SealLine · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
SealLine Black Canyon Dry Pack
Dry pack material likely treated; PFAS content unconfirmed by brand.
SealLine Black Canyon Dry Pack uses waterproofed nylon typical of dry bags. The brand discloses no PFAS information. water-repellent coating coatings historically often contain fluorochemicals, though formulations vary.
The better-graded swap
Pelican
Pelican 1595 Air Travel Case
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon fabric with waterproof/water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) 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.
water-repellent coating degradation and leaching
If the coating chips or wears, microparticles of the water-repellent coating polymer may shed into stored contents. While the nylon base is inert, mechanical failure of the coating is the main physical hazard over the pack's lifetime.
Off-gassing or VOC emissions from coating
New dry packs may emit subtle chemical odors from the water-repellent coating polymer and adhesives; airing the pack outdoors for 24-48 hours before use can reduce volatile organic compound exposure from fresh manufacturing off-gassing.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in nylon fabric
No recalls or test reports identify banned azo dyes in SealLine dry packs. Nylon is commonly dyed with compliant, non-carcinogenic colorants, and the black colorant used here is not a known concern.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon does not require formaldehyde-based resins for water resistance; the water-repellent coating is polymer-based. No evidence of formaldehyde in the manufacturing or finishing chain, though full ingredient data is not public.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Nylon fiber itself contains no antimony or lead by chemistry. Dye chemistry is not disclosed, but black colorants for outdoor fabric are typically azo-free and non-toxic under normal handling.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Black Canyon Dry Pack is constructed from nylon fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating to shed water and resist moisture. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear historically rely on PFAS-based chemistry, though SealLine has not publicly disclosed whether this specific product uses PFAS-free alternatives. Nylon itself is chemically stable in normal use and does not leach monomers like BPA; the coating is the primary chemical exposure vector. Uncoated nylon poses minimal hazard, but the waterproofing chemistry remains opaque.
The brand's record and disclosure
SealLine, owned by Cascade Designs (now part of Helen of Troy), has not published transparent PFAS sourcing statements or third-party testing for its dry pack line. The brand maintains silence on water-repellent coating chemistry, which is typical of outdoor manufacturers but inconsistent with disclosure leaders like Patagonia and Arc'teryx. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for SealLine dry bags. This lack of transparency reflects an industry-wide gap rather than a specific scandal, but makes independent verification impossible.
How it compares in its category
Most nylon dry packs in the mid-market segment (SealLine's position) use conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings; PFAS-free waterproofing options exist but are less common and often cost more. Silicone-lined or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) alternatives eliminate water-repellent coating chemistry entirely but trade durability and packability. SealLine's product sits in the mainstream group, functional and affordable, but not a leader in chemical disclosure or sustainability. Competitors like Outdoor Products and some Granite Gear models offer similar transparency gaps.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged direct skin contact, especially on sensitive skin, as water-repellent coating residues can cause mild irritation in some users. Store in a dry, cool place and do not machine wash or dry clean, as heat and solvents may degrade the coating and increase leaching risk. Inspect the nylon for tears or flaking coating annually; once the water-repellent coating delaminates, water ingress increases and the protective barrier is compromised. Do not expose the interior to food without a barrier, and rinse any dust or manufacturing residue before first use.
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
- SealLine has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More waterproof bags & luggage 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.