Arc'teryx · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Arc'teryx Mantis 1 Waist Pack
Arc'teryx silent on PFAS in water-repellent coating. Moderate uncertainty.
Arc'teryx won't say whether this waist pack's water-repellent coating contains PFAS. Water-repellent treatments typical of outdoor gear usually do, but no third-party verification exists.
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Material
nylon, polyester, water-repellent coating
Lab data
No public lab test
What Arc'teryx Mantis 1 Waist Pack is made of, ingredients and materials
The Mantis 1 combines nylon and polyester fabrics with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. Nylon and polyester themselves are chemically stable synthetic polymers with low leaching risk during normal wear. The water-repellent coating is the uncertainty, Arc'teryx has not publicly disclosed whether their water-repellent coating uses PFAS-based (fluorocarbon) or non-PFAS alternatives, which is standard transparency practice among outdoor brands moving toward greener chemistry.
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Arc'teryx does not disclose whether the Mantis 1's water-repellent finish uses PFAS-based fluorocarbons or alternatives. water-repellent coating coatings historically rely on PFAS but the industry is shifting. No specific testing or recall data for this product is available.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from synthetic fabrics
Nylon and polyester waist packs shed microfibers when washed, but this is not a direct consumer hazard (relevant to aquatic ecosystems). During normal wear and storage, shedding is minimal. No product-specific data available.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in polyester
Polyester in the Mantis 1 may contain azo dyes; Arc'teryx does not publicly detail dye sources. No safety incidents or regulatory findings specific to this waist pack are on record. Standard quality controls in outdoor gear manufacturing generally avoid restricted azo compounds.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester can include antimony trioxide as a catalyst or flame retardant. Arc'teryx does not specify whether antimony is present in Mantis 1 fabrics. Antimony migration from fabric contact is minimal in normal wear and no incidents are documented for this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Water-repellent coating and other functional finishes may include formaldehyde-based resins. No published testing or complaints specific to the Mantis 1 confirm this; Arc'teryx has not disclosed finish chemistry in detail.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Arc'teryx is a subsidiary of Salomon/Amer Sports and has not published detailed chemical disclosure statements or sustainability reports addressing PFAS in finishes across their gear line. This silence is notable because competitors like Patagonia and The North Face have made public commitments to phase out PFAS in water-resistant treatments. Arc'teryx's lack of communication does not confirm PFAS use, but it reflects limited transparency compared to category leaders on this issue.
How it compares in its category
Nylon-polyester waist packs are industry standard and carry lower inherent chemical risk than, for example, cotton treated with heavy flame retardants. Arc'teryx's quality reputation means construction integrity is generally reliable. However, transparency on water-repellent coating chemistry is a weak point relative to brands that have certified their finishes as PFAS-free or openly disclosed fluorocarbon-free alternatives.
If you buy it
Wash periodically in cool water with mild detergent to maintain water-repellent coating effectiveness and reduce dust accumulation on the coating. Avoid dry cleaning solvents and excessive heat (dryer). The water-repellent coating will degrade over years of use; reapplication with commercial PFAS-free treatments is possible if the pack remains otherwise sound. Store in a dry place to prevent mold growth in storage compartments.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Arc'teryx has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More waterproof outdoor gear storage bags 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.