Staff gear review by Megan Almquist
Binoculars, binos, nocs–whatever cool name you might call them–can be as simple or as technical as you want them to be. It seems like the binocular market is plentiful of quality binos that come in boring colors, or cutesy bright ones made for kids. Our shop started carrying Nocs in the summer of 2023 and I’ve held back my impulsive purchasing until I had an excuse to do so. Thus, I gifted myself a pair for my birthday in May, just in time for things to get all bright and summery here in Bellingham, and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
Now regardless of what you’d use these for, whether that’s scoping out ski lines, checking out views after scrambling up technical terrain, or getting a closer look from the nosebleeds, Nocs are built with impressive durability for the cost. The housing is made out of a textured plastic that’s great for both gripping and absorbing impact. So even if you drop them in a rough spot, chances are they’re still A-OK without visible damage. Another impressive note on their durability is the fog + waterproofness. The PNW is one of the most beautiful places to be, yet also one of the wettest. Nocs lenses are injected with inert nitrogen gas, guaranteeing they’ll never fog up on you no matter how musty conditions are. One huge discovery I made while writing this review is they can even be submerged for 30 mins in water up to 3 feet deep! So, if you’re a water-dwelling individual, these thangs are locked and loaded for all your aquatic endeavors.
Like all things people wear on their face, a good fit is a make-or-break deal. Nocs have an easy adjustment for eye distance with a simple bend of the housing. They’re also built with twist-up eyecups to enhance your view if you’re a non-glasses wearer and can shade your fragile eyeballs from overhead sunlight. These quick modifications let your whole party in on the views, no matter how differently your beautiful faces and eyes are constructed.
For you ultralight folk, these binos only weigh 336 grams (11.85 oz). If you’re like me and (lovingly) shove the random bits of gear in the top of your pack, Nocs come with a soft cinch pouch for easy protection. Luckily, they take up little space in your pack sizing at 4.53” x 4.25”. That said, if you’re stressing about bringing one more thing in your bag, this is a fantastic piece of gear to carry in the backcountry. Ya never know when that epic sunset or mountain goat herd moment will happen. Plus, one of my favorite features is the ability to take pictures of your POV on your phone by holding it up to the lens! Those epic moments can last in your camera roll too, not just your memory. Here's one I recently snapped at Samish overlook:
Last–but not at all least–the colors these things come in are so dang fun. The Nocs themselves come in a variety of colors, and their multicolored straps are sold separately so that you can mix and match! If you’re not as flamboyant, the binoculars still come with a thinner black strap that’s less bulky. Our shop carries a solid variety of color options for both the binoculars and straps, so find your perfect personalized setup while we’re still supplied!
I do want to note that Nocs has a “No-Matter-What Lifetime Warranty.” So, if you broke these guys 1.) We’d be impressed and 2.) Nocs will take care of your oopsies, guaranteed. Between fun and technical, Nocs are a great piece of gear to bring with you for any outing.
Come into the shop to give ‘em a try!