Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle 1000 Water Bottle Review

Bottom Line

The Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle 1000 is a minimalist backpacker’s dream. Its ergonomic shape is designed for maximum performance in the backcountry, and the ultralight build keeps ounces to an absolute minimum. 

Single-use plastic has maintained a grip on the backpacking and thru-hiking worlds as the optimal water carry option thanks to its low weight. However, clocking in at a mere 2.2 ounces, the ThruBottle is one of the lightest reusable water bottles available. For hikers looking for an easy way to reduce their environmental impact and trade out single-use plastic for something longer-lasting, the ThruBottle is a worthy alternative. 

In addition to being ultralight, the Cnoc is made with durable materials that hold up to rough outdoor use. Its flexible structure and tall, slim profile make it easy to pack and stash in small spaces. The 28-millimeter threaded neck adds filter compatibility for integrating into your backpacking hydration system. 

To keep things as light as possible, the Cnoc is minimalist with limited customization options, no insulation, and a simple cap and opening. For more feature-rich options for daily use, casual hiking, or commuting, check out our best water bottles gear guide.

How We Tested

Gear analyst Marion Tucker took the ThruBottle into California’s diverse Eastern Sierra. She used the bottle during alpine hikes and brought it bouldering in the high desert of the Inyo National Forest. For months, she relied on it to keep her hydrated and observed how easy it was to drink from, how well it fit into pockets and cup holders, and how reliably it held up to rough use. From drop tests to high-mileage hikes, Marion put the bottle through the wringer to find its strengths and weaknesses.

Durability

At first glance, the Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle doesn’t seem particularly burly. But don’t let looks fool you – the bottle is more than capable of handling rough outdoor use. It’s made with BPA-free plastic that’s lightweight but resilient, offering far better longevity than single-use bottles like Smartwater.

Aside from putting the bottle through the normal wear and tear while hiking and climbing, we subjected it to several drop tests. We dropped the bottle on the ground from standing height onto talus, gravel, spiny underbrush, and even concrete. Through it all, the bottle maintained its structural integrity and showed no signs of impact. 

Ergonomics

The most striking aspect of the Cnoc’s design is its tall, slim build. It’s much narrower than most water bottles while still holding a liter of liquid. The thin profile allows it to slide seamlessly into a car cup holder or pack pocket. In fact, we were able to squeeze two ThruBottles into a single side pocket on our pack. If you prefer to carry it inside your bag, the narrow build and malleable structure make it equally easy.

In our research, some users complained about the height of the Cnoc when carrying it in front-facing shoulder strap pockets. In our experience, the bottle’s height was rarely an issue, and we like that the slim build fits in most spaces. 

The original, V1 version of the ThruBottle had the same shape as the latest iteration but was made from rigid plastic that was less squeezable. The V2 has a more flexible structure with pliable plastic that makes it much easier to drink out of. The squeezability allows for a steady flow when drinking, which is particularly useful when using the bottle with a filter. 

Our one complaint has to do with the texture of the bottle’s mouth. We found the edges a bit sharp, making it slightly uncomfortable to drink from. A more rounded edge would help reduce the scratchy feeling of the plastic against the lips, but ultimately it’s a minor annoyance.

The narrow mouth is easy to drink from while hiking without worrying about spillage, although the smaller opening makes it more difficult to add ice or hydration tablets. The tethered cap remains attached to the bottle to eliminate any chance of loss and screws on tightly to prevent leakage. 

Insulation

As a lightweight and minimalist design, the ThruBottle is not insulated. The thin plastic walls do not provide consistent temperature control, so those who like to sip cold water throughout the day will want to look elsewhere. In our testing, the bottle’s cold retention was largely dependent on ambient temperature and sun exposure. It’s always a good idea to keep the ThruBottle out of direct sunlight – both for the bottle’s longevity and to keep your beverages at a more drinkable temperature.

The Cnoc is able to handle hot liquids up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, although Minimal Gear recommends keeping hot-liquid use brief to maximize the bottle’s lifespan. Boiling water will cause the plastic to weaken and deteriorate over time.

Weight

We simply cannot get over how light the ThruBottle is. The V2 redesign trimmed weight from 3.2 ounces to an impressive 2.2 ounces. This makes it a mere ounce heavier than ultralight icon Smartwater and the lightest reusable water bottle we tested. The fact that it’s also very durable only adds to all-around appeal.

We hiked with the ThruBottle for miles in the side pocket of our pack, stuffed into a backpack alongside climbing gear for an approach to the crag, and tucked into a tote bag for errands around town. Even after high-mileage days, we never noticed the Cnoc’s presence or felt a need to adjust its positioning.

Features

The ThruBottle bottle keeps things simple in the features department. The mouth has a 28-millimeter threading, which is compatible with popular water filters like the Sawyer Squeeze. Minimal Gear sells a 28mm Sawyer Coupling to create a gravity filtration system with the Squeeze. And if you like tracking your water intake or knowing exactly how much to add to a dehydrated meal, the ThruBottle has metric and imperial measurement lines molded on its side. 

Should You Buy the Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle?

The Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle is a no-brainer for thru-hikers, minimalist backpackers, and other weight-conscious outdoor-goers. It’s one of the lightest and most affordable bottles we tested while also being durable enough for frequent backcountry use. The narrow profile and flexible structure allow it to fit into pack pockets, cup holders, and other tight spaces. The 28-millimeter threaded opening adds versatility for pairing with a filter.

The Cnoc is uninsulated and pretty bereft of features and customization options. If temperature control, color choice, or specialized lids or handles are important to you, there are plenty of more feature-rich options available. Instead, it’s best suited for backcountry users looking for a no-frills, lightweight bottle that’s easy to drink from and stash in a pack. 

What Other Water Bottles Should You Consider?

Curious what other water bottles are out there? Check out the three alternatives below, or view our full list of favorites in our gear guide to the best water bottles.

Igneous NOBO Review: Featuring a very similar design to the Cnoc, the NOBO is another bottle made with thru-hikers in mind. It’s comparably durable, nearly as ultralight, and well suited for backcountry use with a pocket-friendly shape. 

Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Review: For situations when every ounce counts, Smartwater bottles still reign supreme. As a single-use plastic bottle, it’s decidedly barebones and won’t last as long as the reusable ThruBottle. However, at 1.2 ounces, you’d be hard-pressed to find a lighter or more ubiquitous option – Smartwater is available pretty much everywhere. 

HydraPak Flux Review: The Flux is a soft-sided bottle with a flexible build that’s great for backpacking and travel. It’s a little heavier than the Cnoc but still competitively lightweight at just 3.6 ounces. HydraPak sells a handy filter cap for on-the-go hydration in the backcountry.