Maximus Duffel Bag vs Base Camp Dry Bag: which is safer?
Eddie Bauer Maximus Duffel Bag is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Our pick
Eddie Bauer
Maximus Duffel Bag
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
Possiblewater-repellent coating chemistry (fluorine-based or alternative, undisclosed)
PossibleMicroplastic shedding from synthetic nylon
The North Face
Base Camp Dry Bag
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
Possiblewater-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating composition
PossiblePVC/TPE thermal leaching
ReportedCoating degradation and microparticle shedding
Where these two actually differ
- We flag DWR coating chemistry (fluorine-based or alternative, undisclosed) and Microplastic shedding from synthetic nylon on the Eddie Bauer and not on the The North Face.
- We flag Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating composition, PVC/TPE thermal leaching, Coating degradation and microparticle shedding and Seal seam integrity and off-gassing on the The North Face and not on the Eddie Bauer.
- The Eddie Bauer is Nylon with likely DWR water-repellent coating where the The North Face is TPE/PVC drybag with waterproof coating, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
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 outdoor gear storage bags: see the full ranking