· Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Dry Bags - Smartpack Series Full Set
Skip until brand discloses waterproof coating.
Smartpack dry bags are waterproofed but won't detail the material or PFAS status. Waterproof fabrics commonly get PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments without explicit brand disclosure.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon fabric with waterproof coating, composition unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Dry Bags - Smartpack Series Full Set is made of, ingredients and materials
Smartpack bags are constructed from nylon fabric with an unspecified waterproof coating. Nylon itself is a synthetic polyamide that does not leach harmful chemicals under normal use conditions. However, the waterproof coating composition is undisclosed, if it contains Teflon-type coating (Teflon-like polymers), polyurethane, or other water-repellent resins, these can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing and early storage, and some coatings may degrade over years of UV exposure.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon fabric is often treated with formaldehyde-releasing dyes or finish resins to improve water resistance and color fastness. No test data available for this specific product, but the hazard is common in low-cost nylon textiles. Off-gassing is typically mild and decreases after initial airing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes
Nylon bags in dark colors (common in the Smartpack line) may use azo dyes, which are permitted but can release aromatic amines under sweat or moisture exposure in sensitive individuals. No specific testing on this product's dyes is public; risk depends on dye supplier and formulation.
Unspecified waterproof coating degradation
The undisclosed coating composition means UV exposure, heat, or abrasion can cause breakdown over 2-5 years. Degraded coatings may release microparticles or residual monomers; without knowing if the coating contains Teflon-type coating, polyurethane, or other synthetic polymers, the long-term safety profile is uncertain.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Manufacturing coatings on nylon bags typically involve solvent-based processes that can leave residual VOCs (isocyanates, solvents, plasticizers) in new products. Short-term inhalation risk is low but noticeable in poorly ventilated spaces; airing the bag mitigates this.
What’s reassuring
Antimony in polyester (if present in blends)
Product specifications do not indicate polyester content; pure nylon dry bags do not typically contain antimony catalyst residues. If the bag weave includes polyester reinforcement (undisclosed), trace antimony from polymerization could theoretically be present, but no evidence of this in products.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
The brand has not published material safety data sheets, coating composition details, or third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) for this product line. No major recalls or controversies linked to this brand's dry bags are on record. The silence on waterproof coating chemistry is the primary transparency gap, making it impossible to rule out PFAS or other persistent additives without direct manufacturer contact.
How it compares in its category
Most commercial dry bags use either polyurethane-coated nylon or unspecified proprietary coatings; fully transparent manufacturers are uncommon in this price segment. Higher-end alternatives (e.g., some outdoor brands) disclose PFC-free or Teflon-type coating-free coatings explicitly. Budget dry bags from unbranded suppliers carry similar disclosure gaps. The brand sits mid-market with standard opacity on coating details.
If you buy it
Air the bags in a well-ventilated space for 24-48 hours after unboxing to allow any residual VOCs from manufacturing to dissipate. Avoid storing them in hot, enclosed spaces (car trunks, attics) where heat could accelerate coating degradation. Hand wash the exterior with mild soap and water; do not machine wash or dry clean, as solvents may degrade the waterproof layer. Replace bags if visible cracking, peeling, or white residue appears on the coating, which signals breakdown of the water-repellent layer.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Dry Bags - Smartpack Series Full Set?
- Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
- UV degradation and additive leaching
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Recycled polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- PFAS
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore 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.