I use the Sawyer Squeeze Filter, after using the bags that came with it I said to myself "there has to be a better way" well cnoc, you nailed it! After using it for 2 years it makes collecting and processing water a breeze. I use mine as a gravity feed system and haven't developed any pinhole leaks or blowouts. With "proper" care I expect many years of use.
Bought my first Vecto(s) at least 1.5 years ago, and decided to add a couple more to my kit recently. I decided to go ahead and get two of the VectX's this time, one in 2L and one 3L.
I needed one for my shorter hike/day hiking pack, as I had been just doing the "economical" thing and switching equipment from one pack to another depending on the journey. Now I've got enough to go around and I have enough for a spare if ever needed. I carry two Vectos on longer backpacking trips, one for dirty water collection and another for clean water for when the Sawyer needs a good backflushing--- or I can also use the second Vecto to haul extra water on the dry sections as necessary.
For me the VectoX 2L Bag is the way to go! The Vecto Bag is great but the VectoX is made of a little thicker material which makes me feel more comfortable hanging them in my USMC hydration pouches that I run on each side of my Ruck Sack. The top opening is fantastic for refilling from your outdoor water source and makes it so easy to clean when needed. Cnoc sure had a great idea with this one!
The VectoX seems touch and lightweight, but the stink of the plastic is unbearable. I've tried lemon juice with baking soda and freezing the bag and airing it out for days and using it for a few trips and as far as I can tell, it's just as bad as on the 1st day. Sounds like this is a problem only for those lucky few who are sensitive to the smell (like me). I like the basic design and concept enough that I'm going to try it a few more times and see if it gets better with time.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your review! We actually recommend using denture tabs to get rid of the taste/smell for those who are sensitive to the TPU. Soak it in warm water with two denture tabs overnight, empty and wash thoroughly with mild soap, and let air dry. Lemon juice and baking soda is good for a deep cleaning or to help with discoloration. Hope this helps!
This water bladder did just fine. It seems to be an upgrade over the previous version, which I also owned, but destroyed itself on the first trip I took with it. My Sawyer squeeze which was brand new (supposedly) out of the package was completely stopped up. I assume someone had bought a new one and swapped the bad one out and returned it to Cabela’s. I was using both items for the first time in the backcountry. I applied too much pressure attempting to clear the clog and blew the side out of the vecto. Used the new vecto 2 this weekend and it worked beautifully. Moral of the story is don’t improperly use your gear!