The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
The North Face Base Camp Waterproof Duffel
Unknown coating type raises PFAS concern, contact brand or skip.
The North Face won't say what water-repellent coating treatment is used on this duffel. Waterproof coatings commonly contain PFAS, but the brand provides no transparency on fluorine-free alternatives.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon with water-repellent coating waterproof coating (type unspecified)
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What The North Face Base Camp Waterproof Duffel is made of, ingredients and materials
This duffel is constructed from nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. The water-repellent coating is the critical unknown, most commercial water-repellent coating treatments historically used PFOA or other PFAS compounds, though some brands have switched to PFAS-free alternatives. North Face has not publicly specified which type is used on this model, making independent assessment impossible without direct inquiry.
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
Water-repellent coating treatments on nylon textiles commonly relied on PFAS compounds historically. North Face has not disclosed the type used on this model. Contact the brand to determine if the coating is PFAS-free or contains legacy fluorochemicals.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating off-gassing during manufacturing or initial use
New waterproof gear may emit faint chemical odors from water-repellent coating treatment or adhesives. Off-gassing is typically minimal and short-lived but depends on coating type. Air the bag outdoors for 24-48 hours after purchase to allow volatile compounds to dissipate.
What’s reassuring
Nylon degradation and microfiber shedding
No specific recalls or reported issues for this duffel. Nylon is durable, but abrasion and repeated washing can shed microfibers; risk is minimized if the bag is used primarily for transport rather than laundering.
Ink/dye leaching from printed logos or labels
The North Face uses screen-printed or heat-applied branding on nylon gear. No specific contamination reports exist for this model, and nylon dyes are generally well-fixed; risk is low unless the print comes into prolonged contact with food or skin.
Zipper and hardware corrosion or contamination
The Base Camp duffel uses YKK zippers and metal hardware. No lead, cadmium, or other heavy-metal contamination is documented for this model or brand. Standard maintenance (rinsing zippers after saltwater exposure) is sufficient.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not published a comprehensive PFAS elimination timeline or detailed ingredient disclosure for their gear coatings, unlike some outdoor brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx). The company has faced scrutiny over fluorochemical use in waterproof apparel but has not issued formal statements about this specific duffel line. No major recalls or safety violations are on record for this product, but the lack of transparency on coating chemistry is notable for a premium-priced item.
How it compares in its category
This duffel sits in the high-end travel/sport luggage segment where waterproofing is a key selling feature and water-repellent coating coatings are nearly universal. Competitors like Arc'teryx and some Patagonia bags explicitly market PFAS-free water repellency or provide coating details; The North Face's silence is a gap. For a product at this price point and brand tier, transparency is a reasonable expectation.
If you buy it
Contact North Face customer service before purchase to request the specific water-repellent coating chemistry used on this duffel model. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; nylon itself is stable but prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct flame can degrade the coating. Avoid washing with harsh detergents that strip waterproofing; gentle spot-cleaning is less likely to damage the coating. If the water-repellent coating fails, have it professionally reapplied rather than using aftermarket spray treatments, which may introduce different chemical hazards.
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 Waterproof Duffel?
- 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.