Osprey · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Osprey Metron Waterproof Bike Backpack
High risk. Waterproof backpack with unspecified coating.
Osprey does not disclose PFAS status or water-repellent coating treatment details for this model. Waterproof backpacks typically use fluorinated coatings, but actual composition remains unknown without brand confirmation.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon fabric with unspecified waterproof water-repellent coating
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Osprey does not disclose whether the Metron's water-repellent coating treatment contains PFAS. Historical nylon waterproofing typically relied on PFAS; if present, wear and washing could release trace amounts into wastewater and skin contact is unlikely to pose direct risk under normal use.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and flaking
With extended UV exposure or improper washing, water-repellent coating coatings can degrade or peel. Inhaled coating particles or ingestion during food handling near a damaged pack is theoretically possible but undocumented for this model; prevention through proper care is the practical mitigation.
What’s reassuring
Nylon microfiber shedding
Nylon backpacks do not inherently shed microplastics during normal carrying or storage. Microfiber release is documented only if the fabric is repeatedly washed in hot water or agitated abrasively, which is not typical for backpack use.
Dyes and fasteners
Nylon fabric dyes used by Osprey are not known to contain azo dyes or heavy metals based on the brand's market positioning and absence of recall history. No specific testing data for this model is available, but the risk is considered low relative to lower-cost alternatives.
Adhesives and glue leaching
Osprey uses industrial-grade adhesives and stitching in backpack construction. No documented leaching of volatile organic compounds or adhesive components into food or skin contact zones is on record for this product line.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Metron uses nylon fabric, a synthetic polymer resistant to abrasion and moisture, coated with an unspecified water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment. water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on PFAS-based chemistry, though some manufacturers have adopted non-PFAS alternatives in recent years. Osprey does not publicly specify which chemistry is used on this model, leaving the PFAS content unclear. Nylon itself is stable and does not leach toxic chemicals during normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Osprey has not published a comprehensive chemicals disclosure policy or PFAS commitment as of available records. The brand does not appear on major retailer transparency initiatives (e.g., Patagonia's Bluesign or The Responsible Down Standard). Osprey is known for durability-focused design and repair services, but transparency on material sourcing and coatings remains limited. No major recalls or contamination incidents specific to this backpack model are publicly documented.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof backpacks in this segment typically use nylon with water-repellent coating coatings; Osprey's approach is standard for the market. Competitors like Arc'teryx and The North Face similarly do not always disclose water-repellent coating chemistry. Some specialty brands (e.g.Patagonia has moved toward alternatives with lower PFAS concern, but this shift is not yet universal in the outdoor backpack category. The Metron's unspecified coating sits in the middle of the transparency spectrum for this product class.
If you buy it
Wash the pack infrequently and by hand with cool water and mild soap; machine washing or heat drying can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially mobilize coatings into wastewater. Do not use waterproofing sprays or re-treatments unless you verify they are PFAS-free and compatible with nylon. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend fabric life. If the coating fails or flakes, discontinue use or seek professional re-coating to avoid potential coating particle ingestion near food or water sources.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Osprey has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
REI Co-op
Trailgate Gear Bin Green 140 L
Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
UV degradation and additive leaching
Limited concern
Microplastics
Limited concern
Odor and volatile organic compounds from manufacturing
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern for bare plastic storage container.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Marmot
Tool Box
Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
Limited concern
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating chemistry unknown
Moderate concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Azo dyes in colored polyester components
Limited concern
Verify this is not a garment and check for any water-repellent coating applied.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Patagonia
Guidewater Roll-Top Pack
nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating finish
PFAS
Limited concern
Nylon microplastic shedding (abrasion)
Limited concern
Degradation and leachate from aging water-repellent coating
Limited concern
A water-repellent or grease-resistant treatment of unstated chemistry, with a brand PFAS statement we have not verified.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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.