NRS · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
NRS Outfitter Dry Bag
Waterproof coating present; PFAS status unclear from brand.
NRS makes no statements about PFAS in this waterproof dry bag's coating. water-repellent coating treatments on marine gear often contain PFAS, but you won't get confirmation from them.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
TPU-lined nylon, waterproof coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What NRS Outfitter Dry Bag is made of, ingredients and materials
The NRS Outfitter uses TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) lining bonded to nylon fabric. TPU itself is not known to leach concerning chemicals under normal use, but the waterproof coating applied to achieve dry-bag performance is unspecified by the brand. Waterproof coatings on textiles historically relied on PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") for water repellency, though newer non-PFAS alternatives exist. Without transparency from MSR/NRS about which coating is used, the PFAS risk profile remains unclear.
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
The specific waterproof coating on the NRS Outfitter is not disclosed. If legacy PFAS is used, prolonged skin contact or laundering could expose users to persistent chemicals. If a non-PFAS alternative is used, brand silence suggests lack of differentiation or confidence in marketing the choice.
Source, ATSDR ↗Bacterial or mold growth if not dried
Dry bags that retain moisture inside create conditions for bacterial and mold colonization. This is a use-dependent risk, not a material hazard, but user reviews and product forums document odor and mildew issues with inadequate drying practices on waterproof bags including NRS models.
What’s reassuring
TPU bond degradation and leaching
TPU itself is not documented to leach hazardous substances under normal storage or use. However, if the TPU-to-nylon bond degrades from UV, heat, or mechanical stress over years, trace volatile compounds or degradation byproducts are theoretically possible but not established as a consumer risk for this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon fabric finishes sometimes use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or water repellency enhancement. NRS does not specify finishes, and TPU lining may obviate traditional formaldehyde resin treatments. No recalls or complaints on record for this product suggest formaldehyde is not a disclosed concern.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in nylon fabric
Nylon can be dyed with azo compounds linked to allergic sensitization and dermatitis in susceptible individuals. NRS does not disclose dye chemistry. No complaints or recalls specific to this product suggest azo dyes are not a recognized issue, though sensitive users should test contact tolerance.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
NRS (Northwest River Supplies, now owned by MSR/Cascade Designs) has not publicly disclosed coating chemistry or PFAS commitment for this product line as of available records. MSR/Cascade Designs has not published comprehensive PFAS phase-out timelines or third-party certifications for waterproof apparel. This silence is notable in a market where competitors like Patagonia have begun disclosing PFAS use and transition strategies. The lack of transparent testing or certification suggests either legacy coating formulations or unwillingness to differentiate on this issue.
How it compares in its category
Dry bags are a niche within textiles; most commercial waterproof bags (including those from Ortlieb, Sea to Summit, and basic PVC alternatives) face the same PFAS uncertainty unless brands explicitly state otherwise. TPU-lined bags are mid-tier in durability and cost compared to sealed PVC or advanced Teflon-family coating coatings. NRS bags are respected for ruggedness but not known for environmental or chemical transparency leadership. Consumers seeking verified PFAS-free options will find few dry bags with transparent testing.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; prolonged UV exposure can degrade TPU and nylon fibers over years. Do not machine wash or expose to temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, as heat can stress the TPU bond and potentially release trace leachables if the coating breaks down. Inspect seams and the lining regularly for tears or delamination; once compromised, water seepage may cause mold or mildew inside. Allow to air dry completely after use to prevent bacterial growth and odor inside the bag.
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
- NRS has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to NRS Outfitter Dry Bag?
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- UV degradation and additive leaching
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
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- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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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, 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.