Cabela's · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
Cabela's 45L Waterproof Duffel Bag
Skip until coating composition is disclosed by brand.
Waterproof duffels typically use water-repellent coating coatings, historically PFAS-based. Cabela's provides no coating details or PFAS disclosures. Contact the brand for specifics.
The better-graded swap
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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
Nylon or polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Cabela's 45L Waterproof Duffel Bag is made of, ingredients and materials
This duffel is constructed from nylon or polyester base fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the surface. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear historically rely on PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") to achieve water resistance, though some manufacturers have begun transitioning to alternatives with lower PFAS concern. The nylon or polyester itself is stable under normal storage and use; the coating is the primary chemical concern. Without disclosure from Cabela's, the specific water-repellent coating chemistry cannot be confirmed.
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-repellent coatings on nylon/polyester outdoor gear typically contain PFAS unless explicitly stated otherwise. Cabela's provides no coating composition disclosure, so presence cannot be confirmed but is standard for this product category and price point.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from coating degradation
If the water-repellent coating peels, cracks, or delaminates over time, tiny fragments of the coating may shed into the environment or contact skin/clothing. Risk increases if the bag is subjected to abrasion, washing, or prolonged UV exposure.
Bacterial growth in moist interior
Any sealed, waterproof bag can trap moisture if packed wet or stored damp. While the material itself does not encourage mold more than typical fabrics, poor air circulation inside increases risk of odor and microbial growth if the bag is not dried after use.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester and nylon base fabrics are sometimes treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or shrink control, but Cabela's duffel bags show no indication of such treatment. No recalls or safety alerts on record for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Cabela's uses standard commercial dyeing for nylon/polyester outdoor gear. No evidence of restricted azo dyes or heavy metal contamination in their duffel line; the company sources from mainstream manufacturers with conventional textile safety.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Cabela's (now a subsidiary of Bass Pro Shops) does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating composition or PFAS status for this product. No third-party certifications (such as Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, or GOTS) appear on marketing materials. The brand has not made a public commitment to PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives for their outdoor gear line. This silence on coating chemistry is the primary reason to exercise caution.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream duffel bags and waterproof outdoor bags use conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings; few budget-to-midrange brands disclose alternatives. Higher-end outdoor brands (e.g.Some manufacturers (such as Patagonia, Arc'teryx) increasingly publish water-repellent coating ingredient information and offer options with lower PFAS concern, though at higher price points. Cabela's occupies the mid-market segment where PFAS-based coatings remain standard and undisclosed.
If you buy it
Keep the bag dry and avoid prolonged contact with skin or food. Do not wash the interior with the bag in contact with drinking water sources, as microscopic coating particles could potentially leach. Check the water-repellent coating annually for peeling, cracking, or visible degradation; discard or replace if damaged, as a compromised coating may shed particles. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat or direct sunlight to minimize coating breakdown.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Cabela's has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Cabela's 45L Waterproof Duffel Bag?
- Cordura nylon fabric
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Heavy metals
- Polyester webbing and nylon
- Azo dyes in polyester webbing
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Polypropylene shell, polyurethane foam, stainless steel hardware
- Polyurethane foam degradation and off-gassing
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.