does the exposed straw part get dirty inside (like the camelbak bite valves)?
1555975
No it does not. The orange part actually can be removed and cleaned. I have not had any issues with this probably and have taken on several mission trips and it has stay clean.
356048
I have not had an issue with spills or leaking unless my daughter pinches the straw and turns the cup upside down, which she's only done once! Otherwise it's been really effective!
565111
Not exactly sure what you're referring to with 'how safe is it,' but I will say there is no way for the child to swallow any piece of the straw as the silicone piece fits through the top and then there is a complete circle seal on the underside of the top (if that makes any sense at all). The straw then inserts into a silicone pipe looking thing so it's easy to clean. Not sure if this is helpful or not, but as a mom of 2, I have never been concerned of my child's safety with this water bottle.
2172474
I used the camelback bladder for a backpacking trip into the Grand Canyon. It held up very well inside the internal pocket in the pack. I did not notice any moisture inside. The humidity in the Canyon was near zero. condensation could occur if the liquid was cold and the enviroment humid. Th Camelback Bladder after all is just a medium thickness plastic bag that would be vunerable to puncture. I wouldn't trust it with my unprotected electronics.
1763032
Yes, I wash my water bottle in the dishwasher and still in perfect condition. I have use my Camelbak already 7 months.
1838676
The bit valves and straws are easy to find. The cap is much harder. My son broke the plastic part that holds the bite valve, which meant the whole cap needed to be replaced. I could only find it at the camelbak web site: http://shop.camelbak.com/accessories/replacements/bottle/l/322
970533
Not really. It still screws on tight and I have no problems with leaks or anything but when tight the hole in the lid is too close to the handle to make it easy to hold & drink out of. It doesn't bother me though because I use a big long straw to sip out of. Keeps my stuff cold all day & I love it.
1545358
Yes, my first one leaked so I bought another and the second one leaks too. I may return it, or just use them in the car where they will remain right-side up all the time. Also, even when upright if the mouthpiece is open then warming air in the bottle will push a LOT of water up and out of the straw and all over your cupholder area. So if you use it in the car make sure to close it. I'd never carry one of these in a backpack. Water does really taste better though, so I'll accept the limited usefulness.
1095952
The water bottle is very easy to clean. Since it doesn't have a straw, bacteria and germs can't get trapped anywhere in the mouth piece.
1058084
I haven't had a problem with a leaky straw. Whatever is left in the straw from the previous sip will come out, but that's been it for us. It is not that hard to get water out as long as you don't have it filled up all the way
107434
You can disengage the tube from the cartridge and run a along tube cleaning brush through it. It shouldnt get too dirty since the water has been filtered before it enters the tube. I have had mine for 2 years and the tube is still clear and clean
342688
I also used a pipe cleaner (the kind with a few metal strands also works best), to stick in the folding plastic part (not the bite valve). As this gets gunked up also. If you take the long plastic straw off, you can actually get the pipe cleaner all the way through, and you can pull it back and forth. I love this bottle also, but it is something you need to keep up with the cleaning on.
118796
It is never a good idea to complete immerse any thermos fully in water -because the bottom part might get water logged. All other answers here some correct, just don't let the very bottom sit in water. I think the inside and outside is easy to clean, the inside lid/seal will require more care as it is where bacteria will tend to form most. So far, I just use it for hot tea and just rinse the inside out with water and unscrew the inside lid and clean it well -haven't even used soap yet but should as soon as I get a bottle brush.
1304812
You do not have to bite the straw for the liquid to come up. My grandson had no problem with this cup and has used it for about 6 months (he is now 23 months old). He still has this cup but his other plastic zippy cups with straws have been replaced with stainless cups.
1684625
the lid screws on and you have to flip the straw upright to drink. I have not had any problems with leaks and use daily and throw in my lunch bag. I like this bottle because keeps smoothies cold through the afternoon.
1333559
I don't like mine at all. I never use it anymore. The straw falls off too. We love our other push button ones however. No spills in our gym bags and quick and easy to get a drink.
2199185
Yes, I wash those plastic straws that come with those big, straw/lid cups, never have had a problem.