CamelBak · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
CamelBak Arete 14 Pack
water-repellent coating present; CamelBak won't confirm PFAS status.
Nylon pack with water-repellent coating helps CamelBak's Arete stay dry in the field. PFAS composition remains undisclosed.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon pack with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) 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
Nylon packs typically use fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes; CamelBak has not confirmed formulation. If PFAS-based, leaching into sweat or water is minimal under normal use but increases with heat and friction.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
As the water-repellent coating wears through washing and abrasion, nylon fibers may shed into water or contact skin. No specific degradation timeline for this model is documented, but typical nylon packs degrade over 2-3 years of regular use.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon fiber itself does not inherently contain formaldehyde, though some fabric finishes or adhesives in pack construction may. No recalls or testing reports exist for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in nylon fabric
The Arete 14 is typically sold in neutral colors (black, gray); high-risk azo dyes are uncommon in neutral synthetics, but material sourcing is not publicly disclosed.
Heavy metals
No recalls or documented issues with printing inks or metal hardware on this pack. Standard nylon packs from major brands are not known to contain lead or cadmium in labeling.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Arete 14 is constructed from nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the exterior. water-repellent coating coatings traditionally rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water and oil repellency, though some manufacturers have shifted to non-fluorinated alternatives. CamelBak has not publicly disclosed whether this pack uses legacy PFAS-based water-repellent coating or a newer fluorine-free formulation, leaving the chemical composition unclear.
The brand's record and disclosure
CamelBak does not maintain a publicly available material transparency database or PFAS commitment statement. The brand has not issued recalls or safety alerts specific to this product line. Industry peers like Patagonia and The North Face have made explicit commitments to phasing out PFAS in outdoor gear; CamelBak's silence on this issue is noteworthy and suggests no current prioritization of PFAS elimination.
How it compares in its category
Nylon hydration packs are a standard category. Most competitors in the price range (mid-market) use similar water-repellent coating-coated nylon without transparent PFAS disclosure. Premium brands increasingly offer PFAS-free alternatives, though they command higher prices. This product sits in the mainstream offering without differentiation on chemical safety transparency.
If you buy it
Avoid repeated hot water washing; gentle hand wash with cool water and mild soap preserves the water-repellent coating and minimizes leaching risk. Do not tumble-dry or expose to high heat, which can degrade nylon and potentially increase chemical leaching. Inspect the fabric regularly for peeling, cracking, or visible coating degradation; replace if structural integrity is compromised. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend coating longevity.
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
- CamelBak has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
REI Co-op
Trailgate Gear Bin Green 140 L
Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
UV degradation and additive leaching
Limited concern
Microplastics
Limited concern
Odor and volatile organic compounds from manufacturing
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern for bare plastic storage container.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Marmot
Tool Box
Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
Limited concern
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating chemistry unknown
Moderate concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Azo dyes in colored polyester components
Limited concern
Verify this is not a garment and check for any water-repellent coating applied.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Patagonia
Guidewater Roll-Top Pack
nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating finish
PFAS
Limited concern
Nylon microplastic shedding (abrasion)
Limited concern
Degradation and leachate from aging water-repellent coating
Limited concern
A water-repellent or grease-resistant treatment of unstated chemistry, with a brand PFAS statement we have not verified.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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.