The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
The North Face Base Camp Boot Pack
High risk. No transparency on waterproof coating.
The North Face does not disclose coating chemistry for this boot pack. water-repellent coating waterproofing on outdoor gear typically contains PFAS, and brand silence suggests conventional treatment.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
nylon, synthetic insulation, waterproof coating (unspecified)
Lab data
No public lab test
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What The North Face Base Camp Boot Pack is made of, ingredients and materials
The Base Camp Pack is constructed from nylon fabric with a synthetic insulation layer and an unspecified waterproof coating. Nylon itself is a stable synthetic polymer with no established leaching hazard under normal storage conditions. The synthetic insulation (likely polyester or similar) does not off-gas significantly at room temperature. The waterproof coating is the primary concern, outdoor gear waterproofing is historically achieved with Teflon-type coating-based or PFOA/PFAS-containing treatments, though the brand has not disclosed which chemistry is used on this model.
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
The coating formulation is unspecified and not disclosed by the brand. Historically, outdoor gear waterproofing relies on PFAS-based durable water repellents (water-repellent coating); absence of disclosure suggests possible PFAS use. PFAS exposure from storage bags is primarily ingestion risk if used for food storage or skin contact.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microplastic leaching
As the waterproof coating ages or is damaged (cracks, peeling), nylon fibers and coating fragments may shed into stored contents. This is not a primary concern for gear storage but becomes relevant if the pack is used for food or textiles that contact skin.
What’s reassuring
Nylon fiber shedding
Nylon is chemically stable under normal conditions and does not leach monomers into storage contents at room temperature. Shedding of loose fibers is primarily a cleanliness issue, not a toxicological one.
Synthetic insulation off-gassing
Polyester and similar synthetic insulants used in outdoor packs do not emit significant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde at ambient temperatures. Off-gassing risk is minimal unless the pack is stored in extremely warm, enclosed spaces or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Heavy metals
No recalls or documented contamination in nylon fabric from this brand have been reported. The nylon exterior is not intended for direct skin contact and poses no established hazard from dyes or heavy metals under normal use as a storage bag.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not published transparency on the waterproof coating formulation used in this pack, nor has it made public commitments to PFAS-free waterproofing in its gear lines. The brand's parent company (VF Corporation) has faced criticism for slow adoption of PFAS alternatives in outdoor apparel. No voluntary third-party certifications (such as Bluesign or GOTS) are documented for this product, and no recalls related to waterproof coatings have been publicly reported for this specific model.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof outdoor packs in this category typically rely on unspecified coatings; few mainstream brands disclose coating chemistry. Competitors using polyurethane-based or silicone-based waterproofing may pose lower PFAS risk, though few publish verification. This pack's main distinction is brand reputation and durability, not transparency. Higher-end or specialty brands (e.g., Peak Design, some cottage makers) increasingly offer PFAS-free or disclosed alternatives, though at higher price points.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct heat sources; do not machine wash or expose to temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, as heat may accelerate degradation of the coating and potential leaching. Check the waterproof coating annually for cracks, peeling, or loss of water beading; if compromised, the pack loses its primary protective function and should be replaced rather than repaired. Avoid prolonged contact with skin or food storage in the pack; use it for gear and outdoor clothing only. Clean only with lukewarm water and mild soap; do not use harsh solvents or bleach.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- The North Face has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to The North Face Base Camp Boot Pack?
- Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
- UV degradation and additive leaching
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
5 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- 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, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore 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.