CNOC Open air VectoX Hydration Bladder Overview

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 extensive opening permits for simple filling from a stream and not using a hard-sided water bottle, and it’s suitable with a wide range of filters. Moreover, it dries sooner 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 perfect if you happen to 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 whenever you anticipate to camp removed from water sources. For day hikers who get pleasure from sipping whereas they stroll, take a look at our favourite hydration bladders with hoses.

And for more information, take a look at 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 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 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. In case you’re touring by aircraft and are frightened about baggage limits in your subsequent journey, the VectoX is a incredible, 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 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 if you happen to 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 extensive opening permits for simple filling from a stream or lake, whereas the smaller opening accommodates a number of totally different filtration techniques.

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 nicely with Sawyer filters, Lifestraw Flex, or HydroBlu Versa Circulate. Moreover, it contains a 42mm thread to accommodate bigger filters such because the Katadyn Befree. You should definitely examine 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 often simply packed it in our backpack on high 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

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

The VectoX dries sooner 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 utterly.

Style

Whereas the VectoX initially had a slight style, it principally pale away. We totally washed every bladder and carried out a comparative style check. After washing, the VectoX was largely taste-free, particularly when in comparison with a number of the different bladders.

Sturdiness

Throughout our testing interval, we used the extra sturdy VectoX. It’s only some 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 major enchancment. 

To date we haven’t observed any leaks. The fabric is extra pliable than the stiffer plastic of the Platypus Platy, making it much less prone 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 admire 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 consuming immediately from the VectoX is comparatively straightforward, it’s not meant to operate as an energetic hydration system.

What Different Hydration Bladders Ought to You Contemplate?

If the VectoX doesn’t fairly suit your area of interest, take a look at our different favourite hydration bladders.

Platypus Platy Overview: 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 searching for 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 extensive opening. We regularly wish to pair a small, hard-sided water bottle with the Platy to assist us fill it. We additionally need not less than a small water bottle for warm drinks anyway, so it finally ends up being a multi-purpose piece of substances.

Hydrapak Contour Overview: In case you desire 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 extensive opening with the slider facilitates fast drying and simplifies filling in comparison with different bladders as nicely.