SKB · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
SKB iSeries 2011-7 Think Tank Backpack Case
Hard case with waterproofing; PFAS treatment status unknown.
This hard polycarbonate protective case includes water-resistant properties treated with water-repellent coating, yet the brand shares no PFAS information or testing results. Waterproofing status for this case remains unclear.
The better-graded swap
Waterproof Camera Filter
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
polycarbonate/nylon with water-resistant treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What SKB iSeries 2011-7 Think Backpack Case is made of, ingredients and materials
The SKB iSeries 2011-7 combines a rigid polycarbonate shell with nylon fabric components and a water-resistant coating system. Polycarbonate itself is thermally stable and does not leach BPA under normal storage conditions (it releases BPA only when heated above 70°C or exposed to harsh solvents). The critical unknown is the composition of the water-resistant treatment applied to seams and fabric; manufacturers rarely disclose whether this relies on PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) chemistry, which is common in camera gear.
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.
Polycarbonate degradation from UV and heat
Extended outdoor storage or sun exposure can cause polycarbonate to yellow, become brittle, and weaken structural integrity over 5-10 years. This is cosmetic and mechanical rather than chemical, but accelerates if stored in warm conditions.
Unknown water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) chemistry
The water-resistant treatment on nylon and seams is not disclosed. Older camera gear may use PFOA-based or other legacy water-repellent coating; current batches unknown. Degraded coating can shed microfibers but poses minimal ingestion risk for a storage case.
What’s reassuring
Nylon fabric degradation and microfiber shedding
Nylon straps and pockets may gradually shed microfibers with heavy use, but no established health hazard is documented for brief contact. Concern is primarily environmental if washed repeatedly.
Adhesive off-gassing from seams
Cases assembled with urethane or epoxy adhesives may emit low levels of volatile organic compounds when new, particularly if stored warm. Airing out for 24-48 hours before heavy indoor use can minimize this; no acute risk is established for polycarbonate cases.
Heavy metals
Ink used on logos and labels is not disclosed. Printed surfaces pose no hazard during normal handling, but graphics may fade or crack with age and UV exposure rather than release contaminants.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Think Tank Photo has not publicly released material safety disclosures, certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign), or statements regarding PFAS-free manufacturing. No recalls or documented chemical hazard complaints are on record for this specific model. The brand's silence on water-resistant chemistry is typical in the photography equipment category, where water-repellent coating treatments are often proprietary and supplier-managed rather than transparently communicated to consumers.
How it compares in its category
Hard camera cases of this type (polycarbonate shells with fabric) are standard in professional photography. Most competitors (Pelican, Nanuk, Gitzo) similarly do not disclose water-repellent coating treatment chemistry. Cases without rigid shells (soft nylon backpacks) may carry higher flame retardant or antimony additives in polyester; this case avoids that by using polycarbonate. However, transparency about waterproofing chemistry is rare across all major brands in this segment.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight; polycarbonate yellows and becomes brittle with prolonged UV exposure. Do not leave filled in hot vehicles (interior temperatures above 60°C can stress seams and potentially degrade adhesives). Nylon straps should be hand-washed if soiled; avoid bleach. If the water-resistant coating flakes or loses function after years of use, replacement of the entire case may be warranted rather than attempting to re-treat it yourself, since DIY water-repellent coating applications may introduce additional chemicals.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- SKB has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to SKB iSeries 2011-7 Think Tank Backpack Case?
- Optical glass lens with multi-coated optical surfaces
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- No PFAS statement found from the brand
- Glass lens (borosilicate or soda-lime glass)
- Optical coating degradation
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Optical glass, aluminum frame, non-coated optical surfaces
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Optical glass fragility and sharp edges
More waterproof camera & lens protection cases 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.