Super useful 5k crate subscription box review

"Disclaimer: I received a 5k Crate Shipment as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"
 
There are a million subscription boxes out there.   They vary widely in price, quality and usefulness. I was given the chance to try out 5k crate, which I thought would be like every other running-focused subscription box. I was wrong. 

I wasn’t familiar with 5k crate, but it turns out that they are focused on providing high quality, premium running gear for the everyday runner – with items you will actually USE!

Here’s what was in my crate:

• Mission VaporActive Alpha Running shirt (retail price $35.95)
• Mission ViaporActive Cooling towel (retail price $19.99)
• Spigen Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (retail price $45.00)
• Zensah peek running socks (retail price $19.99)
• (2) Epic Full-Size Body Wipes (retail $2.50 each)
• (3) La Fresh Travel Sunscreen Samples (retail $1.00 each)

 
I wasn’t expecting such full size useful items!

Zensah socks
The first item I dug into were the socks. I brought them on vacation with me. They felt like the same moisture wicking material that you would see in a tech shirt, in a nice bright color. Comfortable and washed well. I liked them !!  Bonus - it coordinated with the shirt that came in the box too!

Mission Cooling Towel
Next I tried out the cooling towel.  I have been wanting one of these for awhile now, and for whatever reason, just haven’t gotten around to getting one.  I used it after a run in the AZ heat. I just wetted it and attempted to “snap” it. I’m not sure if I was doing it right, it felt good, but it wasn’t COLD.  It was probably user error.  It’s a good size towel and it dries fast!  This is a keeper.

Mission Running shirt
It FINALLY cooled off enough to wear a short sleeve shirt in Phoenix.  Luckily the shirt was not unisex and it came in a fitted style! It fit perfectly. (you provide your top, bottom and shoe size when you sign up).  This shirt was very lightweight – but it’s strongest selling feature is the fast drying aspect.  It says it dries 5x faster than your typical moisture wicking material. Normally when I get home from a run, the first thing I need to do is get that nasty running top and sports bra off.  However, this was basically dry in the 5 minutes it took me to drive home. I would TOTALLY wear this and would love to buy one in a tank top style if available.

Epic Wipes
When I saw these in the cart, I thought to myself – these are coming with me to Ragnar!  They are HUGE and have a eucalyptus scent.  I did not try these out yet because they have to come with me to Ragnar! Too good to waste now. Look at the size - 31.5 x 19.7!

La Fresh SPF wipes
Who doesn’t need sunscreen on the go? Just toss a wipe in your purse if you’re headed to a ballgame, soccer match or a run/hike. I didn't actually try them out yet, I am saving these for Ragnar next week.

Spigen wireless headphones
Truth be told, I don’t actually need another pair of headphones, I happen to love mine.  But, it’s good to have a backup, so I wanted to give these a try.  I first charged them  - they took a few hours to charge.  I tried to pair them with my phone, but was not successful. It said "pairing" but it never did sync.  I will try it again, I'm sure it was user error or something.

The verdict:
This was the nicest subscription box I have seen for runners.  It is only quarterly, but the value is guaranteed to be at least a $100.  I was delighted that it wasn’t gel samples or energy bar samples (yawn).  I am going to use at least 6 of the 7 items in this box. The price is $59.99 per quarter, and you save more than 10% if you prepay annually.  You can also save $5 by joining their email list to receive specials.  I will consider buying myself one of these next year as a one off, but probably not a full year subscription.