YakAttack · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
YakAttack 20L Roll-Top DryBag Backpack
water-repellent coating likely contains PFAS; brand silent on it.
Roll-top dry bags typically use water-repellent coating-treated nylon for water shedding. Cascade Mountain Tech won't reveal PFAS status or alternatives, making fluorochemical coatings more likely here.
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Material
Nylon roll-top with water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What YakAttack 20L Roll-Top DryBag Backpack is made of, ingredients and materials
This pack uses nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the exterior. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear historically rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS family) because they are extremely effective at water shedding over repeated use and washing. The roll-top closure design means the fabric itself is the primary barrier, so coating integrity matters for performance. Nylon itself is stable under normal wear, but the coating degrades over time with UV exposure and abrasion, potentially releasing particles.
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.
water-repellent coating degradation and particle shedding
Nylon water-repellent coating coatings, especially on budget gear, degrade visibly within 2-3 years of regular outdoor use. Abrasion and UV breakdown can release coating particles and dust into contact with skin or gear stored inside. Degradation rate accelerates with washing.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon textiles often receive resin treatments for wrinkle resistance or soft hand-feel. Cascade Mountain Tech provides no finished-goods test data, so presence of formaldehyde releasers cannot be ruled out, though exposure from a backpack exterior is minimal compared to apparel worn against skin.
Source, ATSDR ↗Synthetic dye migration under moisture and heat
When wet fabric is stored warm or in direct sun, dyes can bleed slightly onto light-colored gear inside the bag. This is cosmetic rather than toxic but relevant to practical use. Rinse the exterior with fresh water after use in salt water or muddy conditions.
Microplastics
All nylon gear sheds micro-fibers through normal wear and washing. A 20L pack used frequently will contribute to microplastic release into waterways if washed in a home machine. Hand rinsing and air drying minimizes shedding; using a microfiber-catching wash bag is one mitigation option.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in colored nylon
No recalls or test failures for Cascade Mountain Tech nylon packs on record. Azo dye safety is regulated in the EU and most US manufacturers comply; risk is low for outer-facing fabric with minimal skin contact. Not a known concern for this brand or product line.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Cascade Mountain Tech has not published ingredient transparency, material sourcing, or PFAS-specific statements on their website or product documentation. No third-party certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, OEKO-TEX) are listed for this product. The brand's silent stance means you cannot verify whether they use legacy PFAS, newer fluorine-free alternatives, or something in between. This lack of disclosure is typical for budget outdoor brands but limits informed choice.
How it compares in its category
Roll-top dry bags occupy a middle tier, cheaper than premium brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) that often disclose water-repellent coating chemistry, more affordable than niche PFAS-free options (e.g., Sanctuary, some REI Co-op lines). Most budget and mid-range dry bags use conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating, so this product is not an outlier in that respect. The nylon weight and seam-tape quality are reasonable for the price point but suggest lower durability than pricier alternatives.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow water-repellent coating degradation. Hand-wash with plain water when possible; avoid hot water and detergent, which accelerate coating breakdown. Inspect seams and the roll-top fabric annually for worn areas or pilling; replace if the outer layer shows bare nylon threads, indicating exposure of the underlying material. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as these will quickly strip the water-repellent coating layer and may cause off-gassing of coating residue in enclosed dryers.
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
- YakAttack 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
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Marmot
Tool Box
- Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Patagonia
Disperser Roll Top Pack 40L
- 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. See all of them.
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.