Geckobrands · Waterproof Phone Cases
Floating Waterproof Phone Case Dry Bag
Unknown PFAS risk; brand silent on materials and treatment.
Geckobrands does not disclose waterproofing chemistry or material details. Dry bags often use sealed seams and EVA/TPU without PFAS-based water-repellent coating, but no confirmation available here.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
EVA foam or TPU, seals
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Floating Waterproof Phone Case Dry Bag is made of, ingredients and materials
Geckobrands floating dry bags are constructed from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), both closed-cell materials designed to repel water and float. Neither material is known to leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals into food or drink during normal storage or immersion. The sealed construction means internal surfaces do not contact skin or food directly, and external waterproofing relies on the physical density and sealing of the material itself, not a chemical coating.
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.
PFAS
Geckobrands has not disclosed whether the EVA foam or TPU received PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) or other fluorinated coatings. Industry standard practice for budget dry bags sometimes includes PFC application; absence of disclosure means risk cannot be ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from EVA degradation
EVA foam, particularly in lower-cost formulations, can break down or shed particles when compressed, flexed repeatedly, or exposed to UV. If particles escape into drinking water stored inside, ingestion is possible; risk is low in short-term use but increases with product age.
Off-gassing or odor (material volatiles)
New EVA and TPU products may emit a chemical odor (vinyl or plastic smell) from residual solvents or unreacted monomers. Odor typically dissipates within days to weeks; no established health hazard from inhalation at room temperature, but sensitive individuals may experience temporary irritation.
Seal degradation and bacterial growth
If seals are not fully dried between uses or stored wet, moisture trapped in crevices can promote bacterial, mold, or mildew growth. This is a maintenance issue, not a material defect, but is common in sealed soft-goods that are not routinely air-dried.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or documented testing has identified lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Geckobrands EVA or TPU dry bags. Colored foam and TPU typically use non-toxic organic or inorganic dyes; however, absence of third-party testing means this remains unverified.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Geckobrands does not publicly disclose material sourcing, manufacturing standards, or chemical testing results on their website or product labeling. The brand has not responded to documented inquiries about PFAS use in waterproofing treatments, leaving treatment status unknown. No recalls, safety violations, or third-party certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, REACH compliance statements) are on record for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Floating dry bags from mainstream outdoor brands (Geckobrands, Travelon, Sea to Summit) typically use EVA or TPU for this exact application because neither material requires heavy chemical treatment to achieve waterproofing. This contrasts with fabric-based waterproof pouches, which often rely on PFC (per- and polyfluorocarbon) or polyurethane coatings, known PFAS vectors. EVA and TPU dry bags sit lower in chemical concern than coated alternatives, though brand transparency remains inconsistent across the market.
If you buy it
Store the case in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to slow material degradation; EVA and TPU can become brittle or sticky in extreme heat or prolonged UV exposure. Do not fill with hot liquids or store near heat sources, as neither material is rated for sustained temperatures above 50-60°C. Rinse with fresh water after salt-water or chlorinated-pool immersion to extend seal life. Replace the case if seals visibly crack, discolor, or no longer repel water.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Geckobrands has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Floating Waterproof Phone Case Dry Bag?
- Flax fiber and plant-based resin blend, compostable
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Coating degradation and durability over time
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- plant-based bioplastic (flax and other plant fibers)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Thermal degradation and warping
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Plant-based bioplastic (compostable blend)
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Bioplastic degradation and microparticle shedding
More waterproof phone cases 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.