Lowepro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
LowePro Fastpack BP 250 AW III Backpack
Medium risk. Skip until water-repellent coating details are clarified, likely PFAS-treated.
This camera backpack has water-resistant nylon fabric treated with water-repellent coating. The brand does not disclose PFAS content or use of fluorochemicals.
The better-graded swap
Case-Mate
Case Mate Waterproof Floating Pouch
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/polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating
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 LowePro Fastpack BP 250 AW III Backpack is made of, ingredients and materials
The Fastpack BP 250 AW III uses nylon and polyester fabrics with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating, likely Teflon-family coating-based, a common PFAS delivery method in outdoor gear. Nylon itself is chemically stable and non-leaching under normal use; polyester is similarly inert. The water-repellent coating is the primary concern, it sheds microfibers when abraded and may release PFAS chemicals, especially during laundering or if the coating degrades.
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 microfiber shedding
Teflon-family coating coatings on nylon/polyester degrade with use and washing, releasing microscopic fibers and potentially associated PFAS into water and potentially air. The pace of degradation depends on washing frequency and abrasion.
Azo dyes in colored nylon/polyester
The backpack uses black, gray, and colored nylon/polyester. Azo dyes, some of which break down into carcinogenic amines, are not forbidden in US backpack manufacturing. No specific testing or restriction is documented for Lowepro products.
Adhesive off-gassing in seams and patches
Seams are bonded with polyurethane or epoxy adhesives that may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing, especially when new. Odor typically dissipates within days to weeks of airing out. No hazard data specific to this model is available.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No specific reports for this model. Nylon and polyester textiles can retain formaldehyde resins from manufacture, but Lowepro does not publish dye/finish safety data. Levels in apparel-grade materials are typically below acute hazard thresholds.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No recalls or public warnings specific to this backpack. Synthetic pigments in outdoor textiles can contain trace lead or cadmium, but detection requires lab analysis. Risk is low during normal handling; higher if fabric is chewed or ingested by children.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowepro has not made public commitments to PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatments or disclosed coating chemistry for this model. The brand does not appear on ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) or similar textile safety certifications lists. No product-specific recalls or contamination reports are on record for this backpack. The silent stance on water-repellent coating composition is typical of the photo gear industry but limits transparency around PFAS use.
How it compares in its category
Most durable camera backpacks in this price and performance tier use similar Teflon-family coating water-repellent coating coatings; this is standard practice. A small number of brands (e.g., Peak Design Everyday Backpack) have moved toward PFC-free water repellents, though availability remains limited. The Fastpack is not exceptional in safety profile compared to competitors, it is middle-of-the-road for PFAS risk in outdoor bags.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only; avoid machine washing or hot water, which accelerates water-repellent coating shedding and potential PFAS release. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. Air-dry away from direct heat. Inspect seams and coatings annually; replace the bag if the water-repellent coating layer visibly peels, flakes, or becomes tacky. Store in a cool, dry place to slow degradation. If PFAS exposure is a priority concern, consider waiting for the brand to publish water-repellent coating ingredient details or switch to an explicitly PFC-free alternative.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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 Fastpack BP 250 AW III Backpack?
- 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.