Think Tank Photo · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Think Tank Hydrophobia D 24-70 Rain Cover
Camera rain cover with unknown waterproof treatment; PFAS composition unclear.
Think Tank Hydrophobia rain covers use polyurethane-coated nylon with water-repellent finish, but the brand makes no public statement on PFAS use or alternatives. Many waterproof textiles employ PFAS-based water-repellent coating.
The better-graded swap
Nanuk
Nanuk Pro Photo Kit Hard Case
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
Polyurethane-coated nylon, water-repellent coating-treated
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Think Tank Hydrophobia D 24-70 Rain Cover is made of, ingredients and materials
This cover is nylon fabric bonded to a polyurethane (PU) backing, treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. Polyurethane itself is a stable polymer when cured, but the water-repellent coating treatment is the unknown variable. water-repellent coating finishes are historically either PFAS-based (PFOA/GenX precursors) or fluorine-free alternatives, and Think Tank has not publicly disclosed which chemistry they use. The nylon substrate poses minimal risk in normal use but can degrade under UV or heat, potentially releasing trapped volatile organics if the coating flakes.
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.
Polyurethane coating degradation and VOC release
PU-coated textiles can break down over years or with UV exposure, potentially releasing volatile organic compounds. This risk is low in normal camera bag use but increases with age and storage in heat or sunlight.
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) chemistry unknown
The water-repellent coating finish is almost certainly fluorine-based (PFAS or alternatives), but Think Tank does not disclose which. This prevents assessment of whether the product contains legacy PFAS like PFOA or newer forever chemicals.
Off-gassing during storage in heat
Polyurethane can emit weak odors when warm. If stored in a hot car or warehouse, PU coatings may release low levels of volatile compounds. Direct skin contact risk is minimal since it is not worn on body, but ventilation during storage is prudent.
What’s reassuring
Nylon substrate degradation
Nylon fabric itself is stable and non-toxic in normal use. Degradation is primarily cosmetic (pilling, tears) rather than a health hazard, though microfiber shedding from worn nylon is theoretically possible but not documented as a concern in camera gear.
Heavy metals
Rain covers do not use dyes, pigments, or coatings that typically contain lead, cadmium, or allergenic substances. No recalls or safety data suggest this product poses heavy metal or contact dermatitis risk.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Think Tank Photo is a camera gear specialist with no publicly available certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or PFAS-free claims) for this product line. The company has not issued statements on water-repellent coating chemistry, PFAS avoidance, or material sourcing transparency. This silence is typical of niche camera accessory makers, but it means consumers cannot verify whether the water-repellent coating is PFAS-based or uses alternative chemistries. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific model.
How it compares in its category
Camera rain covers are a small, unregulated niche. Most competitors (Peak Design, Lowepro, generic brands) use similar PU-coated nylon with undisclosed water-repellent coating treatments. Think Tank's version is mid-range in price and durability reputation. Unlike apparel or cookware, rain covers face less scrutiny from safety bodies, so industry-wide PFAS/hazard data is sparse. The lack of transparency is industry-standard, not a Think Tank-specific weakness, but it remains a transparency gap.
If you buy it
Store dry and out of direct sunlight to slow UV degradation of the polyurethane coating. Rinse gently with cool water after salt spray or sandy use; do not machine wash or dry clean. Inspect annually for peeling, cracks, or sticky residue on the interior; replace if coating separates, as degraded PU can off-gas volatile organic compounds. Do not expose to heat sources (car dashboards in summer, direct flame) as PU can soften and emit fumes above 70-80 degrees Celsius.
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
- Think Tank Photo has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Think Tank Hydrophobia D 24-70 Rain Cover?
- 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.