Bass Pro Shops · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
Bass Pro Shops Ripcord Duffel Bag
Skip until Bass Pro discloses coating chemistry or certifies PFAS-free.
Duffels typically use water-repellent coating-treated polyester, which commonly contains PFAS. Bass Pro Shops provides no PFAS disclosure or third-party certification for this product.
The better-graded swap
Granite Gear
Granite Gear ToughSack Assorted Colors
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester with unspecified water-resistant coating
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Water-resistant polyester duffels typically use water-repellent coating finishes; many still contain PFAS compounds or untested alternatives. Cabela's does not disclose coating chemistry, so PFAS presence cannot be ruled out. Exposure risk is low during normal use but unknown in manufacturing and disposal.
Source, ATSDR ↗Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating or finishing
Water-resistant coatings and fabric finishes may off-gas VOCs, especially when new. Odor is a common indicator; ventilate the bag before extended storage. Risk is temporary and mild for outdoor gear.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in polyester fabric
Polyester duffels may be colored with azo dyes, which can break down into aromatic amines; no specific recall or test data exists for this Ripcord model. Major brands increasingly certify restricted azo dyes, but Cabela's does not advertise such compliance.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester is sometimes produced using antimony as a catalyst; residual antimony can theoretically migrate under heat or moisture. This is a low-risk concern for a duffel used at ambient temperature, and no reported issues exist for this product.
Microplastic shedding during use and washing
Polyester fabric sheds microfibers during abrasion and washing, contributing to environmental microplastic pollution. This is not a direct health hazard to the user but a lifecycle concern; no product-specific data exists for the Ripcord.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Ripcord Duffel is constructed from polyester fabric with an unspecified water-resistant or water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. Polyester itself is chemically stable and not a primary leaching concern, but water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear historically relied on PFAS compounds (PFOA, PFOS, GenX alternatives) to achieve water resistance. The coating chemistry directly determines whether this bag poses a PFAS exposure pathway, but Cabela's has not disclosed the coating composition publicly.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cabela's (owned by Bass Pro Shops) has not published a PFAS commitment, chemical disclosure policy, or supplier verification standard for its gear line. The brand maintains minimal transparency on coating specifications across outdoor products. No recalls or specific safety controversies are established for this duffel model. However, the silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is a red flag in an industry where competitors increasingly certify PFAS-free coatings or publish alternative chemistries.
How it compares in its category
Travel and outdoor duffels span a wide safety spectrum. High-disclosure brands (e.g., Patagonia, REI Co-op) now explicitly certify PFAS-free or use fluorine-free water-resistant finishes. Budget and mid-tier brands often remain silent on coating chemistry, making Cabela's typical rather than exceptional in its opacity. The Ripcord's price and feature set position it as a value duffel, but lack of chemistry transparency is a meaningful drawback versus brands with published standards.
If you buy it
Use the bag for dry storage and transport; avoid prolonged direct food contact on the coated exterior. Wash hands after handling if the coating feels slick or tacky (possible sign of chemical migration), especially before eating. Store in a well-ventilated area to minimize any off-gassing of coating residues. If you have concerns about PFAS exposure, contact Cabela's customer service to request coating composition; if they cannot provide specifics, consider a brand with explicit PFAS-free certification.
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
- Bass Pro Shops has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More waterproof bags & luggage 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.