Nocs Provisions Zero Tube Monocular Review
For Hikers

By Diane Spicer

This Nocs Provisions Zero Tube monocular review outlines how portable optics can help a hiker with a lot of important tasks.

It's important to know what's coming at you, what (and who) is around you, where you can find water, and where you need to go next.

In other words, trail conditions and safety and route finding.

Let's dig into how this piece of technology can keep you safe and provide peace of mind for year round hiking as you explore your favorite trails.

Disclosures in this Nocs Provisions Zero Tube
monocular review

Hiking For Her is known for sharing what really works for hiking, along with a detailed analysis of why it works.

When Nocs Provisions offered a Zero Tube for testing in real world conditions, HFH jumped at the chance.

Why?

It fit perfectly into plans for a three week backcountry expedition to the Northwest Territories of Canada (trip review coming soon).

This review is based on those three weeks of variable conditions, terrain and use cases for the monocular, in addition to usage on dayhikes near my home in Washington State.

You need to know two things right up front in this Nocs Provisions Zero Tube monocular review:

I received a Zero Tube free of charge in exchange for an unpaid, unbiased and completely honest review.

There is no affiliate relationship between Hiking For Her and Nocs Provisions. If you purchase through the company website, HFH receives nothing.

If you decide to purchase through this Amazon HFH affiliate link, HFH receives a small commission while you pay nothing extra. Notice the lack of ads or sponsored posts on this website; your support is appreciated.

What's featured in this Nocs Provisions
Zero Tube monocular review

You are probably familiar with the concept of binoculars: holding 2 lenses up to your 2 eyes in a convenient housing in order to magnify and bring closer what you're looking at.

I have a pair myself. You might be interested in my Nocs binocular review.

This review features something a bit different: the Zero Tube monocular (one lens).

Nocs Provisions Zero Tube technical specifications

When you buy a piece of hiking gear, especially an optional one like a monocular, it's important to know what you're paying for.

Here's the data:

• 25mm objective lens
• Magnification: 10X power 
• Optics: ED Glass and custom multi-coatings
• Field of view: 114 m @ 1000 meters / 341 ft @ 1000 yards (6.5º) for 10X
• Dimensions: 110 mm x 40 mm x 44 mm / 4.33 in x 1.57 in x 1.73 in
• Weight: 205 g / 7.2 oz
• Price at time of review: $179.95 U.S.

Field performance:
The main point of this Nocs Provisions Zero Tube monocular review

Now that we have all of that covered, it's time to turn our focus (did you catch that?) to how the monocular was used and how it performed over three weeks of rugged terrain and variable weather conditions.

I'm guessing that's why you're here ;)

Let's set the scene for this review so you know what I threw at this little Zero Tube.

The Northwest Territories is the true definition of wilderness. Access to the Mackenzie Mountains, where I spent 3 weeks, is by plane or helicopter. When you get dropped off, you are OUT THERE in every sense of the words.

Because the Zero Tube is waterproof and fog proof (nitrogen sealed), I did not baby it much. It "slept" in my tent vestibule in a side pocket of my backpack every night, and rode along on my daily explorations in that same pocket.

As you might imagine, 21 days in the elements brought equal measures of morning fog at low elevation campsites (around 2000 feet), rainstorms out of the literal blue, extremely windy conditions when camping at 8000 feet, cold temperatures down to 34F, and long lovely stretches of sunny, one might even say "hot" conditions (low 70F).

I used the monocular in various ways during these weather intervals, putting it to the test over and over again.

Just so you know, a hiking companion carried a set of binoculars so I was able to switch back and forth to compare the views and user experience.

Nocs Zero Tube for scouting

When you're in the extreme backcountry, you are very interested in animal movements.

We hiked through known brown bear territory every day. Because the NWT bears are known for ferocity, we were quite eager to glass the hills and valleys for any signs of them.

My habit was to find a high vantage point (easy to do when in alpine territory, sometimes challenging when lower) and sit down to stabilize the monocular against my bent knees.

I carefully scanned up and down, side to side, (called "glassing") to look for the telltale "alive" lump that is a grizzly. 

I did this every time we moved far enough to warrant another look at what was below, above and around us.

The monocular also came in handy when looking for surface water, in our case a creek bed with running water to make camp or refill our water bottles. 

Nocs Zero Tube for navigation

When you hike on an established trail, you expect certain things: easy (or at least easier) water crossings, the best routes around obstacles, and signage to help you navigate.

All bets are off when you're in the backcountry. It's up to you to figure out the safest route.

And that's where this monocular really came into its own. By scanning the terrain it was possible to determine the  places that provided opportunities for safe, straightforward travel. 

I say opportunities because you never know until you're right up on a spot if there is a hidden gully, cliff, impassable landslide, rock face or water obstacle that still needs to be dealt with.

But using the Zero Tube before venturing in one direction did save time and effort on multiple occasions by preventing backtracking.

Novs Provisions Zero Tube monocular review:
wildlife viewing

And here's the most fun part in this Nocs Provisions Zero Tube monocular review: watching non-lethal wildlife go about their daily business.

We were fortunate enough to be in Dall sheep and caribou territory. 

Many hours (no exaggeration) were spent in the endless daylight of the Far North, watching these fascinating animals. 

Just an aside: Caribou are very much like eighth graders at their first dance: uncertain, curious, at turns shy and bold. Sheep just want to graze and stay far, far away from anything that may be a predator (like a hiker sitting on a slope with her knees up).

More wildlife fun with the Zero Tube:

Before I left for my backcountry trip, I used the monocular for beach hikes on rocky coasts.

What a game changer!

The tiny little seals  that I can spot out on the rocks became vivid and exciting in the lens. I watched them interact, hunt, sun themselves, and manage their babies, all without disturbing them.

Not to mention otters, eagles, herons, shore birds like gulls, so much to see up close!

For this reason I will never leave them at home again, for any type of hikes.

A safety note for solo female hikers

Top of mind for female hikers who hike alone is safety from unwanted attention.

Here are my tips for how to use the Zero Tube to remain discreet on a solo hike.

• Clip the monocular to your shirt and make it easy to be forewarned rather than startled by other hikers.
• Step off trail a small distance and tr to spot whoever is making noise coming toward you (loud laughter, a boom box, a mountain bike skidding around a corner, you know the triggers that make your stomach lurch).
• Use the monocular when choosing the right spot for a solo camp. You want to be hidden but highly aware of who may be sharing space with you. 

NOTE: This is not  to say you should use the monocular to spy on your neighbors if you are at a campground or popular hiking site. Screening purposes only, so you can crawl into your tent without worry at the end of the day.

Binoculars versus monoculars for hiking

The first thing to come to mind is weight savings.

I'll use Nocs Provisions weight data to make a comparison for you.

205 g / 7.2 oz for Zero Tube monocular versus 336 g / 11.85 oz for binoculars (Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars).

Maybe that's not much of a weight difference to you.

To me, it is. When I'm carrying my backpack toward a bush plane or helicopter, every ounce does in fact matter. 

I imagine the same is true if you're an ultralight backpacker who prides herself on going fast and light.

Or a dayhiker trying to lighten the load to make room for camera gear or other heavy items.

Another thing to note: Clipping this lightweight lens to my backpack's sternum strap was way easier than wrestling with a binocular strap, especially when I already had my camera strap around my neck.

Eye fatigue is also an issue to mention in this comparison.

I didn't find the monocular heavy to hold to my eye, or hard to focus through, but perhaps you'd be more comfortable with a two lens set up.

Personal preference, right?

Things to love about the Zero Tube monocular
as a hiker

I might sound a tad over enthusiastic about this little monocular, but every word is the truth. It has been a game changer over the last few months for me as a hiker.

I'll call out what I'm enthused about so you can decide if it fits your hiking style and needs.

Optics

This is the most important part of this Nocs Provisions Zero Tube monocular review, right?

The optics were amazing, full stop.

Words to describe the view through this monocular include "crystal clear" and "sharp".

I'm going to quote the company here to explain how that comes to be:

Durability

Now there's a word near and dear to a hiker's heart.

We want gear that has a long life, and doesn't need to be coddled.

The Zero Tube is built to be knocked around a bit, due to its rugged "no slip" grooved, impact absorbing body and weather proof lens.

If you accidentally drop it in a stream, no worries because it is submersible for 30 minutes in up to 3 feet of water, meeting IPX7 waterproof criteria.

Ditto if you forget it's sitting on your backpack during a rain squall.

Or you sit on it!

When you hold this device in your hands, you can feel the quality and ruggedness. It's not flimsy!

User experience

You can twist-up the eyecup to adjust the monocular to your eye. If you have a dominant eye, use that one.

If you wear prescription lenses, no worries, you can view something without removing your glasses when you make the appropriate adjustments (instructions included).

This little tube is so easy to carry!

I kept mine handy in an old hard shell glasses case, stowing it in a handy zip pocket on my backpack's hip belt.

But you can see in this photo that you have other options, including a carry clip and loop.

You can take a photo through the Zero Tube using your smartphone:

• Line up the eyecup with the camera lens (hold the camera by its sides).
• Use the Volume Up button to snap your photo.

It's inexpensive as far as optics go, especially for the quality it delivers. If you're a camera aficionado, you know of what I speak.

A few drawbacks to note in this Nocs Provisions
Zero Tube monocular review

If you carry a tripod, this monocular is not compatible with it.

If you travel with the Zero Tube, be advised that security personnel will be certain to pull you out of the queue for a thorough inspection. This can cost you time if you have a tight connection (the voice of personal experience).

A note about color choices for a hiker

I was sent a Zero Tube in the Alpine Green color.

Not exactly a good choice when I'm heading into the alpine's dull green ground cover.

What I mean is that once or twice I set the monocular down next to my backpack and it vanished into a mound of heather or under a rock.

Choosing a more bold color like Off-Piste (red) is recommended for hikers.

More ways to use this monocular beyond hiking

You're probably already way ahead of me here, but let's call it out anyway.

Versatility.

A word right up there with durability for a hiker. 

If you hike but are also described by any descriptor on this list, you will enjoy a monocular:

• hunter
• kayaker
• sports fan in the nosebleed section
• parent keeping an eye on active offspring at the park
• stargazer
• birdwatcher
• animal tracker and/or wildlife photographer
• concert goer

You get the idea: versatility in spades.

Note: You can expand the monocular's usefulness with an optional Photo Rig Smartphone Adapter. 

Buy one and carry it with you through all your favorite activities. Its minimal weight with maximum usefulness comes with a decent price.

Buy one for a loved one on that list, too.

Another idea: Look no further for a gift for your favorite hiker! Such a hard working but fun piece of gear to gift an outdoors woman.

Conclusions in this Nocs Provisions
Zero Tube monocular review