Bottom Line
The Igneous NOBO is an ultralight water bottle that makes a strong argument for ditching single-use plastic on the trail. One of the lightest options in our gear guide to the best water bottles, the NOBO is barely noticeable in a pack. Its slim, cylindrical shape slides easily into side pockets and cup holders alike.
Features like filter compatibility, a squeezable body, and a narrow mouth make the NOBO very practical for hiking and backpacking. This bottle favors simplicity, though, so it forgoes insulation and other weight-adding features like a straw cap or large carry handle.
The burly plastic build easily withstood our drop tests and regular backcountry use. For the weight, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more durable option.
How We Tested
A climber and backpacker, gear analyst Marion Tucker is well versed in backcountry hydration. She brought the NOBO along on high-mileage hikes and approaches to climbing crags throughout California’s varied and rugged Eastern Sierra. From high desert to alpine canyons, she relied on the NOBO to keep her hydrated and took detailed notes on where it shined and where it suffered.
Quick Specs
Igneous NOBO Bottle
Most Eco-Friendly Ultralight Bottle
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $22
Weight: 2.3 oz.(1L / 33.8 oz. capacity)
Insulated: No
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Durable
- Eco-friendly alternative to disposable Smartwater bottles
- Compatible with many filters
Cons
- Not insulated
- More challenging to clean
- Harder to add hydration tablets or ice
Durability
The NOBO may be ultralight, but it’s built to last. Made with HDPE – a type of plastic known for its exceptional strength and impact resistance – the bottle can withstand serious wear and tear. We put the bottle through a series of tests, dropping it from standing height onto various surfaces. From boulder fields to concrete, the bottle emerged with no damage other than some light surface scratches.
Beyond its strength, the NOBO’s HDPE build resists microplastic shedding and bacteria growth better than most other plastics. The bottle is also designed to combat fading from UV rays. Added up, the NOBO is a well-built option that should see many seasons of use.
Ergonomics
The NOBO has a cylindrical shape that’s taller than it is wide. The slim profile allows it to slide easily into a backpack pocket or car cup holder. The plastic construction is malleable, allowing the bottle to squish into smaller spaces like the crevices of a full pack or duffel bag.
The body of the bottle squeezes in hand, making it easier to drink out of, especially when using it with a filter. Squeezing the bottle pushes water through the filter for a consistent, steady flow.
Igneous designed the NOBO with a very narrow mouth – similar to many disposable plastic bottles. The small opening allows for spill-free drinking on the move, which we found very helpful while hiking. The downside is that ice cubes or hydration tablets need to be broken into pieces to fit inside. It’s more challenging to clean by hand, too, although it can be boiled or run through the dishwasher.
The NOBO’s cap is attached to the bottle, eliminating the potential for it to get lost or separated. The small loop of the cap attachment has enough space for just a finger or two, making it less comfortable to carry in hand for extended periods. Fortunately, it fits so easily into packs and pockets that we hardly ever found ourselves carrying the NOBO. The lid also seals tightly, ensuring a leak-free experience.
Insulation
The NOBO is uninsulated, and cold retention was as expected for a basic plastic bottle. Water does not stay cold for very long, particularly if you leave the bottle in the sun. Igneous states that the bottle is boil-safe, so it can accommodate hot liquids. However, we recommend keeping hot-liquid storage to a minimum to preserve the long-term integrity of the plastic build.
Weight
Igneous designed the NOBO to compete with ultralight disposable bottles like Smartwater, and it gets the job done at just 2.3 ounces. We hiked for miles with the NOBO and hardly noticed it in our pack – even when filled with water. It’s true that Smartwater bottles are lighter at 1.2 ounces, but the NOBO’s longer-lasting design has clear advantages in terms of cost and environmental friendliness.
Features
The NOBO is barebones but functional for thru-hikers and minimalist backpackers. You can choose between three colors for the lid: black, green, or blue. The mouth has a 28-410 thread pattern that’s compatible with many popular filters, including the Sawyer Squeeze and Platypus QuickDraw. Measurement lines printed on the side are useful for tracking water intake/usage for hydration and cooking. Igneous also makes a screw-on bidet cap for the NOBO, which we found to be a handy add-on.
Should You Buy the Igneous NOBO?
The NOBO makes a lot of sense for thru-hikers, ultralight backpackers, and those looking to keep weight to an absolute minimum. It’s more durable and environmentally friendly than single-use Smartwater bottles, making the added investment easy to justify. The NOBO fits easily into pockets and packs thanks to its slim shape and pliable plastic build.
For those who like drinking cold water throughout the day, the uninsulated NOBO won’t provide reliable temperature control. There are no real features to speak of, either – no straw, carry handle, or fancy spout. Ultralight enthusiasts likely won’t mind these trade-offs, but casual hikes and commuters will be better served by more feature-rich options.
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.
Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle Review: Barely lighter than the NOBO, the ThruBottle is another stellar ultralight design. Both options are durable, packable, and more environmentally friendly than disposable Smartwater bottles. With a taller, narrower design than the NOBO, the ThruBottle has an ergonomic shape that’s easy to grip and slide into pockets.
Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Review: Perhaps the most ubiquitous bottle among thru-hikers, Smartwater is known for being the lightest water storage option available. Sharing the NOBO’s slim shape and filter compatibility, this bottle keeps ounces to an absolute minimum – but won’t last as long.
HydraPak Flux Review: The Flux is a flexible, soft-sided alternative to the NOBO. It’s slightly heavier but extremely packable for backpacking and other space-conscious endeavors. It has a 42-millimeter threaded opening for pairing with a water filter.
