ToughSack Assorted Colors vs Mountain Classic Cordura Duffle: which is safer?
Granite Gear ToughSack Assorted Colors is the clear pick. L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Duffle carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Our pick
Granite Gear
ToughSack Assorted Colors
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleHeavy metals in zippers or hardware
L.L.Bean
Mountain Classic Cordura Duffle
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
LikelyPFAS in water-repellent coating
PossibleFormaldehyde resins in nylon finishing
PossibleNylon degradation and microplastic shedding
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Heavy metals in zippers or hardware on the Granite Gear and not on the L.L.Bean.
- We flag PFAS in DWR coating, Formaldehyde resins in nylon finishing, Nylon degradation and microplastic shedding and DWR coating deterioration and re-coating temptation on the L.L.Bean and not on the Granite Gear.
- The Granite Gear is Cordura nylon fabric where the L.L.Bean is Cordura nylon with DWR coating, 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 L.L.Bean grade, at 45% confidence against 72%, because it discloses less.
Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers 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