Outdoor Products · Waterproof Phone Cases
Outdoor Products SmartPhone Watertight Phone Case
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes polycarbonate or TPU plastic, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Polycarbonate or TPU plastic
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
BPA & bisphenols
Polycarbonate can release trace BPA under heat stress or prolonged contact with hot liquids, though ambient-temperature phone storage poses minimal risk. Risk increases if case is left in hot vehicles or near heating sources for extended periods.
Source, FDA ↗Microplastic shedding from TPU
TPU can shed microscopic particles during normal wear and tear, particularly at stress points and seams. This is a minor concern if the case is used as designed and not aggressively flexed or bent repeatedly.
Gasket material degradation and microbial growth
Rubber or silicone gaskets can harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew if the case remains wet or damp for prolonged periods. Regular drying and occasional gasket cleaning prevent this risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
No reports of off-gassing from polycarbonate or TPU phone cases under normal conditions. New plastic smell is typically harmless and dissipates within days of unpacking.
Phthalates
Modern TPU formulations typically avoid phthalates, and polycarbonate does not rely on phthalate plasticizers. No recalls or warnings for this product class on this basis.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This case is constructed from polycarbonate, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or a blend of both. Polycarbonate is a rigid, clear plastic commonly used in phone cases for impact protection; TPU is a flexible elastomer that provides shock absorption and waterproofing. Neither material typically leaches harmful chemicals during normal use at room temperature. The waterproof seal relies on gaskets and mechanical closure rather than a chemical coating, so there is no waterproofing polymer surface layer to degrade or off-gas.
The brand's record and disclosure
Outdoor Products has not published public statements on chemical safety, PFAS avoidance, or third-party certifications for this product line. The brand maintains a consumer focus on durability and waterproofing but does not appear to engage in proactive transparency around material sourcing or chemical composition. No recalls or safety controversies specific to this case model are on record in major consumer safety databases.
How it compares in its category
Polycarbonate and TPU cases are industry standard for waterproof phone protection and represent common rigid/flexible plastic combinations used in this application. Cases with added water-repellent coatings (sometimes fluorine-based) pose higher PFAS risk; this product's reliance on seals avoids that hazard. Most competitors in the under-$50 waterproof case market use similar base materials with comparable disclosure levels.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat (above 65°C/150°F), as polycarbonate can soften and TPU can degrade over time. Do not place the case in boiling water or dishwashers. Inspect gaskets and seals annually; replace the case if cracking, discoloration, or seal deformation occurs. Clean with mild soap and water only; harsh solvents can compromise the plastic and seal integrity.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Outdoor Products has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof phone cases grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.