Lowepro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Lowepro Adventura Go SH 160 Bag
Medium risk. Camera bag with water treatment, PFAS status unclear from brand.
This bag uses nylon with water-resistant coating but makes no public PFAS disclosure. Waterproof outdoor gear often contains PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments.
The better-graded swap
GoPro
GoPro HB-Series Lens Collection for HERO13 Black
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
Nylon fabric with water-resistant coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Lowepro Adventura Go SH 160 Bag is made of, ingredients and materials
The Adventura Go SH 160 uses nylon fabric with a water-resistant coating to repel moisture and protect camera gear. Nylon itself is a stable synthetic polymer with low leaching risk under normal use. The water-resistant coating is the material of concern, Lowepro does not publicly disclose whether this is Teflon-type coating-based (fluorinated), polyurethane, or another polymer class. Without transparency, you cannot rule out PFAS in the finish, which would be applied to the fabric surface.
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
Nylon bags typically use either Teflon-type coating (fluorinated) or polyurethane/polyester-based water repellents. Lowepro does not disclose which type is used on the Adventura Go SH 160. PFAS-containing coatings are common in this category but not confirmed for this model.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and particle shedding
Water-resistant coatings on nylon can wear, flake, or crack with age and use. Lowepro bags have occasional user reports of coating peeling in high-wear areas (seams, corners). Small coating fragments are unlikely to pose acute harm but represent loss of intended function.
What’s reassuring
Nylon fabric volatiles (minor)
Nylon itself does not off-gas formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds at room temperature. No established safety concerns for nylon fabric in camera bags under normal storage and use.
Heavy metals
No recalls or independent testing has flagged lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Lowepro nylon fabric or dyes. Nylon bags are not a known contamination pathway for heavy metals in this product class.
Source, FDA ↗Zipper or hardware leachables
The bag uses standard metal zippers and plastic hardware typical of camera bags. No specific safety data available for this model, but these materials are not a primary concern in short-term or long-term contact with camera equipment.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowepro (owned by Vitec Group) does not publish material safety data sheets or PFAS statements for consumer camera bags. The brand has not addressed PFAS in water-resistant coatings or committed to fluorine-free alternatives. No independent recalls or safety controversies have been logged for this specific model. This silence is typical for gear brands but leaves end-users unable to verify coating chemistry.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range camera and small-gear bags rely on nylon or polyester with water-resistant coatings; few brands disclose coating chemistry. Lowepro is a mainstream, established brand with reasonable durability reputation. However, competitors like Peak Design have begun disclosing materials more openly, and some outdoor brands now offer Teflon-type coating-free water repellent alternatives. The Adventura Go sits in a category where options with lower PFAS concern exist but require active searching.
If you buy it
Inspect the bag for signs of coating wear or flaking; degraded coating loses water resistance and may shed particles. Do not use near heat sources or in high-heat storage, as coatings can break down and potentially volatilize. Wash with mild soap and cool water if soiled; avoid harsh solvents or high-temperature drying. If PFAS status matters to you, contact Lowepro directly for coating specifications before purchase.
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
- Lowepro has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Lowepro Adventura Go SH 160 Bag?
- Optical glass lens with multi-coated optical surfaces
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- No PFAS statement found from the brand
- Glass lens (borosilicate or soda-lime glass)
- Optical coating degradation
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Optical glass, aluminum frame, non-coated optical surfaces
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Optical glass fragility and sharp edges
More waterproof camera & lens protection 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.