Last June got my hands on one of the new podium Bottles from Camelbak. Interesting bottle primarily because of the valve. The bite valve is made from medical grade silicone and is a one way valve. One feature is the valve can be locked so as it won’t leak say in your pack, though have not had to test it out.
It takes a little getting used to using in that one squeezes the bottle to get water. Unlike the older type where it comes out easily when the bite valve is open. So far have had no issues with trail crud getting into the water. Though like any other bottle one has to rinse it out after using any Carbo drink or juice. If not you will be running a little lab experiment.
One other nice thing with the plastic Camelbak is using is no plastic taste. Especially when one leaves water in the bottle over night. Now to see how it will handle winter.
