REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
REI Co-op Big Haul Duffel
Durable duffel, but water-repellent coating PFAS status undisclosed.
REI Big Haul Duffels use ballistic nylon with water-repellent treatment for durability. REI doesn't publicly disclose the water-repellent coating chemistry, and many durable water repellents contain PFAS.
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Material
Ballistic nylon with water-repellent coating treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
What REI Co-op Big Haul Duffel is made of, ingredients and materials
The Big Haul is constructed from ballistic nylon, a tightly woven polyamide fabric designed for abrasion resistance and tear strength. It receives a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish to shed water, but REI has not publicly disclosed whether this coating uses PFAS-based or PFAS-free chemistry. Ballistic nylon itself is inert and does not leach chemicals under normal use; the hazard lies solely in the water-repellent treatment applied to the surface.
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
REI has not disclosed the water-repellent coating chemistry for this product. Industry standard before 2020 was PFOA/PFOS-based fluorocarbon coatings; newer PFAS alternatives (GenX, ADONA) are increasingly used. Without certification or testing data, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out, though migration during normal use (dry carrying) is minimal.
Source, ATSDR ↗VOC off-gassing from water-repellent coating or adhesives
New ballistic nylon duffels may emit low-level volatile organic compounds from the water-repellent coating and any polyurethane adhesive used in seaming or reinforcement. Airing out the bag for 24-48 hours in a well-ventilated space before use reduces exposure; off-gassing is typical for new synthetic gear and dissipates within weeks.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in nylon
Ballistic nylon used in outdoor gear is typically solution-dyed or uses lower-risk disperse dyes rather than problematic azo compounds. No recalls or formal hazard reports exist for REI Big Haul or comparable ballistic nylon duffels related to dye toxicity. Standard manufacturing for this category carries minimal azo dye risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Ballistic nylon duffels do not typically receive formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resist or antimicrobial treatments common in apparel. The water-repellent coating is the only finish applied, and formaldehyde releasers are not standard in commercial water-repellent chemistry, though untested products cannot be fully ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
The nylon yarn is solution-dyed, which avoids post-dye heavy metal fixing steps. Metal hardware (zippers, D-rings) is typical outdoor industry standard but not flagged in any published safety data for REI products. No established contamination record for this product or brand.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not published detailed chemical composition disclosures or PFAS commitments for this product line. The company maintains general sustainability messaging but has not signed major third-party agreements restricting PFAS in textiles (e.g., Bluesign, GOTS, or manufacturer-level PFAS elimination pledges). This silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is common in outdoor gear marketing but leaves consumers without verification of what water-repellent coating chemicals are used.
How it compares in its category
Ballistic nylon duffels are mid-tier in terms of chemical transparency. Compared to eco-certified travel gear or PFAS-free water-repellent coating options (now offered by some competitors), the Big Haul offers no published assurance. Its durability and price point compete well against generic luggage, but environmentally conscious consumers may find competitors with certified PFAS-free water treatment or transparent supplier documentation.
If you buy it
Ballistic nylon is non-toxic during normal handling and storage. water-repellent coating treatments typically do not migrate into your belongings or skin during dry use, though this depends on the specific coating chemistry (unknown here). Avoid machine washing in hot water or extended heat exposure, which can degrade the water-repellent coating finish and potentially release surface compounds. Spot-clean stains and air-dry; replace the bag if the fabric tears, as internal foam or padding cannot be easily replaced.
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
- REI Co-op has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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- UV degradation and additive leaching
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
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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.