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.
621230
Not with the mouthpiece itself, but the straw that goes inside the bottle does sometime give me issues. When drinking water there is occasionally too much air getting into the connection between the straw and cap, which makes it annoying to drink from because you have to try very hard to suck water out. Think of drinking from a cup using a straw, but having a hole in your straw. It's like that. To alleviate this I take off the cap and pull out the straw then re-seat it in to the plastic connector on the underside of the cap.
828414
this eddy bite valve folds down into a groove on the top lid of the camel bak that has the straw to the bottom of the bottle. If you mean by "the thing" as the little notch/lip on top of this rubber valve (shown hanging down in this picture from each valve) that allows you to tip the valve into an upright position, yes, there is a little notch or lip that your finger can then tip the vale upright and then you bite the valve to open it up a bit and drink up through the straw. These are great. Do not put in dishwasher if you use the dry cycle as they will melt. I have the full set and they are terrific.
1617944
There is a soft rubbery valve insert that goes into the inside of the lid and the straw is inserted into it. It is fairly easy to clean, and the kids have no problem drinking from it. The straw is very hard plastic and is therefore not collapsible, and it is cut at an angle to allow it to rest flush with the bottom of the cup and access the entire contents. We love these cups- just make sure they aren't shaken if the lid isn't closed as they will sprinkle liquid all around if so.
1468667
For me the spills (more like splashing) never occurred from the straw, but the fill area. If you use the included mesh thing and the fill cover it shouldn't splash.
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.
1909332
Don't know about contigo but I have a camelbak water bottle and it stays fresh for an extended period of time...
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.
495852
No, it is a plastic bottle inside a larger glass bottle. There is a small area of air around the inside bottle. Keeps my water and ice tea nice and cool. Screw on lid keeps it from spilling and the handle easy to carry, even has a clip to hook to something like a backpack. You can tighten the seal on top so the straw retracts and it will not spill.
548692
The straw is plastic and I have not found it to affect taste. Fabulous 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.
2052431
Silicone bite valve and BPA-free plastic straw. These are the standard Camelbak Eddy redesigned bite valves (mouthpiece) and straws (draw tube).
2221721
There is a rubber gasket on the inside of the lid where the cup screws into. I accidentally kicked the cup when it's full. The only spillage comes from the hole on the top that the straw goes into and that is very little. One other consideration with these cups is a straw discoloration. I take my cup to work everyday filled with ice tea. After a few months the clear part of the straw size gets a brownish hue. Perhaps a solid colored straw would work better. Otherwise I love the cups and would buy them again.
2040611
Yes, it is. Also, FYI, I am unhappy with the small hole on top, plus space around the straw that allow leaking if it tips or falls over. I read others note this & thought it would not be a problem for me, but it has been. Currently looking for one like this (I like all the other features.) w/o holes on top.
1138837
We only ever use the straw valve and the straw, but I only give my daughter water in these so I don't worry too much about leaking. They will leak out if tipped upside down, but I still really love these sippy cups and we never leave the house without one.
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.
1763032
Yes, I wash my water bottle in the dishwasher and still in perfect condition. I have use my Camelbak already 7 months.