Hikewise Subscription Box Review
Hey, Hikers! Have you heard of Hikewize yet? The Hikewize box is a new subscription box catering specifically to hikers. I’ve been a bit leery of subscription boxes in the past but, when I saw photos of recent Hikewize boxes, I knew that this was the one I wanted to try! Hikewize graciously provided a box for me to review but all opinions expressed in this post are my own.
What is Hikewize?
Hikewize is a quarterly subscription box for hikers. Customers have the option of paying quarterly ($55 per box) or making a one time payment for the whole year ($50 per box). Hikewize states on their website that each box contains $100-$200 worth of hiking gear. This may include gear items and gadgets, clothing, or trail food.
Hikewize Spring Box – March 2020
I received the Hikewize spring 2020 box which shipped in March. The theme of this box is Zion National Park. I love the informational cards that come in the box! In addition to details about the products in the box, the cards provide personal recommendations from the Hikewize founders for hiking trails and other attractions in and around the park. This box included five products for hikers to try.
Recover Zip Hoodie
When opening my Hikewize box, the first item I noticed was a zip-up hoodie from the Recover brand. Recover produces eco-friendly products and strives to support non-profit organizations working to protect our planet. This hoodie is made from 100% recycled materials including upcycled cotton and recycled plastic bottles. The sweatshirt is lightweight but incredibly soft and warm and the fit is excellent. (Keep reading for more information about clothing sizing in Hikewize boxes.)
See You At The Campground
See You at the Campground is a “guide to discovering community, connection, and a happier family in the great outdoors” by Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi. The Puglisis began as bloggers writing about their family camping adventures and their new book seems like a great resource for families new to camping and outdoor adventure. I was certainly surprised to find a book in my Hikewize box but, now that I think of it, guidebooks and skills manuals are a great fit for outdoorsy subscription boxes.
Sheffield Zion 14-in-1 Multi Tool
This 14-in-1 multi tool has just about everything you could ask for. The tool has an aluminum handle and seems to be a well made, fairly lightweight product. The Zion would probably be overkill in my pack but definitely has a place in my glove compartment.
Snappy Towels Quick Dry Microfiber Towel
Every hiker could use a microfiber towel for drying themselves and their gear. Snappy Towels have plastic snaps on the corners so they can be worn around your neck or shoulders, used as a sun shield, or attached to a pack. I love the size of this towel because it is small enough to pack as a sweat towel but also probably big enough that it could be used to dry off after a swim.
Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bites
Bobo’s bars have become a hiker staple but I hadn’t yet seen these strawberry-filled bites. I was eager to try them and they didn’t disappoint! Hikers can never have too many trail snacks, which makes them a great addition to subscription boxes.
Is the Hikewize Box Worth It?
I used MSRPs and pricing at major retailers to calculate the value of the spring box.
- Recover Zip Hoodie – $45.00
- See You at the Campground – $18.99
- Sheffield Zion Multitool – $17.57
- Snappy Towel – $12.99
- 2 Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bites – $1.53
- Box Total – $96.08
The total value of my spring 2020 Hikewize box is about $96. Given a subscription cost of $50 – $55 per box, this is a great deal!
Plus, see the end of this post for a special offer just for TNH readers!
Final Hikewize Thoughts
Hikewize provides quality products at a great value. Everything in my box is something I will use and I like that it introduced me to a few small businesses that I previously wasn’t familiar with. I also enjoyed the Zion theme and the park information that was included. As an added bonus, Hikewize gives 2% of earnings from every box to Big City Mountaineers and is committed to partnering with brands that have similar charitable aims.
You may be wondering about sizing of clothing items in Hikewize boxes. Upon purchase, Hikewize asks subscribers to fill out a short survey. They collect information regarding sizing, color preferences, food allergies, and outdoor experience level. It is clear that whoever packed my box took my survey answers into account. The colors are what I would have picked myself and the sizing is spot on.
Despite my overall satisfaction, there is one way on which I feel this box falls short. From a box called Hikewize, I definitely expected more hiking-specific items. The two highest value items in the box are the hoodie and the book. I love the Recover hoodie for everyday wear but it wouldn’t be my first choice for on trail (especially at 50% cotton) and the book is mostly about RV camping. Looking back at previous boxes, however, I see plenty of hiker favorites such as merino socks, headlamps, and even a lightweight daypack. I have a feeling that this particular quarter’s box simply wasn’t the most aligned to my personal preferences.
Bottom Line: Hikewize is a small business packing boxes with care and offering a great value to subscribers. A Hikewize subscription would make a great gift!
Hikewize Coupon Code
Ready to try Hikewize? Use code NEHIKER at checkout for 10% off your first order!