Lowepro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Lowepro Tahoe CS 20 Camera Case
Medium risk. Case coating unspecified, waterproof bags often use PFAS-based water-repellent coating.
This case does not have PFAS status disclosed. Water-resistant coatings on bags commonly contain PFAS, but brand transparency is absent.
The better-graded swap
GoPro
SANDMARC Aqua Filter Kit GoPro Hero 13
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
polyester fabric with water-resistant coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Lowepro Tahoe CS 20 Camera Case is made of, ingredients and materials
The Tahoe CS 20 uses polyester fabric with a water-resistant coating applied to the exterior. Polyester itself is chemically inert under normal use, but the coating's composition is the concern, water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments on outdoor gear frequently rely on PFAS-based chemistry, though Lowepro does not publicly disclose their specific formulation. The interior is typically uncoated fabric or mesh, minimizing leaching risk to camera equipment.
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
Polyester camera cases almost universally use PFAS-based water-repellent coating finishes for water resistance. Lowepro provides no specification, but industry standard assumes fluorocarbon chemistry unless explicitly stated otherwise. Graded separately per brief.
Source, ATSDR ↗Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating application and solvents
New polyester bags with applied coatings may off-gas residual solvents and adhesive volatiles during initial weeks. Risk is temporary and indoor-ventilation-manageable; outdoor storage before first use reduces exposure.
Microplastics
Abrasion of polyester fabric can release microfibers, particularly if the water-repellent coating degrades or flakes. Direct contact with food or prolonged skin exposure is unlikely given intended use, but worn cases should be replaced rather than repaired.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No specific safety incidents or test results are on record for Lowepro cases. Polyester textiles in developed-market production typically comply with REACH restrictions, but Lowepro does not publish dye or pigment specifications.
Source, FDA ↗Leaching from adhesives or stitching treatments
The case's interior does not contact food or prolonged skin. Camera equipment stored inside is not at chemical-leaching risk. Adhesives used in seams are not known to off-gas harmful compounds under normal storage conditions.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowepro (owned by Vitec Group) does not maintain public transparency about PFAS use in their cases or publish material safety data sheets for consumer products. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for this model. The brand has not signed onto PFAS-reduction commitments or bluesign/OEKO-TEX certifications that would indicate lower concern chemistry practices.
How it compares in its category
Camera cases in this size and price tier typically use identical polyester-plus-water-repellent coating construction; premium alternatives (Tenba, Peak Design) also do not publicly specify non-PFAS coatings. Hard-shell cases eliminate coating concerns but are heavier and more expensive. This product is average for its category in terms of disclosed safety information.
If you buy it
Store the case in a well-ventilated area initially to allow any solvent off-gassing to dissipate; this is standard for new fabric goods. Do not expose to direct heat, solvents, or aggressive washing, as the water-repellent coating can degrade and potentially increase particle shedding. The case is not designed for food contact or direct skin wear. Replace the case if the fabric becomes abraded or the coating visibly flakes; this indicates end of protective life.
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 Tahoe CS 20 Camera Case?
- 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.