PFAS40/ 100Poor
Overall0/ 100Bad
SealLine Wide Mouth Duffel Bag

SealLine · Waterproof Bags & Luggage

SealLine Wide Mouth Duffel Bag

Poor

Unknown waterproof treatment; SealLine silent on PFAS in this product.

Verdict · SkipDurable nylon-polyester duffel with unknown waterproof coating and PFAS status; acceptable for dry goods if coating maintained, but brand transparency gap warrants cautious use.

SealLine duffels use waterproof coatings but do not disclose PFAS status. Historical connections to outdoor gear makers using water-repellent coating suggest potential concern, though specifics for this model remain unknown.

The better-graded swap

Granite Gear ToughSack Assorted Colors

Granite Gear

Granite Gear ToughSack Assorted Colors

85/100 safety

85Excellent

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/polyester fabric with waterproof coating

Brand disclosure

Brand is silent on PFAS

Lab data

No public lab test

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2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

What SealLine Wide Mouth Duffel Bag is made of, ingredients and materials

SealLine Wide Mouth Duffel is constructed from nylon and polyester fabrics with an applied waterproof coating, likely a polymer laminate or resin finish. The coating itself is the primary safety variable, formulations vary widely from Teflon-type coating-based (potential fume risk if heated) to polyurethane or other synthetic polymers. Nylon and polyester themselves are chemically stable in normal use, but the coating's identity and longevity determine whether leachables or degradation byproducts enter contact with food or skin.

What’s concerning

♾️

Category baseline

The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.

90/ 100
♾️

No PFAS disclosure

No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.

85/ 100
♾️

Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment

Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.

65/ 100
🍳

Waterproof coating volatiles (thermal stress)

If the coating contains Teflon-type coating or Teflon-family coating, exposure to high heat or mechanical stress could release fumes. Normal use (storage, transport) poses minimal risk, but avoid exposing to direct heat sources or extended UV.

70/ 100
🫧

Coating degradation and microfiber shedding

All polyester-nylon duffels eventually degrade at the seams and surface. As coating flakes, small fabric particles may shed; this is cosmetic unless inhaled or ingested repeatedly in stored food items.

20/ 100
💨

Off-gassing from synthetic coating during initial use

New sealed bags may emit weak solvent or chemical odors for the first few days, indicating residual processing agents or coating volatiles. Air out unopened bag before storing textiles or food items.

70/ 100
⚠️

Mold and bacterial growth in seams if wet and not dried

Duffels are waterproof but not moisture-proof internally; trapped moisture in folds and seams can support mold growth, especially if stored damp. Not a chemical hazard but a hygiene concern for frequent users.

20/ 100

What’s reassuring

✅

Azo dyes in polyester fabric

SealLine does not disclose dye sources or azo restrictions. Polyester duffels may use cheaper azo-dye batches; unlikely to pose skin risk on clean hands but relevant if packed against bare skin for extended periods in heat.

95/ 100

How is this PFAS grade calculated?

The brand's record and disclosure

SealLine (owned by Cascade Designs, a subsidiary of Helen of Troy) has not published transparent ingredient disclosures or PFAS commitments for this product line as of available public records. The company does not advertise PFAS-free status or provide waterproof-treatment specifications to consumers. This silence is notable in a category where outdoor gear brands increasingly disclose PFAS use or avoidance; lack of transparency suggests either standard fluorochemical treatment (common in waterproof textiles) or indifference to consumer inquiry.

How it compares in its category

Duffels in this segment typically use either Teflon-type coating, polyurethane, or fluorocarbon-based water repellents. SealLine's older reputation was solid for durability, but competitors such as Patagonia and some smaller brands now explicitly avoid or phase out PFAS coatings. Without SealLine's specification, this duffel sits in a middle category, likely functional for casual use but lacking the transparency or PFAS-free marketing of premium alternatives.

If you buy it

Use this bag for dry goods, camping gear, and travel items rather than food storage or contact with skin or open wounds. Do not heat-treat, machine wash at high temperature, or dry-clean, as these may degrade the coating and release volatiles if Teflon-type coating or fluorocarbons are present. Inspect the coating annually for peeling, flaking, or discoloration; once degradation is visible, water-proofing fails and microfiber shedding may occur. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend coating life.

What is not known about PFAS in this product?

Basis
Model estimate, 55% 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.

What are the PFAS-free alternatives to SealLine Wide Mouth Duffel Bag?

Granite Gear ToughSack Assorted Colors

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85ExcellentPFAS grade
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85ExcellentPFAS grade
  • Polyester webbing and nylon
  • Azo dyes in polyester webbing

4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.

Pelican 1595 Air Travel Case

Pelican

1595 Air Travel Case

85ExcellentPFAS grade
  • Polypropylene shell, polyurethane foam, stainless steel hardware
  • Polyurethane foam degradation and off-gassing

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.