Garmin Camelbak Podium Bottle

Some things, like the humble water bottle, are so simple and disposable that it seems pointless to try to improve. But the Camelbk Podium bottle is indeed a better water bottle. For starters, they're BPA free, so they're safer, and water left overnight doesn't take on a plastic taste.

Secondly, the Podium has a clever 2 way valve that keeps the liquid in until you give the bottle a squeeze, but freely allows air to re-enter the bottle so it can re-inflate. You can invert the bottle and give it a shake without anything leaking out. To drink, just grab the bottle and squeeze - no need to open and close a valve. There's also a shut-off dial on top to completely close off the valve. You can toss these in a backpack and rest assured your shoes and kit won't be drenched sports drink. After a couple months and many washes in the dishwasher (top shelf only) the bottles are as good as new, the valves as watertight as ever.

Drawbacks? They're 2-3 mm wider than Specialized bottles, and may not fit in all cages. They're also double the price of Specialized bottles.

The Garmin shop has a six pack of these babies for $45, which is cheaper than just about anywhere else (Camelbak lists them at $8 each). 100% of the profits go to the team's racing/operating budget, so if you're a fan of clean racing it's a win/win way to support the Garmin team.

Open and closed positions on dial.

Nothing gets out when closed.

The valve in action.