ALPS OutdoorZ High Caliber Duffel Bag vs ToughSack Assorted Colors: which is safer?
Granite Gear ToughSack Assorted Colors is the clear pick. ALPS OutdoorZ High Caliber Duffel Bag carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
ALPS Mountaineering
ALPS OutdoorZ High Caliber Duffel Bag
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
Possiblewater-repellent coating composition (PFAS status unknown)
PossibleMold and bacterial growth in storage
Our pick
Granite Gear
ToughSack Assorted Colors
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleHeavy metals in zippers or hardware
Where these two actually differ
- We flag DWR coating composition (PFAS status unknown) and Mold and bacterial growth in storage on the ALPS Mountaineering and not on the Granite Gear.
- We flag Heavy metals in zippers or hardware on the Granite Gear and not on the ALPS Mountaineering.
- The ALPS Mountaineering is Nylon/polyester with DWR water treatment where the Granite Gear is Cordura nylon fabric, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 45 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Granite Gear is the one to buy.
- We are less certain about the ALPS Mountaineering grade, at 45% confidence against 72%, because it discloses less.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More waterproof bags & luggage: see the full ranking