Marmot · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
Marmot Slate Tote Travel Bag
Water-resistant tote likely treated; no PFAS disclosure from brand.
Marmot's Slate Tote uses nylon with water-resistant treatment typical of travel bags. No public PFAS information or certifications are available from the brand.
The better-graded swap
Salomon
Salomon Extended Totebag
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 treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Marmot Slate Tote Travel Bag is made of, ingredients and materials
The Marmot Slate Tote is constructed from nylon fabric, a synthetic polymer known for durability and lightweight properties. The water-resistant treatment applied to the fabric is not detailed by Marmot and is the primary chemical concern; water-repellent finishes on travel bags are conventionally PFAS-based (historically fluorocarbon coatings) or occasionally fluorine-free alternatives, though the brand does not specify which. Nylon itself is stable under normal use, but the coating's identity and migration potential under heat or wear remain opaque.
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 travel bags marketed as water-resistant are conventionally treated with fluorocarbon water-repellent coating finishes containing PFAS. Marmot does not disclose the coating chemistry, making PFAS presence probable but unconfirmed; no public recalls or testing data for this specific model are available.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating leaching or off-gassing during use
Water-resistant coatings can leach or volatilize over time, especially under mechanical stress (friction, flexing during travel) or contact with warm/damp conditions. Risk is elevated if the coating chemistry is PFAS-based; fluorine-free alternatives present lower concern but remain untested on this product.
Nylon degradation and microfiber shedding
Nylon fabric degrades under UV exposure and mechanical wear, potentially releasing microfibers. This is inherent to nylon travel goods and not specific to Marmot, but heavy packing and frequent washing accelerate the process; no brand-specific data exist for the Slate Tote.
What’s reassuring
Dyes and finishing chemicals in fabric
Nylon textiles are typically dyed and finished with industrial chemicals (azo dyes, heavy metals, formaldehyde resins). Marmot has not disclosed testing or certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex Standard 100) for the Slate Tote; no public reports of issues with this product or Marmot travel bags exist.
Metal hardware corrosion or leaching
Travel totes typically include zippers, buckles, and straps with metal hardware. If not stainless steel or properly plated, these can corrode or leach nickel, chromium, or other metals; Marmot does not specify hardware composition for the Slate model, and no recalls or complaints are on record.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Marmot is primarily known for outdoor apparel and gear. The brand has not published transparent disclosures regarding PFAS use in their textile products or water-resistant treatments, nor are they signatories to major chemical transparency initiatives like the Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certificate or bluesign. This silence is typical across mid-market outdoor brands and reflects an industry-wide lack of proactive chemical accountability in travel goods.
How it compares in its category
Most nylon travel totes marketed as water-resistant rely on similar fluorocarbon or fluorine-free coatings; the Marmot Slate is not distinctive in this regard. Competitors like Peak Design and Patagonia have begun disclosing PFAS-free water-resistant alternatives (wax treatments, polyurethane laminates), though many still use conventional water-repellent coating finishes. The Slate's mid-range pricing suggests conventional treatment rather than premium options with lower PFAS concern, positioning it as a typical entry in an industry transitioning slowly toward alternative chemistry.
If you buy it
Avoid exposing the tote to high heat (do not machine wash or machine dry); hand wash with mild detergent and air dry to preserve the water-resistant coating. Store in a well-ventilated space to minimize inhalation of any residual coating volatiles, particularly during the first weeks of ownership. Replace the bag if the water-resistant finish visibly degrades (peeling, cracking, or loss of beading), as compromised coatings may leach more readily. Keep the tote away from direct prolonged sun to slow photodegradation of the nylon and coating.
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
- Marmot 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 Marmot Slate Tote Travel Bag?
- Cordura nylon fabric
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Heavy metals
- Polyester webbing and nylon
- Azo dyes in polyester webbing
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Polypropylene shell, polyurethane foam, stainless steel hardware
- Polyurethane foam degradation and off-gassing
More waterproof bags & luggage 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.