Vecto FAQ

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• How do I store my Vecto?
• How do I clean my Vecto?
• Can I put my Vecto in the dishwasher?
• How do I care for my Vecto?
• My Vecto gives my water a plastic taste. Is it faulty? Can I get rid of the taste/smell?
• The threading of my Vecto seems “off” and there’s a leak between the threading and the cap. Can I fix this?
• I’ve had my Vecto for awhile and it’s turning yellow/brown/orange/etc. Is it still ok to drink from?
• Can I patch my Vecto if it has a pinhole?
• What causes pinholes in my Vecto?
• Why is my Vecto slider so hard to open?
• Should I get a Vecto or a VectoX?

• Is it okay to use chlorine or Aquamira™ drops or tablets in my Vecto?

• Where is the Vecto made?
• Does my Vecto come with a warranty?

How do I store my Vecto?

Between trips and seasons, make sure your Vecto is stored clean, dry, and out of sunlight. We recommend storing it open with the slider tucked inside to hold the back end open.

How do I clean my Vecto?

Give it a quick wash with mild, biodegradable soap and warm water, using a scrub brush on the inside if needed, and let hang (air) dry completely between uses. It's best to do this regularly between hiking seasons and long trips.

Can I put my Vecto in the dishwasher?

No, your Vecto should not go in the dishwasher. The high temperatures in a dishwasher may compromise or degrade the Vecto's radio-frequency (RF) bonded welds, and can cause leaks. 

How do I care for my Vecto?

To help you Vecto last as long as possible, keep it out of direct sunlight for long periods of time, handle it carefully in freezing conditions, and store it clean and dry between trips. Unlike hard plastic, it is possible for the cap to be overtightened and the soft plastic threading damaged, so make sure to screw the cap/filter on only as much as is needed to maintain a good seal. 

My Vecto gives my water a plastic taste. Is it faulty? Can I get rid of the taste/smell?

Soak it in warm water with two denture tabs overnight, empty and wash thoroughly with mild soap, and let air dry.

The threading of my Vecto seems “off” and there’s a leak between the threading and the cap. Can I fix this?

The Vecto is made of soft plastic, which allows for many advantages - including that squeezable body. But unlike hard plastic, it is possible for soft plastic threading to get off kilter. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Soak the thread of the Vecto in boiling water - note: it is important that only the thread of the Vecto touches the water, as boiling water can damage the squishy body of the Vecto. Once the threads are warm, screw the cap or filter onto the threading and allow it to cool. This will “reset” the threads of your Vecto. 

I’ve had my Vecto for awhile and it’s turning yellow/brown/orange/etc. Is it still ok to drink from?

It is normal for the TPU in your Vecto to become discolored, even after just 24 hours.  Our TPU is soft, lightweight, porous and BPA-free. We never use BPA (part of the polymer that keeps plastics completely clear - but can also cause cancer) in our products.  Thus, every BPA-free plastic is sensitive to discoloring, and especially our Vectos: the combination of UV exposure plus high tannins and mineral content in water sources can lead to a discoloration in your bag.

Discoloration does not affect your Vecto's function, safety or performance. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to "brighten," disinfect, and otherwise rid your Vecto of its new, errr, shade using a few household ingredients!

 For discoloration and/or a general deep clean (will also help with plastic taste):

• Add the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp white vinegar (optional but I think it helps - watch out for the impending bubbles).

• Fill with lukewarm water and let stand overnight, -or-

• Put in the freezer overnight. Let thaw. 

• Wash/scrub with warm water and mild soap and let fully (air) dry.

  Before                                                               After

Can I patch my Vecto if it has a pinhole?

We’ve had great success patching pinholes with Tear Aid Type A patches, which we sell on our site - we strongly recommend them over things like Leukotape, Duct tape, or patches made by other brands. We have a step by step guide for patching Vectos in our blog here, please read through it before attempting to patch your Vecto.

What causes pinholes in my Vecto?

Pinholes can develop from a host of reasons, including exposure to UV rays, colder temperatures, abrasion, etc. The Vecto is made from porous TPU that balances weight and durability, and is reliable and repairable in many conditions while staying light and easy to use. While pinholes are annoying, they are not catastrophic and can usually be patched in the field.

Why is my Vecto slider so hard to open?

Sometimes the Vecto slider can feel a little stuck when it’s first received, as the manufacturing and shipping process can create a suction effect. It will get much easier to open over time, but if you’re having a hard time with the initial slide, try holding an end of the slider in each hand and gently twisting each end in opposite directions, like cracking an ice cube tray. This will break the seal and help make the initial opening easier.

Should I get a Vecto or a VectoX?

Like every outdoor gear product, the original Vecto was designed to balance weight and durability - which meant that a Vecto not used carefully would start to develop issues over hard use. We wanted to create an option for folks that aren’t in a position to store their Vectos the way they need to, like thru-hikers. Thru-hikers are putting immense amounts of pressure on their Vectos multiple times a day, all while storing them in ways the encourage more wear and tear so over the course of a thru-hike, it’s not unheard of for pinholes to develop. We wanted to create an option that made more sense for the rigors of a thru-hike, so we developed the VectoX. It’s made of thicker TPU, making it more durable over time. But like all backpacking gear, more durable means heavier, so it’s up to the hiker to decide if they’d rather carry more weight or need to replace their Vecto occasionally.

The VectoX can also withstand boiling water while the original Vecto cannot. If you want to use yours for hot beverages or keeping your sleeping bag warm at night, the VectoX might be a good choice.  Just be cautious not to touch the soft TPU plastic while it is too hot as there is no insulation preventing you from burning yourself.

Is it okay to use chlorine or Aquamira™ drops or tablets in my Vecto?

Yes! It is perfectly safe to use chlorine, iodine, Aquamira™ or other "backup" backcountry water treatments in our Vectos and Vesicas.

Keep in mind that putting any additional chemical treatment in your Vecto may cause staining and/or new odors in the TPU. (Refer to the cleaning questions in this FAQ, above.)

Where is the Vecto made?

The Vecto is made in China at a trusted factory we have been working with for over seven years. The Vecto is manually-made and very labor intensive. There is no sustainable and practical way to manufacture TPU products in the US at this time.  We make products in factories that serve our customers’ needs and align with how we want to make our products.

Does my Vecto come with a warranty?

Yup! Check our warranty page for full details.