CNOC Outside VectoX Evaluate | CleverHiker

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The CNOC Outside VectoX excels throughout in a single day backpacking journeys as a system for accumulating, filtering, and storing water at camp. Its large opening permits for simple filling from a stream with out a hard-sided water bottle, and it’s appropriate with a wide range of filters. Moreover, it dries sooner than some 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 should you choose to hydrate on the go. 

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

And for more information, try a few of our different in style 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 Outside’ 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 burden 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 anxious about baggage limits to your subsequent journey, the VectoX is a improbable, stashable possibility. 

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

Ease of Use

The VectoX has a unique specialty than our different hydration techniques, so its ease of use relies on your objectives. With out a hydration hose, this isn’t the most suitable choice should you choose 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 large opening permits for simple filling from a stream or lake, whereas the smaller opening accommodates a number of completely different filtration techniques.

The VectoX was designed as a water assortment, filtration, and storage system. It comes with two completely different thread sizes to pair with a wide range of water filters. The 28mm thread works nicely with Sawyer filters, Lifestraw Flex, or HydroBlu Versa Circulate. Moreover, it encompasses a 42mm thread to accommodate bigger filters such because the Katadyn Befree. Remember 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 high 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

In the case of ease of cleansing and drying, the VectoX is the clear winner. The large opening on one facet permits for simple scrubbing of the inside of the bladder with none particular instruments. Though it’s not dishwasher secure, its easy-to-clean design makes this a minor concern. 

The VectoX dries sooner than some other hydration bladder we examined, notably 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 principally pale away. We completely washed every bladder and performed a comparative style check. After washing, the VectoX was largely taste-free, particularly when in comparison with a few of the different bladders.

Sturdiness

Throughout our testing interval, we used the extra sturdy VectoX. It’s just a few ounces heavier than the common Vecto, nevertheless it’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. 

Thus far we haven’t seen 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 Outside VectoX?

For in a single day journeys within the backcountry, the VectoX simplifies water assortment, filtration, and storage. Canoe campers and backpackers will admire how straightforward it’s to fill the bladder from a lake or stream, even with out a hard-sided water bottle. The VectoX is very helpful for campers anticipating sleeping farther from a water supply and needing a storage bladder. 

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

What Different Hydration Bladders Ought to You Contemplate?

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

Platypus Platy Evaluate: Our favourite ultralight bladder is the Platypus Platy. It’s tremendous gentle and may 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 variety of water sources due to its large opening. We frequently wish 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 Evaluate: In case you choose the sliding closure on the VectoX however want a whole hydration system with a hose, the Hydrapak Contour is a strong alternative. Weighing 5.6 ounces, the Contour stays fairly gentle and packable in comparison with different hydration techniques we examined. The large opening with the slider facilitates fast drying and simplifies filling in comparison with different bladders as nicely.