Eddie Bauer · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack
Typical packable backpack, water-repellent coating treatment likely but undisclosed.
Eddie Bauer won't publicly disclose PFAS or water-repellent coating treatment details for this backpack. Standard nylon packables often use fluorinated coatings, but no confirmation available here.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack is made of, ingredients and materials
This backpack is nylon ripstop, a densely woven synthetic fabric reinforced with heavier yarns in a grid pattern for tear resistance. The water-repellent (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the nylon surface is the critical unknown, Eddie Bauer does not disclose whether it uses PFAS-based water-repellent coating (most common in the industry) or fluorine-free alternatives. Nylon ripstop itself is inert when handled normally, but the water-repellent coating finish is where chemical risk concentrates.
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 unknown composition
The water-repellent finish is not disclosed as PFAS-free or fluorine-free. Over time, water-repellent coating degrades from UV exposure and washing, potentially releasing particles or residues. The identity of the coating chemistry is the primary information gap for this product.
Dyes and fastness in colored variants
Nylon ripstop is typically dyed with synthetic dyes; Eddie Bauer does not specify azo-dye exclusions or color fastness testing. Darker colored packs may show migration onto skin or other items if wet, though significant harm from brief contact is unlikely.
Microplastic shedding during use
Nylon ripstop fibers can shed small particles during heavy use, abrasion, or rough handling, particularly at seams and where the coating is worn. The volume is small for a backpack worn on the body, but not zero.
What’s reassuring
Nylon ripstop chemical stability
Nylon ripstop fabric itself has no established leaching hazards under normal use. It does not release volatile compounds at room temperature and is considered stable for food contact and skin contact in apparel.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon ripstop does not typically require formaldehyde-based resins for construction, unlike cotton blends or wrinkle-resistant treatments. This hazard is not a concern for this specific material class.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Eddie Bauer has not published a formal PFAS policy or transparency report for packable goods as of available public records. The company does not advertise PFAS-free or fluorine-free certifications for this product line. This silence is standard for many heritage outdoor brands but leaves consumers without clarity on chemical choices. No major recalls or safety incidents are publicly documented for this specific model.
How it compares in its category
Packable backpacks in this size and price range typically use nylon ripstop with unlabeled water-repellent coating coatings; Eddie Bauer's approach is neither better nor worse than competitors. Premium brands like Patagonia and Arc'teryx have begun disclosing fluorine-free water-repellent coating options, while most mass-market alternatives (including many Eddie Bauer items) remain silent on coating chemistry. The nylon substrate itself presents lower concern than coated polyester, which carries antimony risk.
If you buy it
Store the backpack in a dry, cool space away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the water-repellent coating over time. Do not machine wash; rinse with cool water and air dry. Avoid prolonged contact with skin if you have chemical sensitivities, though water-repellent coating leaching during normal use is minimal. When the water-repellent function visibly declines (water beads less effectively), that is your signal to replace the pack, as the coating cannot be fully restored at home without risk of additional chemical exposure.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack?
- 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.