Columbia · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Columbia Manresa 33L Backpack
Columbia won't say what's in the water-repellent coating.
This nylon backpack has a water-repellent coating for outdoor use. Columbia doesn't disclose what's in the water-repellent coating treatment, and such coatings traditionally rely on PFAS chemistry.
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Material
nylon with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating
Lab data
No public lab test
What Columbia Manresa 33L Backpack is made of, ingredients and materials
The Manresa 33L is constructed from nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the surface. water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on fluorochemicals (PFAS compounds) to achieve water resistance, though manufacturers have begun shifting to fluorine-free alternatives. Columbia has not publicly disclosed whether this backpack uses legacy PFAS-based water-repellent coating or a newer non-fluorinated formula, which leaves the chemical profile uncertain.
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 reapplication risk
As the water-repellent finish wears with use and washing, consumers may seek aftermarket water-repellent coating sprays or professional re-treatments, many of which still contain PFAS. Columbia's lack of guidance on this leaves users without a known lower-concern refresh path.
Microplastics
Nylon textiles can shed microfiber fragments with wear and especially during washing. While this is a general concern for all synthetic backpacks, Columbia has not published data on shedding rates or mitigation measures for this product.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No recalls or reports of excess formaldehyde in Columbia backpack nylon. Standard nylon finishing processes carry minimal formaldehyde risk compared to cotton or synthetic blends, and outdoor gear rarely involves heavy resin cross-linking.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored nylon
No documented azo-dye contamination in Columbia backpack products. Nylon fabric typically undergoes acid dye processes rather than azo dyes, which are more common in cotton textiles.
Heavy metals
No reports of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Columbia backpack components. Metal zippers and buckles are typically low-risk for leaching in a dry-use scenario.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Columbia Sportswear has not issued a public commitment to phase out PFAS in textile coatings, nor do they routinely disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product labels or websites. The brand holds no prominent third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) that would verify absence of restricted chemicals. This silence is notable in an industry where competitors have begun publishing PFAS phase-out timelines.
How it compares in its category
Mid-range outdoor backpacks in this price segment typically use water-repellent coating-coated nylon or polyester. Many competing brands (including some in Columbia's own portfolio) now offer fluorine-free water-repellent coating options, though disclosure remains inconsistent across the industry. The Manresa sits in a crowded category where transparency on coating chemistry is increasingly expected but not yet standard.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or UV exposure, as nylon can degrade over years of harsh sunlight. Wash infrequently with mild soap and cold water; machine washing may compromise the water-repellent coating prematurely. Do not bleach, dry-clean, or tumble-dry. If water beading diminishes significantly after 2-3 years, the water-repellent coating treatment has likely worn down and cannot be restored without professional re-treatment (which may reintroduce PFAS).
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Columbia has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.