Granite Gear · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
Granite Gear ToughSack Assorted Colors
Low risk. Durable nylon pack without water treatment applied.
ToughSack is a tough daypack built from Cordura nylon without water repellent or water-repellent coating documented. This reduces typical PFAS risk from treated outdoor bags.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Cordura nylon fabric
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Heavy metals
Metal zippers and buckles on outdoor packs may contain nickel or zinc alloys; not specific to this brand. Nickel migration is low under dry, non-contact conditions and unlikely to pose a hazard for the intended use (carrying gear, not skin-facing metal).
Source, FDA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Azo dyes in colored nylon
Cordura fabric typically uses disperse dyes meeting OEKO-TEX or similar standards; no reported safety issues with assorted color variants of this product. Azo dye hazard is minimal in outdoor gear under normal skin contact.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Cordura is a base weave without common wrinkle-resist or durable-press finishes that carry formaldehyde risk. No formaldehyde release has been reported for ToughSack products.
Source, ATSDR ↗Flame retardants
ToughSack is sold as untreated Cordura nylon, not marketed with flame-retardant properties. No brominated or phosphorus flame retardants are known to be applied.
Source, EPA ↗Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Cordura nylon does not off-gas formaldehyde or other VOCs like polyurethane-coated fabrics do. New pack may have a mild synthetic smell from dyes or adhesives; it dissipates within days with airing.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
ToughSack is constructed from Cordura nylon, a high-tenacity polyamide fabric engineered for abrasion resistance and durability in outdoor packs. Cordura itself is a synthetic polymer without intentional flame retardant, phthalate plasticizer, or heavy metal dyes as standard; the weave and denier (thickness) provide strength rather than chemical additives. The assorted colors suggest dyed fabric, though Cordura typically uses disperse dyes applied under controlled conditions, which carry minimal health risk in a contact application like a daypack.
The brand's record and disclosure
Granite Gear is a Minnesota-based outdoor pack manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for durability and repair services; they do not publicly disclose detailed chemical certifications or supply-chain testing. No significant safety recalls or chemical controversies are on record for this brand. Their silence on PFAS and other chemical inputs reflects typical small-to-mid-size outdoor gear makers that do not market sustainability credentials, rather than a red flag.
How it compares in its category
Cordura nylon packs are industry standard for casual outdoor and travel use, sitting between budget polyester alternatives and premium materials like Dyneema or treated fabrics. Cordura's popularity stems from proven durability, not chemical advantages; it avoids some flame retardants found in heavier canvas or synthetic blends. Most comparable packs in this tier (e.g., REI, Arc'teryx entry lines) use similar base materials with comparable disclosure.
If you buy it
ToughSack packs are low-maintenance; rinse with cool water and air dry to preserve fabric integrity. Do not expose to prolonged direct heat (>60°C) or solvents, which can degrade nylon. Inspect seams and zippers annually for wear; Granite Gear offers repair kits and replacement parts, extending product life. Store in a dry place to prevent mildew; the fabric itself does not off-gas or leach chemicals with normal handling.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Granite Gear has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.