Kelty · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
US Military Backpack Kelty Multi Purpose Waterproof New
Military pack has unknown waterproof treatment; PFAS status unclear.
Kelty's military-spec backpack uses either nylon or polyester with waterproof water-repellent coating of unspecified composition. The brand offers no transparency on PFAS.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon or polyester with waterproof water-repellent coating, composition unspecified
Lab data
No public lab test
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What US Military Backpack Kelty Waterproof New is made of, ingredients and materials
This backpack is constructed from nylon or polyester fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating to achieve waterproofing. The specific chemistry of that coating is not publicly disclosed by Kelty, which is the core safety concern, water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on PFAS compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid and related chemicals) to achieve water and oil resistance. Modern alternatives like wax-based or non-fluorinated polymers exist but are not confirmed here. The base fabrics (nylon and polyester) themselves carry minimal chemical hazard when uncoated.
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.
Antimony in polyester
If the backpack is polyester (rather than nylon), it may contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst remnant from polyester synthesis. Levels in finished textile are typically trace and not known to pose dermal hazard from wearing, but intentional ingestion or chronic dust inhalation could theoretically carry risk. No data specific to Kelty products.
water-repellent coating degradation and leaching
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon and polyester backpack fabrics may contain formaldehyde-based finishing resins for wrinkle resistance or shape-holding, but no formaldehyde hazards have been documented for Kelty backpacks. Off-gassing is not a typical concern for heavy outdoor bags.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Kelty backpacks use synthetic dyes for color, but no recalls or test results indicate restricted azo dyes or heavy metal dye contamination. Military-spec products are often dyed with stable, non-toxic pigments.
Source, FDA ↗Flame retardants
Kelty backpacks are not marketed as flame-retardant and are not subject to flammability regulations for apparel. No flame-retardant chemical treatment is documented or expected in this category.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Kelty, a subsidiary of Cascade Designs (owned by Helen of Troy), does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry or commit to PFAS-free waterproofing on this product line. The company has not achieved third-party certifications (OEKO-TEX, GOTS, Bluesign) that would restrict PFAS use. No recalls or documented chemical safety violations have been published for Kelty backpacks. Transparency on coating composition remains absent from product labeling and official specifications.
How it compares in its category
Military-spec and outdoor backpacks typically use PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings because of their superior durability and water-repellency under extreme conditions. Premium brands (e.g.Patagonia has transitioned toward alternatives not linked to PFAS and publishes this commitment. Kelty occupies a mid-market position with strong durability reputation but minimal chemical transparency compared to higher-end competitors. This product is not uniquely risky for its category, but competitive backpacks with disclosed non-PFAS coatings are available.
If you buy it
Avoid machine washing above 30 degrees Celsius, as heat can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially mobilize coating residues. Re-apply commercial water-repellent coating treatments (wax-based or fluorine-free brands) every 1-2 years to maintain water repellency and reduce reliance on original coating integrity. Hand wash with cool water and mild soap when soiled; allow air drying away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not dry-clean, as solvents can strip the coating. Inspect seams and coating for visible peeling or degradation annually; discard if coating severely compromises.
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
- Kelty 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 US Military Backpack Kelty Multi Purpose Waterproof New?
- 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.