RIDGID - 12 Gal. 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet Dry Vac HD1200

Is it? A standard contractor grade ridgid 12 gallon is generally under a hundred bucks and they can handle anything.

The cheapest is $40 unit from HD that sits on a 5 gallon bucket. Best value is a Ridgid, I have 2 corded and cordless in 12 gallon. The new Dewalt is said to be the quietest. I've owned the first 2.

I would have to choose the older RIDGID vacuum models from the late 90s, either in the 12 or 16 gallon size, with the very rare orange attachments. Those were very cool, and quite indestructible wet dry vacs.

I got it specifically for its size and portability. For big jobs, I use the big, corded Ridgid vac.

In my experience if you’re going corded, Rigid are probably the best shop vacs I’ve seen. I have a couple of the corded/cordless combo Dewalt vacs that are really handy for small stuff on the move but if you want a bit more power go Rigid

Either one will need to be emptied and cleaned after each use, otherwise they'll stink. In terms of not leaving wet trails in your wake, you need to use a squeegee tool. The good ones use 1.25"-1.5" connectors, you'd need an adapter to use one with a consumer shop vac. Personally I would skip the Ego and buy a cheap Ridgid wet/dry vac for this sort of job.