Review of the Nomadik Welcome Box with Hammock - Worth it?
Gear. We all love gear. Some of us a little more than others - maybe even to the point that it could be considered a problem, or an obsession. Is it truly even possible to have too much gear? I don't think so, and neither does anyone that has received a Nomadik Subscription Box.
If you want to subscribe, get loads of gear and save even more money while doing it, Nomadik gave an exclusive 10% discount to Adventure Dispatch Readers! Click here and use the code "Adventure10" at checkout!
Nomadik is a super take on the subscription mail idea that caters to outdoor gear lovers (Yes, I am looking at you!). When you subscribe to the Monthly Subscription, you will receive a bonus Welcome Box.
The contents change slightly, but for the most part, the items which we individually go through in this article remain the same. You also fill out a personal profile to start that they will use to cater the boxes to your interests. Though you don't get to choose exactly what you want, this helps point them in the right direction.
As is the case with many popular subscription boxes, the longer you sign up for, the less you spend per box. Prices range from $30 for one box, payable monthly, to $26 per box, billed semi-annually, for a total of $158.
Each box is has a guaranteed $50 retail value in each box. Most boxes also offer coupons for pretty hefty discounts from major (and not so major) brands. This brings up a super cool thing about what Nomadik is doing. Sure, they partner with some of the largest brands and include items from them, but they also include items from smaller companies, helping them to get more exposure for their quality items.
What is in the Nomadik Welcome Box?
Everyone that signs up for a Monthly subscription will receive the Nomadik Welcome Box. It's a great introduction to the process and a great teaser of the goodies that you will be receiving. Let's see everything that came in my Nomadik Welcome Box.
Grand Trunk Starter Hammock
This is their ultralight hammock and is a really good "starter" hammock. It packs down well and is pretty lightweight making it ideal to throw in your backpack for any adventure, or just a nap in a nearby park. Hanging straps are included so all you have to do is find the nearest pair of shaded trees to hang from!
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Mini Patches
I love these things and should be a staple piece of gear for any backpacking adventure. In fact, I think these need to be added to our 3 Day Backpacking Checklist. These are used to repair holes and tears in down jackets, tents, rain gear. They are pre-cut patches of ultra-strong adhesive tape that permanently bond to nylon, polyester, GORE-TEX fabric, and vinyl.
UCO Hurricane Matches
These light up quickly and consistently in driving rain, heavy winds and falling snow—and will relight even after being submerged in water. Each box includes 25 matches that burn for up to 15 seconds each, plus 3 extra strikers. I default to carrying a lighter, but most of my adventures take place in normally dry conditions. I would pack these up as emergency backup if I went to more humid or wet areas.
Ursa Major Essential Face Tonic
This is a great example of Nomadik introducing some new products to even the most seasoned outdoors lover. This 4-in-1 natural face toner cleans, exfoliates, soothes and hydrates - leaving your skin feeling refreshed, firm and alive. I'm not sure it would make my longer backpacking treks where I am weighing every ounce, but for quick overnighters or car camping, why not? At home I have a nighttime routine to wash and clean my face, so why not take it to the backcountry?
Nuun Instant Electrolyte Hydration Powder Mix
I became an instant fan of Nuun a few years back when I used them during and after a few major hikes. They are relatively clean and work really well. These packets are an electrolyte powder that you add to water to rehydrate you faster than water alone. They are delicious and easy to throw in your bag for any adventure.
Wrapping up the Nomadik Welcome Box
You will also get a cool sticker to slap on your cooler and a pamphlet that talks about each item. They also have some incentives such as offering a $15 credit if you share your feedback. This means that they WANT to hear from their customers, and are actively listening. You will also find discount codes for many of the Brands that they work with.
Inside the Nomadik Welcome Box brochure, you will find the "Nomadik Challenge." Basically, if you post on IG and use the hashtag, they select 5 people to win a $50 gear bundle every month!!
Is it Worth it?
It's a bit too early to call it (sorry). This Welcome box is only a bonus gift and not the actual boxes that we will be receiving, but don't worry, there will be a follow-up! That being said, just the fact that Nomadik includes a Welcome Box with a Monthly Subscription in the first place with a value of around $50 is pretty cool. If I had paid the lowest tier amount of $30, and this was my box, I would be OK with it. I definitely received more than $30 worth of gear, so from a money standpoint, it is worth it. I am looking forward to the next box to get a true impression of what Nomadik is all about!