HydraPakComet Bite Valve

Bought this to replace an Osprey bite valve that had started to leak. Perfect fit. More importantly, an improved design for two reasons. First, the dust cover is not a gimmick. I put my backpack on the ground to shed clothes or get food, and the original bite valve would get covered in dirt. Second, the secure closure of the bite valve is easier to operate. The old Osprey design was a barrel closure and it would get quite stiff over time. Inner diameter of these bite valves fits Osprey and Hydrapak models and will make you happy at a modest price. I bought four for the whole family.

I liked this replacement valve for my osprey reservoir. I had a barrel adjuster before where the whole valve turned. That one had more surface area to put in your mouth which was nice - this one has a short tip. That one also had a magnet and this one does not. But this one has a better flow rate and the included cover is a must have. I added a magnet manually using the kit that can be purchased separately.

Bought this to replace the one that came on my osprey pack. The cover that comes in this one works perfect and snaps on vs just a press fit. Definitely glad I upgraded

The most important feature of this valve is the stem that sits inside the silicone sheath. The HydraPak stem is designed to maximize the flow by providing the most clear space that it can. No-name knockoff stems that I have used have four smallish holes that restrict the flow. Many currently on offer have 7/64 inch holes that provide low flow. An older CamelBack stem that I have has 9/64 inch holes, and provides adequate flow. The HydraPak has holes that are expanded to a triangular shape and flutes that are a simple cross that provide very good flow. After using this valve, I bought some HydraPak replacement stems+sheaths to upgrade my old valves to the HydraPak flow rate. Note that the replacement sheaths come in two lengths; get the one that fits your valve body if you want to upgrade. Otherwise, you will have to use your existing sheath with the new stem, which is OK, but then you don't have a spare sheath. I prefer the slightly angled geometry of this valve as it is easier for me to grab and hold in drinking position. Valves where the body twists 90 degrees to open the shutoff have an offset that I find awkward. The HydraPak shutoff doesn't interfere with the valve layout, and is also much easier to clean as a small brush can fit through the nearly straight opening. This is packaged in a small box rather than a plastic bag. All of the bite valves I have take the same hose size as the HydraPak. I use silicone tubing with 1/4 inch internal diameter and 3/8 inch outside diameter. I have never had leaks with this. I don't like vinyl tubing because it is too stiff. While the silicone tubing can kink easily, it also does not take a set and un-kinks just as easily. In cases where my routing makes the setup prone to kinks, I insert a length of 0.08 inch string trimmer line through that section, which prevents kinking.

I have an older Platypus hydration bladder that could use a newer bite valve. The tubing has an inner diameter of 1/4 inch. I tried this, but unfortunately this also has an inner diameter of 1/4 inch and it won't squeeze into the tubing, it needs to be a bit smaller. Had to return, will look for an alternate solution.2024/07/13 - Correction on my previous 1 star review, after looking at some online reviews and how-to videos of hydration bladders with 1/4 inch tubing, I discovered that this should work with my old Platypus system. The tubing was old and not very flexible, but after working with it for a while I was able to install this bite valve. After testing and using it in my kitchen I'm quite pleased, and when the valve is fully open I'm able to remove the silicone bite piece and run a cleaning brush through the tubing. I did not wind up returning the valve.

Fabulous new design! I replaced the standard silicone mouthpiece on my Platypus Camelback tubing with this device, I love it! The cap cover is critical for me as I’m constantly setting my pack down in leaves/grass/mud/roots/rocks etc., & I want the drink spout covered. This model replaces the prior design & it seems much sturdier. (I used to need to replace the prior design yearly, as it always started leaking). Will see how this new 1 works but no worries @ $7/annually it’s a steal for E-Z drinking fresh water especially during sweltering hikes!

I have a Hydrapack that the bite valve came apart after a few years. I need a replacement and didn't want to spend too much on a entire new hose system.This valve fits perfectly in the existing hose after trimming about an inch off to refresh the tube end.Hasn't leaked yet.

SO far my opinion is that it is a great valve. It has not leaked yet unlike my Osprey valves and it is easy to use. Don't need much pressure to bite the valve to deliver water. The cap is something I'm still forming an opinion on. On one hand it is nice to keep it covered in case I drop my pack and tubing in dirt but it is a bit of a hindrance when trying to drink on the go of a good trail run. I might be cutting or taking it off.The stopcock for closing and opening the valve is a little stiff but hoping it will loosen in time. I like it better than the twist of the Osprey valve but not yet better than the Camelbak stopcock unless it loosens with time. The angle of the bite valve is good.