CNOC Open air VectoX Hydration Bladder Assessment

Backside Line

The CNOC Open air VectoX excels throughout in a single day backpacking journeys as a system for amassing, filtering, and storing water at camp. Its vast opening permits for straightforward filling from a stream with no hard-sided water bottle, and it’s suitable with a wide range 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 excellent in case you desire to hydrate on the go. 

As a light-weight and packable bladder provided at an reasonably priced worth, the VectoX would add worth to any backcountry journey, particularly whenever you anticipate 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 standard 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 Open air’ 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 comparable 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 dimension. 

The VectoX rolls up and shops simply when empty. We measured its packed dimension to be 6.5 by 2.25 by 1.5 inches, making it second solely to the Platyplus Platy within the packability class. If you happen to’re touring by airplane and are nervous about baggage limits to your subsequent journey, the VectoX is a unbelievable, stashable choice. 

The plastic slider makes the VectoX considerably bulkier than our different favourite ultralight bladders, however it 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 will depend on your objectives. And not using a hydration hose, this isn’t the best choice in case you desire to drink water whereas strolling. 

If you happen to’re trying to find a flexible water storage bag for backcountry tenting, the VectoX will fulfill your necessities. Its vast opening permits for straightforward filling from a stream or lake, whereas the smaller opening accommodates a number of totally different filtration programs.

The VectoX was designed as a water assortment, filtration, and storage system. It comes with two totally different thread sizes to pair with a wide range of water filters. The 28mm thread works properly with Sawyer filters, Lifestraw Flex, or HydroBlu Versa Move. Moreover, it contains a 42mm thread to accommodate bigger filters such because the Katadyn Befree. Remember to verify your filter dimension 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. Because the VectoX doesn’t have a hose, we normally simply packed it in our backpack on prime of our different gear whereas mountaineering. There’s no want for the VectoX to hold in a pack like different hydration bladders.

Ease of Cleansing

With regards to ease of cleansing and drying, the VectoX is the clear winner. The vast opening on one aspect 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, 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 utterly.

Style

Whereas the VectoX initially had a slight style, it largely pale away. We totally 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 just a few ounces heavier than the common Vecto, however 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 big enchancment. 

To date 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 Open air VectoX?

For in a single day journeys within the backcountry, the VectoX simplifies water assortment, filtration, and storage. Canoe campers and backpackers will respect how straightforward it’s to fill the bladder from a lake or stream, even with no 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 need to keep hydrated on the go could discover themselves lacking a hose system. Though consuming immediately from the VectoX is comparatively straightforward, it’s not meant to perform as an lively hydration system.

What Different Hydration Bladders Ought to You Take into account?

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

Platypus Platy Assessment: Our favourite ultralight bladder is the Platypus Platy. It’s tremendous mild and might pack down even smaller than the VectoX. If you happen to’re in search of a minimalist choice to remain hydrated, it doesn’t get less complicated than the Platy. The VectoX is simpler to fill from a greater variety of water sources due to its vast opening. We regularly prefer to pair a small, hard-sided water bottle with the Platy to assist us fill it. We additionally need a minimum of a small water bottle for decent drinks anyway, so it finally ends up being a multi-purpose piece of substances.

Hydrapak Contour Assessment: If you happen to desire the sliding closure on the VectoX however need an entire hydration system with a hose, the Hydrapak Contour is a strong selection. Weighing 5.6 ounces, the Contour stays fairly mild and packable in comparison with different hydration programs we examined. The vast opening with the slider facilitates fast drying and simplifies filling in comparison with different bladders as properly.