CNOC ThruBottle vs. M!GO Water Bottle: The Best Reusable Alternatives to Smartwater

In the world of thru-hiking and backpacking, the humble Smartwater bottle has long been a staple due to its slim profile, lightweight design, and compatibility with popular water filters like the Sawyer Squeeze. However, concerns over microplastic shedding, single-use waste, and durability have led to innovative reusable alternatives. Two standout options are the CNOC ThruBottle and the Mazama Designs M!GO water bottle. Both aim to replicate the best aspects of Smartwater while adding sustainability and functionality. In this post, we'll break down their features, specs, pros, cons, and help you decide which might suit your needs.

Overview of the CNOC ThruBottle

The CNOC ThruBottle, from CNOC Outdoors, is designed as a direct, eco-friendly replacement for the 1L Smartwater bottle. It's built for ultralight backpackers, with a focus on durability and long-term use. Made from HDPE plastic, it's stiffer than disposable bottles but offers better resistance to wear and chemical leaching.

Overview of the M!GO Water Bottle

The M!GO, a collaboration between Mazama Designs and hiker Miranda Webster (aka Miranda Goes Outside!), emphasizes versatility with its dual-cap system. This allows for easy filling from shallow sources and thorough cleaning, while maintaining filter compatibility. It's made from LDPE plastic, making it more flexible and squeezable.

Key Specifications Comparison

To make it easy, here's a side-by-side comparison of the main specs based on product details and reviews.

Pros and Cons

CNOC ThruBottle

Pros:

• Lighter weight, making it better for ultralight setups.
• Slimmer profile fits easily into backpack side pockets.
• Durable and less prone to flavor retention or microplastic issues.
• Affordable and recyclable.
• Nylon string for easy retrieval from packs.

Cons:

• Stiffer material requires more effort to squeeze when filtering.
• Single narrow mouth can make filling from shallow streams trickier.
• Heavier than a disposable Smartwater (3.2 oz vs. 1.2 oz), though the trade-off is worth it for reusability.

Reviewers note it's ideal for long hikes, with minimal wear after extensive use.

M!GO Water Bottle

Pros:

• Dual-cap design excels at quick filling and easy cleaning.
• Softer and more squeezable for faster filtering.
• Can handle boiling water, useful for cold-weather camping or as a hot water bottle.
• Slightly higher capacity when overfilled.
• Available in fun colors for personalization.

Cons:

• Heavier, which might deter strict gram-counters.
• Lid can loosen if not tightened properly, risking spills.
• Higher price point and not curbside recyclable.
• Narrow mouth cap not tethered.

Testers praise its versatility for varied water sources and general backpacking.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you're a dedicated thru-hiker prioritizing weight savings and a seamless Smartwater replacement, go for the CNOC ThruBottle. It's cheaper, lighter, and built to last multiple seasons without adding much bulk.

On the other hand, if ease of use is key, especially for filling in tricky spots or you want to personalize with a bit of color, the M!GO shines. Its dual-cap innovation makes it more user-friendly for casual backpackers.

Both reduce environmental impact compared to disposables, so either is a win for sustainable adventuring. Ultimately, test one on a short trip to see what fits your style best.

← Previous Post