the goodies that came in the January Cairn box:

Eco Vessel Double Barrel Mug: MSRP $20

Whether starting your day with a warm cup of coffee by the campfire, or ending your day with a cold microbrew by the campfire, the double-wall insulated stainless steel mug will keep hot things hot and cold things cold.   And it does so in an easy to wash, environmentally friendly mug that will take the beating of a peak summit, or simply withstand a weekend at the campground.

(Personally, I’ve already tested this one out on hot tea, cold water, and room temperature wine. Heh.)

McGovern & Co Wilderness Survival Bandana: MSRP $12

I don’t know about you, but I’ve totally hopped on the bandana/tube headwear bandwagon.  The soft, multipurpose bandanas are amazing all year round, as headbands, ear warmers, and ice cube holders around your neck for those hot summer days.  The  McGovern & Co Wilderness Survival Bandana isn’t a tube, it is instead a traditional square bandana with survival tips written all over it.   Stuck in the woods, and unsure of how to safely filter drinking water? Consult your bandana.  In fact, you can use the bandana as a part of the filter process.  Snake bite? The bandana will tell you what to do.  It seems silly, but in a stressful, possibly life threatening situation, it can be very easy to panic and forget what to do.  This bandana is not only functional in the traditional sense, but it might actually save your life.

Nite Ize LED SlapLit Bracelet: MSRP $12

Running at night is one of my favorite ways to train…even if sometimes the dark can become hilariously terrifying.   A tiny chipmunk scampering through the woods suddenly sounds like a mountain lion ready to pounce.  The unexpected hoot of an owl can make you jump five feet into the air.  The thrill of night training makes running feel even more fun and primal…but unfortunately, it can also be that much more dangerous.  The Nite Ize LED SlapLit Bracelet helps ensure your safety by making you incredibly visible.  The bracelet , with 100 hours of battery life, is weather proof and offers either a steady glowing or flashing option.  Plus, it’s a fun slap bracelet reminiscent of the late 80’s, what’s not to love?

Elemental Herbs All Good Lips SPF15 Original: MSRP $3.50

Chapped, wind burned, dry, and sunburned lips are the worst. But no one wants to be constantly slathering chemicals over their lips either.   Elemental Herbs “All Good Lips” lip balm is oxybenzone free and loaded with organic and non GMO ingredients.  The taste/smell is pretty neutral as well, making this ideal for anyone (including the littlest adventurers, I’d feel completely safe putting this on my kids. )

One of my recent goals in life has been to downsize and simplify my world of material possessions, to only keep things that are useful or that make me smile.   Therefore I was totally thrilled to see that January’s box contents were all functional items that I will use time and time again.  (In case you were wondering, this is a trend with Cairn…nothing but great, innovative, functional products).

January’s box contents would retail separately for $47.50.  Your cost: As little as $21.67.  The amount of adventure you can have with these items?  Endless.

And this, my friends, is why #CairnRocks.

I’m incredibly excited and honored to announce that I’ve joined the team as a Cairn ambassador.  In future posts, both here and on other social media channels, I’ll be sharing how Cairn, and the unique products found in the awesome monthly box, help me on my adventures both big and small.

Do more.  Be more.  Get outdoors. Explore.  Let the journey begin…