Nomadik is a lifestyle subscription box for outdoor lovers. Every month, they send 3-5 items for outdoor adventures including gear, snacks, and multi-use items for $34.99 + shipping. They promise a $60 average retail value. First-time subscribers will choose their first box. Future gear and kit themes are based on a variety of factors, such as: seasonality, available inventory from brand partners, interests, etc. But rest assured, the value, quality, and quantity of the items in all variations of the kits are comparable each month. You can skip a month, cancel, or reactivate your account easily.
There is also a quarterly version of this subscription. It costs $150 four times a year and promises a $200+ value for each installment.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
Nomadik's tried and true monthly box is always a welcome sight. I like that you can immediately tell this is an outdoor box. Every box comes with a small tri-fold with information about the items and some other info or deals. There is also always a neat Nomadik sticker.
Inside The Nomadik "Survival Safety" Box
Mizu M8 25 oz. Bottle - Retail Price $20
The big item in this month's installment is a 25 oz. water bottle from Mizu. It's 10 inches high, 3 inches in diameter, and weighs in at 7 oz. It can be ordered in a variety of colors, including stainless steel. It has a twist-off cap that has a loop in it. I'll say that this is about as classic as you can get for a water bottle. It's an ideal size, but I reckon that if you're in the market for a water bottle, there is one that fits your personality a little better and it's around the same price. This one is bare bones, plain Jane, rather pedestrian. It's not insulated. There's no straw or nozzles. In fact, the only "feature" is that it – checks notes – fits in a cup holder.
Survival Frog Paracord Survival Bracelet - Retail Price $10
This 8-inch survival bracelet lets you fish, start fires, navigate, build a shelter, and call for help. The bracelet from Survival Frog includes: 10 ft. of paracord, firestarter, compass, fishing hooks, fishing line, fishing lures, sinkers, whistle, and tinder. The paracord is rated up to 550 pounds. The center of each clasp is a flint and striker. In a pinch, the striker could also be a cutting edge. Inside the cord is the rest of the fishing stuff, which I didn't open, because I could never get it back in there. And don't forget the whistle ... my daughter didn't, until I took it away.
Aquatabs 49mg Tabs - Estimated Price $6.50
Aquatabs is a purifying tablet which is added to drinking water to kill harmful micro-organisms. The tablet quickly dissolves and disinfects water in 30 minutes. Each tablet can treat up to 64 ounces of water. There is a chart to follow. Whether the water is from a river, lake, or stream or a water system, drop the correct amount of tablets into the water, shake for 10 minutes, and wait an additional 30 minutes before drinking. That's a long wait, but if you're dehydrated, you'll do anything for clean water. I like that this is small, light weight, and very important. I personally don't venture too far that I need to clean water to drink, but there is no harm in throwing a few of these in a small emergency pack before a hike.
Note: A pack of 50 cost $13. So this pack of 25 is worth around $5.50.
Bug Soother Natural Bug Repellent Balm - Retail Price $7
This Natural Bug Soother Insect Repellent repels mosquitoes for up to four hours so you can enjoy more of what you love outdoors. Bug Soother Balm is kid friendly. Great for camping, baseball games, concerts, and, of course, hiking. Simply swipe it on exposed areas for a concentrated dose of protection against biting mosquitoes and black flies. It combines lemongrass, vanilla, and castor oil to deliver effective insect repelling performance. This is so easy to throw in your pack or purse. With summer just around the corner, this will get used soon and quickly.
Note: The photo on the website looks different, but it says it's the same amount.
Endurelite Hydrate Elite Electrolyte Drink Mix - Estimated Price $1.20
Endurelite Hydrate contains key electrolytes, coconut water powder, Himalayan sea salt, and vitamins to help rapidly hydrate your body, regulate fluid balance, and replace sodium lost in sweat. Drink Hydrate Elite as needed before, during, and after exercise, or throughout the day for optimal hydration. Interestingly, this product is not vegan. I never get too excited about these powder drinks, but at least this one tasted pretty decent.
Note: These are sold in packs of 20 for $24. That comes to about $1.20.
The Verdict
I was disappointed in this installment of Nomadik. I didn't feel like I received anything interesting, valuable, or particularly useful. The water bottle is fine, but ordinary. It feels more like it's should be a secondary item for a box like this. The bracelet is a neat idea, but it's one of those things you won't likely use. The water tablets were cool and different, but again, I doubt I'll use them. The balm may be my favorite item, because I can see my family using it. And the drink mix is never exciting. Usually there is an item that I'm excited about or that I can at least understand why they included it, but I don't feel that way about this installment. To add insult to injury, the value is severely lacking (see below).
In addition, I couldn't help but notice Nomadik's website has all but erased all mention of a monthly subscription. It's focused on the quarterly sub and the store now calls the month boxes "bundles." I'm still receiving them, but it sure does seem like they've moved on from the monthly subscription. Interesting.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Your first box will be your choice. More from Nomadik:
Just sign up, fill out your profile, and pick your first theme. Future boxes are curated based on: your profile, seasonality and product surveys. If you order by the 15th, your monthly box ships by the 24th of this month. Otherwise it will ship by the 24th of next month. Future shipments (after the first shipment) will ship by the 24th. When you sign up, you'll be charged and your subscription will automatically renew on the 4th of your renewal month. You'll be charged 1 time per month and you'll get 1 box per month.
Value Breakdown: At $40 ($34.99 + $4.99 shipping to PA) for this box, each of the 5 items has an average cost of $8. This box has a retail value of around $45, which is way below the "promised value." I put that in quotations, because I'm not sure the website promises anything about monthly subscriptions any more. I think it's safe to say this is one of the most disappointing Nomadik boxes I've seen; both in value and contents.
Check out all of our Nomadik reviews and other Lifestyle Subscription Boxes.
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What do you think of the items from this month's Nomadik?
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