The North Face · Sleeping Bags
The North Face Wasatch Pro 40 Sleeping Bag
Wait for The North Face to disclose whether water-repellent coating contains PFAS.
This nylon ripstop bag has a water-resistant coating, but The North Face won't say if it contains PFAS. No PFAS pledge or third-party testing exists for this model.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon ripstop shell with water-repellent coating treatment (composition unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
water-repellent coating chemistry is not disclosed by The North Face for this model. Conventional nylon ripstop water-repellent coating finishes commonly used until recent years contained long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS); newer PFAS-free alternatives exist but require explicit manufacturer commitment. Direct skin contact during use is low; primary concern is environmental release during manufacturing and eventual disposal.
Source: ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microfiber shedding
water-repellent coating coatings on synthetic fabrics can wear and shed microparticles, particularly with repeated washing. Nylon ripstop itself does not inherently shed microfibers at normal use; degradation of the water-repellent coating layer is the mechanism. Infrequent washing and gentle care minimize this exposure.
Mold and mildew in insulation if stored damp
Nylon shells can trap moisture if the bag is stored wet or in humid conditions, creating conditions for mold growth in down or synthetic insulation layers. This is a maintenance hazard rather than a chemical one; proper drying and storage eliminate the risk.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde contamination has been reported for The North Face sleeping bags or nylon ripstop sleeping bag shells in general. Formaldehyde risk is higher in dyed or wrinkle-resistant textiles; sleeping bag shells are typically not finished with formaldehyde-based resins.
Source: ATSDR ↗Flame retardants
Sleeping bags are not required to meet flammability standards in most markets and are not routinely treated with flame retardants. No flame retardant addition has been documented for the Wasatch Pro 40.
Source: EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Wasatch Pro 40 uses nylon ripstop as its shell fabric, treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish to shed moisture. The North Face does not publicly specify which water-repellent coating chemistry is used, conventional water-repellent coating finishes historically relied on long-chain PFAS compounds, though some manufacturers have transitioned to PFAS-free alternatives. The shell's ripstop weave is designed to resist tears under load; the water-repellent coating degrades over time with washing and wear, which may prompt reapplication or eventual loss of water repellency.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not published a company-wide PFAS elimination commitment or detailed ingredient disclosure for technical apparel as of public records reviewed. The brand does not list PFAS status or water-repellent coating chemistry on product pages for the Wasatch Pro 40. This silence contrasts with competitors (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx) who have begun transitioning to PFAS-free water-repellent coating or stating their status explicitly. No recalls or formal safety warnings for this model are documented.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream sleeping bags with ripstop shells and water-repellent coating treatment share the same PFAS transparency gap; budget alternatives often omit water-repellent coating entirely. Premium outdoor brands increasingly disclose water-repellent coating type or offer PFAS-free certified options, making the Wasatch Pro 40 middle-of-the-road in terms of chemical accountability. Performance and durability reviews are consistently strong, but chemical safety disclosure lags industry-leading practices.
If you buy it
Store in a dry location to minimize mold and mildew growth in the insulation and fabric, which can degrade breathability. Wash infrequently (every few seasons if used regularly) using mild detergent and cool water; heat and harsh detergents break down water-repellent coating coatings faster. If water-repellent coating performance visibly drops (water no longer beads on the shell), consider professional re-treatment or replacement rather than home application. Check for abrasion or small tears in the ripstop shell, which may allow moisture ingress; repair small tears promptly with nylon patch kits.
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
- The North Face has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More sleeping 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.