Great idea, but the silicone bite valve isn't tight enough to ensure a complete seal when not in use. The valve cover protects the valve well from dirt and protects it. While cycling and hiking I could feel the mouthpiece dripping regularly and couldn't stop it in any way. I left the water in my backpack overnight to be ready for my morning walk and in the morning a small puddle formed around the mouthpiece. The product works because you don't lose all the water through a leak, but it's nowhere to be found. almost ideal. The silicone bite valve needs to be a little firmer with some added stiffness to complete the watertight seal.