CNOC Outdoors VectoX Hydration Bladder Review

Bottom Line

The CNOC Outdoors VectoX excels during overnight backpacking trips as a system for collecting, filtering, and storing water at camp. Its wide opening allows for easy filling from a stream without a hard-sided water bottle, and it is compatible with a variety of filters. Furthermore, it dries faster than any other hydration bladder we tested. 

The VectoX is less convenient as a hydration system for a day hike or a single-day outing, as its specialized features don’t make as much sense. While it’s relatively easy to drink from the VectoX, its lack of a hose makes it less ideal if you prefer to hydrate on the go. 

As a lightweight and packable bladder offered at an affordable price, the VectoX would add value to any backcountry trip, especially when you expect to camp far from water sources. For day hikers who enjoy sipping while they walk, check out our favorite hydration bladders with hoses.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

How We Tested

We tested the VectoX on several day hikes and climbing days in Joshua Tree over the winter.

Weight & Packability

We tested the VectoX, which is CNOC Outdoors’ slightly more durable version of the original Vecto Bladder. It still falls into our ultralight category, although it has some specialized features that make it a bit heavier than similar bladders. 

At 3.32 ounces, it’s the third lightest bladder we tested, only behind the Hydrapak Seeker and the Platypus Platy. The regular Vecto reduces the weight a bit more, coming in at just 2.8 ounces for the two-liter size. 

The VectoX rolls up and stores easily when empty. We measured its packed size to be 6.5 by 2.25 by 1.5 inches, making it second only to the Platyplus Platy in the packability category. If you’re traveling by plane and are worried about baggage limits for your next adventure, the VectoX is a fantastic, stashable option. 

The plastic slider makes the VectoX somewhat bulkier than our other favorite ultralight bladders, but it significantly increases the ease of cleaning, which we’ll discuss further below.

Ease of Use

The VectoX has a different specialty than our other hydration systems, so its ease of use depends on your goals. Without a hydration hose, this is not the best option if you prefer to drink water while walking. 

If you’re searching for a versatile water storage bag for backcountry camping, the VectoX will fulfill your requirements. Its wide opening allows for easy filling from a stream or lake, while the smaller opening accommodates several different filtration systems.

The VectoX was designed as a water collection, filtration, and storage system. It comes with two different thread sizes to pair with a variety of water filters. The 28mm thread works well with Sawyer filters, Lifestraw Flex, or HydroBlu Versa Flow. Additionally, it features a 42mm thread to accommodate larger filters such as the Katadyn Befree. Be sure to check your filter size before ordering the VectoX! 

The loop on the plastic slider makes it easy to hang from a tree and use as a gravity filtration system. Since the VectoX doesn’t have a hose, we usually just packed it in our backpack on top of our other gear while hiking. There’s no need for the VectoX to hang in a pack like other hydration bladders.

Ease of Cleaning

When it comes to ease of cleaning and drying, the VectoX is the clear winner. The wide opening on one side allows for easy scrubbing of the interior of the bladder without any special tools. Although it is not dishwasher safe, its easy-to-clean design makes this a minor concern. 

The VectoX dries faster than any other hydration bladder we tested, particularly because it can be turned inside out. After washing and hanging it up to dry, it was moisture-free in just twenty minutes. In contrast, most other bladders took hours to dry completely.

Taste

While the VectoX initially had a slight taste, it mostly faded away. We thoroughly washed each bladder and conducted a comparative taste test. After washing, the VectoX was largely taste-free, especially when compared to some of the other bladders.

Durability

During our testing period, we used the more durable VectoX. It’s only a few ounces heavier than the regular Vecto, but it’s constructed with heavier, more durable TPU material. While CNOC claims that the Vecto has a breaking point of 220 pounds, the VectoX withstands up to 450 pounds, which is a significant improvement. 

So far we haven’t noticed any leaks. The material is more pliable than the stiffer plastic of the Platypus Platy, making it less likely to tear along the seams.

Should You Buy the CNOC Outdoors VectoX?

For overnight trips in the backcountry, the VectoX simplifies water collection, filtration, and storage. Canoe campers and backpackers will appreciate how easy it is to fill the bladder from a lake or stream, even without a hard-sided water bottle. The VectoX is especially useful for campers anticipating sleeping further from a water source and needing a storage bladder. 

Hikers who want to stay hydrated on the go may find themselves missing a hose system. Although drinking directly from the VectoX is relatively easy, it’s not intended to function as an active hydration system.

What Other Hydration Bladders Should You Consider?

If the VectoX doesn’t quite fit your niche, check out our other favorite hydration bladders.

Platypus Platy Review: Our favorite ultralight bladder is the Platypus Platy. It’s super light and can pack down even smaller than the VectoX. If you’re looking for a minimalist option to stay hydrated, it doesn’t get simpler than the Platy. The VectoX is easier to fill from a wider variety of water sources because of its wide opening. We often like to pair a small, hard-sided water bottle with the Platy to help us fill it. We also want at least a small water bottle for hot drinks anyway, so it ends up being a multi-purpose piece of gear.

Hydrapak Contour Review: If you prefer the sliding closure on the VectoX but desire a complete hydration system with a hose, the Hydrapak Contour is a solid choice. Weighing 5.6 ounces, the Contour remains quite light and packable compared to other hydration systems we tested. The wide opening with the slider facilitates quick drying and simplifies filling compared to other bladders as well.