RIDGID - 9 Gallon NXT Wet Dry Vac

I’ve been using the Rigid 9 gallon for exactly this job for about 7-8 straight years. Outlasts any ShopVac I’ve owned. Out sucks anything. I use the pleated paper filter but ALWAYS also use the filter bags. Easier to just throw away a bag full of cement dust. You have to keep an eye on them that they don’t get too full and tear. Yes, also by the more flexible (and longer) contractor hose at HD. And the better wand, and the wide brush head. We spend 2-3 hours every day vacuuming up floors, much of it sanded filler

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.