CNOC Outdoor VectoX Overview | CleverHiker

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The CNOC Outdoor VectoX excels throughout in a single day backpacking journeys as a system for gathering, filtering, and storing water at camp. Its broad opening permits for straightforward filling from a stream and not using a hard-sided water bottle, and it’s appropriate with quite a lot of filters. Moreover, it dries quicker than every other hydration bladder we examined. 

The VectoX is much less handy as a hydration system for a day hike or a single-day outing, as its specialised options don’t make as a lot sense. Whereas it’s comparatively straightforward to drink from the VectoX, its lack of a hose makes it much less very best in the event you desire to hydrate on the go. 

As a light-weight and packable bladder provided at an inexpensive value, the VectoX would add worth to any backcountry journey, particularly once you count on to camp removed from water sources. For day hikers who take pleasure in sipping whereas they stroll, try our favourite hydration bladders with hoses.

And for more information, try a few of our different common gear guides:

How We Examined

We examined the VectoX on a number of day hikes and climbing days in Joshua Tree over the winter.

Weight & Packability

We examined the VectoX, which is CNOC Outdoor’ barely extra sturdy model of the unique Vecto Bladder. It nonetheless falls into our ultralight class, though it has some specialised options that make it a bit heavier than related bladders. 

At 3.32 ounces, it’s the third lightest bladder we examined, solely behind the Hydrapak Seeker and the Platypus Platy. The common Vecto reduces the load a bit extra, coming in at simply 2.8 ounces for the two-liter measurement. 

The VectoX rolls up and shops simply when empty. We measured its packed measurement to be 6.5 by 2.25 by 1.5 inches, making it second solely to the Platyplus Platy within the packability class. In case you’re touring by aircraft and are apprehensive about baggage limits to your subsequent journey, the VectoX is a unbelievable, stashable possibility. 

The plastic slider makes the VectoX considerably bulkier than our different favourite ultralight bladders, but it surely considerably will increase the benefit of cleansing, which we’ll focus on additional under.

Ease of Use

The VectoX has a distinct specialty than our different hydration programs, so its ease of use depends upon your objectives. With no hydration hose, this isn’t the most suitable choice in the event you desire to drink water whereas strolling. 

In case you’re looking for a flexible water storage bag for backcountry tenting, the VectoX will fulfill your necessities. Its broad opening permits for straightforward filling from a stream or lake, whereas the smaller opening accommodates a number of completely different filtration programs.

The VectoX was designed as a water assortment, filtration, and storage system. It comes with two completely different thread sizes to pair with quite a lot of water filters. The 28mm thread works properly with Sawyer filters, Lifestraw Flex, or HydroBlu Versa Circulation. Moreover, it encompasses a 42mm thread to accommodate bigger filters such because the Katadyn Befree. Make sure to examine your filter measurement earlier than ordering the VectoX! 

The loop on the plastic slider makes it straightforward to hold from a tree and use as a gravity filtration system. For the reason that VectoX doesn’t have a hose, we normally simply packed it in our backpack on prime of our different gear whereas climbing. There’s no want for the VectoX to hold in a pack like different hydration bladders.

Ease of Cleansing

Relating to ease of cleansing and drying, the VectoX is the clear winner. The broad opening on one facet permits for straightforward scrubbing of the inside of the bladder with none particular instruments. Though it isn’t dishwasher protected, its easy-to-clean design makes this a minor concern. 

The VectoX dries quicker than every other hydration bladder we examined, significantly as a result of it may be turned inside out. After washing and hanging it as much as dry, it was moisture-free in simply twenty minutes. In distinction, most different bladders took hours to dry fully.

Style

Whereas the VectoX initially had a slight style, it largely pale away. We completely washed every bladder and carried out a comparative style take a look at. After washing, the VectoX was largely taste-free, particularly when in comparison with among the different bladders.

Sturdiness

Throughout our testing interval, we used the extra sturdy VectoX. It’s only some ounces heavier than the common Vecto, but it surely’s constructed with heavier, extra sturdy TPU materials. Whereas CNOC claims that the Vecto has a breaking level of 220 kilos, the VectoX withstands as much as 450 kilos, which is a major enchancment. 

Up to now we haven’t observed any leaks. The fabric is extra pliable than the stiffer plastic of the Platypus Platy, making it much less more likely to tear alongside the seams.

Ought to You Purchase the CNOC Outdoor VectoX?

For in a single day journeys within the backcountry, the VectoX simplifies water assortment, filtration, and storage. Canoe campers and backpackers will recognize how straightforward it’s to fill the bladder from a lake or stream, even and not using a hard-sided water bottle. The VectoX is particularly helpful for campers anticipating sleeping farther from a water supply and needing a storage bladder. 

Hikers who wish to keep hydrated on the go might discover themselves lacking a hose system. Though ingesting straight from the VectoX is comparatively straightforward, it’s not meant to operate as an lively hydration system.

What Different Hydration Bladders Ought to You Think about?

If the VectoX doesn’t fairly suit your area of interest, try our different favourite hydration bladders.

Platypus Platy Overview: Our favourite ultralight bladder is the Platypus Platy. It’s tremendous gentle and might pack down even smaller than the VectoX. In case you’re in search of a minimalist possibility to remain hydrated, it doesn’t get easier than the Platy. The VectoX is less complicated to fill from a greater diversity of water sources due to its broad opening. We regularly prefer to pair a small, hard-sided water bottle with the Platy to assist us fill it. We additionally need no less than a small water bottle for decent drinks anyway, so it finally ends up being a multi-purpose piece of drugs.

Hydrapak Contour Overview: In case you desire the sliding closure on the VectoX however need an entire hydration system with a hose, the Hydrapak Contour is a stable alternative. Weighing 5.6 ounces, the Contour stays fairly gentle and packable in comparison with different hydration programs we examined. The broad opening with the slider facilitates fast drying and simplifies filling in comparison with different bladders as properly.