Eddie Bauer · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
Eddie Bauer Excursion Traveling 22 Rolling Duffel Bag
Ask brand about water-repellent coating treatment chemistry before purchasing this duffel.
This rolling duffel uses polyester fabric with water-repellent finish for travel protection. Eddie Bauer does not publicly disclose what chemicals apply the water-repellent treatment or whether PFAS is involved.
The better-graded swap
Kelty
Kelty Daisy Chain Web Duffel Bag
85/100 safety
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
Polyester with water-repellent coating water-repellent treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Eddie Bauer Excursion Traveling 22 is made of, ingredients and materials
This bag is constructed from polyester fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on PFAS-based chemistry, though some manufacturers have shifted to alternatives not linked to PFAS. Eddie Bauer has not publicly disclosed whether this Excursion model uses legacy PFAS or non-PFAS water-repellent coating formulations, making the actual chemical composition of the water-repellent layer unknown to consumers. The polyester base itself is stable under normal use, but the treatment chemistry is the primary concern.
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 finish composition is undisclosed. Historical water-repellent coating formulations commonly used PFOA, PFOS, or GenX analogs. Eddie Bauer's silence on this chemistry means PFAS presence cannot be ruled out and should be treated as a genuine risk.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microfiber shedding
Over time, water-repellent coating coatings can degrade and flake into fibers or dust. If the water-repellent coating treatment contains PFAS, peeling or worn areas may release PFAS particles or residues during handling or washing.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public recall or warning specific to this product. Polyester duffels do not typically require formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resist or antimicrobial treatments, but some water-repellent coating formulations may include formaldehyde as a co-reactant. Not confirmed for this model.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes
Eddie Bauer fabric goods are not documented to use restricted azo dyes. Polyester duffels in this price tier typically comply with standard dye restrictions, but no third-party testing or certification for this specific bag has been published.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester catalyst residues (antimony trioxide) are not a documented concern for finished travel bags at consumer levels. This hazard is theoretical and not established in literature on duffels or soft goods.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Eddie Bauer has not issued a public stance on PFAS phaseout in textiles or travel gear as of available records. The company does not appear to have published water-repellent coating treatment sourcing or certification details for this product line. Without third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX, Bluesign, or specific PFAS-free claims) listed on product tags or websites, there is no way to verify whether this duffel meets non-PFAS standards. This silence is notable given increasing retailer transparency on the issue.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-market travel duffels use polyester with water-repellent coating treatment, creating a category-wide PFAS disclosure gap. Some competitors (e.g., high-end outdoor brands) now label products as PFAS-free or carry Bluesign certification; Eddie Bauer's Excursion line does not advertise such claims. Budget duffels often skip water-repellent coating altogether, eliminating the hazard entirely but sacrificing water resistance. This product sits in a middle ground, consumer-grade water resistance without transparency into the chemical cost.
If you buy it
Store in a well-ventilated area after purchase to allow any residual volatile emissions from the water-repellent coating treatment to off-gas. Avoid heating the fabric (e.g., with a heat press or direct sunlight for extended periods) as elevated temperatures can increase PFAS vapor release. Wash before first use if possible to reduce surface treatment residues. Replace the bag if water-repellent coating degrades or flakes; peeling treatments may indicate loss of water repellency and potential release of treatment particles.
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
- Eddie Bauer has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.