Nomad · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Nomad USB-C Data Kevlar Cable
Lower concern. Aramid fiber sheathing is not a material linked to PFAS.
The cable uses aramid fiber sheathing and copper conductors. Aramid fiber is not a material associated with PFAS. Nomad has no PFAS statement on record.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Aramid fiber (Kevlar) sheathing, copper conductors
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Mechanical failure and copper wire exposure
Any cable can fray or tear with extreme abuse. Aramid sheathing is significantly more resistant to tearing than PVC or rubber, reducing the likelihood of exposed conductor risk compared to standard cables.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Connector leachables (gold plating or nickel base metal)
No documentation provided on connector plating composition or nickel content. Standard USB-C connectors typically use gold over nickel; nickel contact dermatitis is rare from brief cable handling but possible with prolonged skin contact in sensitized individuals. Nomad has not disclosed connector metallurgy.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Aramid fiber does not typically off-gas VOCs or plasticizers during normal use or storage. PVC cables are the primary concern in this category; this cable's material choice effectively eliminates that hazard.
Heavy metals
Aramid fiber cables typically use minimal dyes and additives. Nomad has not published test data for lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in the sheath. No recalls or regulatory warnings suggest contamination.
Source, FDA ↗Copper oxidation and corrosion products
Copper conductors will oxidize if exposed to air and moisture (green patina), but this occurs only after sheath failure and does not leach toxins during normal use. The aramid sheath provides robust protection against moisture ingress.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Nomad's Kevlar cable uses aramid fiber (synthetic polymer) as an outer sheath around copper conductors, replacing the PVC or rubber jackets common in standard USB cables. Aramid fiber is chemically inert once formed and does not off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or plasticizers under normal use conditions. This material is inherently flame-resistant and mechanically robust, meaning it resists tearing, fraying, and degradation from flexing better than conventional polymer sheaths. The copper conductors themselves pose no toxicity concern at normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nomad has not published detailed chemical composition disclosures, restricted substance lists, or third-party safety certifications for this cable. The brand does not appear in major product safety recalls or regulatory warnings related to data cables. Their silence on PFAS and other chemical transparency is typical for the premium accessories market but limits independent verification of supply chain controls. No documented controversies or safety incidents tied to this specific product exist in public records.
How it compares in its category
Most USB-C cables use PVC, rubber, or nylon jackets, which can degrade, crack, and expose copper over time, and occasionally contain phthalate plasticizers or flame retardants. Aramid-sheathed cables are a premium subset that prioritize durability and eliminate those concerns. This cable trades slightly higher cost for measurably lower failure rates and absence of polymer off-gassing. It sits in the top tier for mechanical longevity and chemical inertness in the data cable category.
If you buy it
Inspect the sheath regularly for visible tears or copper exposure; aramid resists damage but is not immune. Avoid coiling tightly for months on end, as any cable can develop kinks if stressed repeatedly. Unlike rubber, aramid does not become brittle in cold, making it suitable for varied environments. Replace only if the sheath tears or conductors are exposed; the material itself does not degrade chemically with age under normal storage and use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Nomad has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.