Think Tank Photo · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Think Tank Hydrophobia D 70-200 Rain Cover
Waterproof rain cover; water-repellent coating details unspecified by brand.
Think Tank Photo does not reveal the water-repellent coating chemistry on this nylon ripstop rain cover. Standard water-repellent treatments often use PFAS-based compounds without public specifics.
The better-graded swap
GoPro
GoPro Protective Housing for HERO9 Black
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
Nylon ripstop fabric with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Think Tank Hydrophobia D 70-200 Rain Cover is made of, ingredients and materials
This rain cover is constructed from nylon ripstop fabric, a lightweight woven polyamide that resists tearing and offers inherent water resistance. The critical component is the water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the nylon surface. Think Tank Photo has not disclosed the specific chemistry of this water-repellent coating finish, which is the primary source of uncertainty in this product's safety profile, as water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on long-chain PFAS compounds, though alternatives now exist.
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.
water-repellent coating composition (fluorine-based or fluorine-free unknown)
Think Tank does not specify whether the water-repellent coating uses legacy PFAS, short-chain PFAS, or fluorine-free alternatives. This ambiguity is the primary non-PFAS hazard; the coating itself is necessary for waterproofing and is not documented to shed or leach under normal use.
Mold and bacterial growth from moisture retention
If stored wet or in humid conditions for extended periods, nylon fabric can support fungal and bacterial growth, creating odor and potential surface degradation. This is a maintenance issue, not an inherent material hazard, and is preventable with proper drying and storage.
Coating adhesion loss over time
Water-repellent coating coatings on nylon naturally degrade with UV exposure and repeated wetting/drying cycles. Loss of water repellency does not create a safety hazard but signals reduced functionality and potential need for replacement after 2-5 years of regular use.
What’s reassuring
Nylon degradation and microplastic release
Nylon ripstop does not inherently shed microplastics under normal storage or outdoor rain use. Risk would only emerge with mechanical abrasion, tearing, or washing; the product is designed to be rinsed and air-dried, not laundered.
Chemical residue from manufacturing or finishing
No recalls, test results, or reports of off-gassing, skin contact irritation, or chemical odor associated with this product are documented. Nylon and water-repellent coating residues are not known to leach into food or water in this context.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Think Tank Photo has maintained silence on PFAS content and water-repellent coating composition for this product. The brand does not advertise third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) for the Hydrophobia line, and no public recalls or safety controversies are documented for this specific rain cover. Without proactive disclosure or certification, consumers cannot verify whether the water-repellent coating uses legacy PFAS, fluorine-free alternatives, or another chemistry.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof camera rain covers in this class typically use either PVC (less breathable, more durable), silicone-coated nylon, or nylon with water-repellent coating coatings. Think Tank's nylon ripstop approach is standard for the mid-market segment and balances weight and durability better than heavier PVC alternatives. However, competitors such as Peak Design and some aftermarket options provide more transparent material documentation or use fluorine-free water repellents, giving those products a lower disclosure gap.
If you buy it
Use the cover in its intended outdoor rain environment and store it dry between uses to prevent mold and material degradation. Do not expose it to prolonged direct heat or flame, and avoid machine washing; rinse with cool water and air dry. Replace the cover if the fabric shows visible tears (which compromise waterproofing) or if the water-repellent coating loses effectiveness and water no longer beads on the surface. Monitor for any odor during storage, which could indicate microbial growth in damp conditions.
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 70-200 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.