Fjallraven Skule Backpack vs Jester Luxe Backpack: which is safer?
The North Face Jester Luxe Backpack is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Fjällräven
Fjallraven Skule Backpack
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
Possiblewater-repellent coating chemistry (non-PFAS fluorine risk)
PossibleFormaldehyde in fabric finishing resins
PossibleMicroplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Our pick
The North Face
Jester Luxe Backpack
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
Possiblewater-repellent coating composition (PFAS candidate)
PossibleMicroplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Where these two actually differ
- We flag DWR coating chemistry (non-PFAS fluorine risk) and Formaldehyde in fabric finishing resins on the Fjällräven and not on the The North Face.
- We flag DWR coating composition (PFAS candidate) on the The North Face and not on the Fjällräven.
- Both carry a flag for Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers, so neither choice avoids it.
- The Fjällräven is G-1000 HD fabric (polyester/cotton blend) with DWR water-repellent treatment where the The North Face is Nylon/polyester with durable water-repellent (DWR) 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 backpacks: see the full ranking