MSR · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
MSR Dromedary Bag
Skip until MSR reveals water-repellent coating treatment details.
MSR's vinyl duffel is waterproofed, but they won't tell you what water-repellent coating formula they chose or whether PFAS is in it. Waterproof treatments often rely on PFAS; you need answers first.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Vinyl/PVC duffel bag with waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What MSR Dromedary Bag is made of, ingredients and materials
The MSR Dromedary Bag is constructed from vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) with a waterproof coating applied to the exterior. PVC itself is stable under normal use and does not inherently leach phthalates or other plasticizers into contents unless the bag is heated or exposed to prolonged contact with solvents or fatty foods. The waterproof treatment is the primary concern; it is typically a fluorocarbon-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating), which is why PFAS status is flagged as unknown.
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.
Phthalate leaching from PVC plasticizer
PVC duffels can contain phthalate plasticizers to improve flexibility. Risk is low under normal storage use but increases if bag is heated, stored in hot vehicles, or in contact with fatty/oily items for extended periods.
Coating degradation and chemical release
Waterproof coatings on vinyl bags can degrade over years of UV exposure and flexing, potentially releasing coating fragments or residues. No information on coating formulation stability or lifespan for this specific product.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
Vinyl and applied coatings may emit VOCs (solvents, plasticizers) when new, especially in warm or enclosed spaces. Ventilate the bag after purchase and before extended storage of sensitive items.
PFAS
MSR has not disclosed water-repellent coating chemistry. Traditional fluorocarbon DWRs used on outdoor gear contain PFAS; newer non-fluorinated alternatives exist but MSR does not claim to use them. Graded separately at 20/100.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
MSR (Mountain Safety Research) is an outdoor equipment manufacturer with no publicly available commitment to PFAS-free manufacturing or disclosure of water-repellent coating chemistry in their product lines. The company has not published third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) for this product category. This silence on treatment specifics is typical of legacy outdoor gear brands but limits buyer ability to assess fluorochemical exposure risk.
How it compares in its category
Hard-sided or coated nylon duffels from competitors like Patagonia and Arc'teryx increasingly disclose non-fluorinated water-repellent coating options or commit to phased PFAS reduction. Vinyl construction is less common in premium outdoor luggage, which typically use nylon or polyester; vinyl is cheaper and more chemically inert but less breathable and may feel less durable cosmetically. This product sits in the mid-tier for material transparency.
If you buy it
Avoid storing food, cosmetics, or textiles directly against the vinyl for extended periods, especially in warm storage conditions. Do not apply additional waterproofing treatments or heat-press the bag, as this can accelerate any coating degradation. Replace the bag if the vinyl develops cracks, peeling, or a sticky surface (signs of plasticizer migration or coating breakdown). Wipe exterior with a damp cloth; dry thoroughly before storage to prevent mold under the coating.
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
- MSR has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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- UV degradation and additive leaching
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- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
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Patagonia
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- 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. See all of them.
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.