Lowepro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Lowepro Hardside CS 60 Camera Case
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes hard polypropylene shell, fabric lining, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Hard polypropylene shell, fabric lining
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.
Polypropylene degradation under UV exposure
Polypropylene can become brittle and crack when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight or UV light. This is a cosmetic and structural issue rather than a chemical hazard, but accelerated degradation may release microplastics if the shell fragments.
Fabric lining moisture retention and mold growth
The polyester or nylon fabric lining can retain moisture if the case is sealed while damp, creating conditions for mold or mildew. This poses a risk to stored equipment and respiratory irritation if spores are inhaled during unpacking, not a chemical leaching issue.
Bacterial or microbial colonization in case seals and hinges
The case's zipper and seal areas can harbor dust, salt, or microorganisms if not cleaned. This is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing hazard; regular cleaning with a damp cloth prevents accumulation.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heat-related warping of polypropylene
Polypropylene has a melting point around 160°C and will not warp under normal storage conditions. Intentional heat exposure (e.g., in a hot car) may cause minor shape changes but does not trigger chemical off-gassing or toxin release at temperatures below 80°C.
Lead
No ink or label hazards are documented for Lowepro cases. Graphics are typically screen-printed or applied as decals and are not in contact with skin or food, minimizing ingestion risk.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Lowepro Hardside CS 60 is constructed from rigid polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic polymer chosen for impact resistance and water resistance without requiring a chemical coating. Polypropylene is not a material linked to BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal storage conditions. The fabric lining (typically polyester or nylon blend) provides cushioning but is not treated with fire retardants in luggage-grade applications. This material combination means the case itself poses minimal off-gassing or leaching risk to camera equipment or users.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowepro, owned by Esselte, does not publish detailed material transparency or PFAS avoidance statements. The brand has no public record of recalls related to coating degradation, heavy metal contamination, or chemical leaching in camera cases. Industry-standard polypropylene cases rarely trigger safety concerns, and Lowepro's product line has maintained a low-profile safety history. However, the brand's silence on PFAS and chemical sourcing reflects a broader industry pattern rather than a specific red flag for this product.
How it compares in its category
Hard polypropylene cases have lower concern in protective camera storage compared to older polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cases (which may off-gas) or resin-epoxy coatings (which can degrade and leach). Unlike sealed metal cases, polypropylene does not require rust inhibitors or volatile coatings. Most competitors in this segment (Pelican, Storm Case) use identical or similar PP formulations, making the Lowepro CS 60 a mid-tier option with no material disadvantage.
If you buy it
Store the case in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent polymer brittleness over years of use; polypropylene becomes more rigid and crack-prone when exposed to UV. Do not leave it in hot vehicles or near heat sources above 80°C, as PP can warp slightly. The fabric lining should be checked annually for mold or mildew if stored in humid conditions; wipe with a dry cloth and allow air circulation. Replace the case if the shell develops stress cracks or the lining deteriorates, as these compromise waterproofing.
What we don’t know
- 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.
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.