· Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Trail Gear Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
Waterproof dry bag with likely water-repellent coating treatment; PFAS status unconfirmed.
The dry bag features ripstop nylon with water-repellent coating waterproof coating for outdoor gear protection. No PFAS testing has been published for this product, and the brand does not disclose coating chemistry.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Ripstop nylon with water-repellent coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Trail Gear Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack is made of, ingredients and materials
The brand's dry bag uses ripstop nylon, a synthetic woven fabric with high tear resistance, typically coated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish to shed moisture. Ripstop nylon itself is chemically inert in normal use. The water-repellent coating is the variable, many outdoor brands still rely on fluorocarbon-based treatments (PFAS-containing), though some have shifted to non-fluorinated alternatives. The brand does not publicly disclose the chemistry of its water-repellent coating finish, so the PFAS content cannot be verified without independent testing.
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
Even non-fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes may contain other chemical surfactants; The brand does not disclose which type is used. Risk of skin contact is low in normal use but elevated during wet conditions or if coating degrades into smaller particles.
Source, ATSDR ↗Mold and bacterial growth in storage
Dry bags are designed to keep contents dry, not to breathe. If stored damp or in warm, humid conditions, the interior nylon can harbor mold or bacteria. This is a use/care issue, not a manufacturing defect, but relevant to proper storage.
What’s reassuring
Nylon microfiber shedding
Ripstop nylon itself does not readily shed microplastics in normal wear or washing as a dry bag (it is a structural backpack, not a garment worn against skin). Risk is minimal unless the fabric is torn and handled roughly.
Heavy metals
No specific recalls or warnings for dry bags. Nylon fabric produced to modern standards typically avoids restricted azo dyes and cadmium. No independent testing data available for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Coating off-gassing or skin irritation on contact
No reported incidents of allergic reaction or respiratory irritation from dry bags. water-repellent coating coatings are typically cured before sale; volatile emissions should be minimal under normal conditions.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
The brand has not issued public statements specifically addressing PFAS in their product coatings. The brand has not obtained Bluesign certification or other independent verification of water-repellent coating chemistry. No recalls or health controversies involving this product line are on record. For a company of the brand's size in outdoor gear, the lack of transparency is a notable gap, though not uncommon in the backpack/dry bag category.
How it compares in its category
Ripstop nylon dry bags are a standard construction across most mid-range outdoor brands (The North Face, Osprey, REI Co-op). The main differentiation is water-repellent coating chemistry, which is rarely disclosed at point of sale. The brand's product sits in a middle tier, not explicitly marketed as PFAS-free (like some newer sustainability-focused brands) but also not flagged for unusual chemical exposure. Prices and durability are competitive; coating longevity typically runs 2-4 years with field use.
If you buy it
Store the bag in a dry location to minimize mold risk in the nylon interior. Avoid prolonged heat (do not machine wash in hot water or tumble dry); hand wash with mild soap if needed, as heat can accelerate coating degradation. Reapply commercial water-repellent coating treatments every 1-2 years if water beading noticeably decreases. If the brand eventually discloses PFAS-free certification, that would reduce the care tier. Otherwise, monitor for signs of coating breakdown (sticky residue, uneven water shedding) after 3-4 years of use.
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
- 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 Trail Gear Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack?
- Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
- UV degradation and additive leaching
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Recycled polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- PFAS
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore waterproof outdoor gear storage bags 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.