Mountainsmith · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Mountainsmith Dry Kick Waterproof Fanny Pack
Skip unless brand confirms water-repellent coating chemistry or provides test results.
Mountainsmith doesn't disclose waterproof treatment details or PFAS status for this pack. Typical nylon gear uses water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but specifics are unknown.
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Material
Ripstop nylon with unspecified waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What Mountainsmith Dry Kick Waterproof Fanny is made of, ingredients and materials
The Dry Kick uses ripstop nylon as its base fabric, a durable polyamide weave common in outdoor gear. The waterproof coating chemistry is unspecified by Mountainsmith, which is the critical gap, water repellency in nylon packs is typically achieved via fluorinated or silicone-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finishes. Ripstop nylon itself is not inherently hazardous, but the coating applied to it determines whether PFAS or other volatile compounds are present.
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.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from waterproof coating
Unspecified water-repellent coating may release low-level VOCs, particularly if exposed to heat or direct sunlight during storage or use. Ripstop nylon itself does not off-gas; the hazard is the proprietary waterproofing treatment.
Degradation of coating over time and re-exposure to base materials
As waterproof coating wears from use and washing, nylon fibers beneath may become exposed. While nylon itself is stable, any residual coating compounds could leach more readily once the protective layer is compromised.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in nylon fabric
No recalls or testing issues reported for Mountainsmith nylon packs related to azo dye content. Ripstop nylon in outdoor gear is typically low-risk for dye migration, but product-specific data is unavailable.
Antimony in polyamide (nylon)
Antimony is occasionally used as a catalyst in polyamide synthesis but is rarely a migration concern in finished nylon fabrics at consumer-use temperatures. No specific reports for Mountainsmith or ripstop nylon packs.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Formaldehyde-based resins are uncommon in modern nylon waterproof coatings, but older or budget water-repellent coating formulations may include them. Mountainsmith's coating formula is unspecified, making this unverifiable.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Mountainsmith has not publicly disclosed water-repellent coating chemistry or provided third-party testing for PFAS content in their waterproof products. The brand maintains no published sustainability or chemical transparency policy for this product line. Without explicit confirmation of non-fluorinated or fluorinated-free coatings, the waterproof treatment remains a black box from a consumer safety standpoint.
How it compares in its category
Ripstop nylon fanny packs are standard in outdoor retail; competitors like Peak Design and Patagonia have begun disclosing water-repellent coating chemistry and transitioning to PFAS-free alternatives. Mountainsmith's silence on this issue puts it below brands offering transparent sourcing. For a non-technical outdoor accessory, this pack occupies the middle market without the safety clarity that distinguishes premium or eco-conscious brands.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged heating or washing in hot water, as heat can accelerate off-gassing of coating compounds. Hand wash with cool water and mild soap if needed; machine washing may degrade the waterproof treatment faster. Store in a well-ventilated area, especially in the first week after purchase, to allow any volatile residues from manufacturing to dissipate. If PFAS exposure is a concern for your household, contact Mountainsmith directly requesting water-repellent coating specification before purchase or consider alternatives with certified PFAS-free coatings.
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
- Mountainsmith has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More 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.