Think Tank Photo · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Think Tank Hydrophobia DM 300-600 Rain Cover
Avoid until brand discloses water-repellent coating chemistry or certifies PFAS-free.
This polyester and nylon rain cover uses water-repellent coating waterproofing, but Think Tank Photo does not disclose the coating chemistry or PFAS status. Legacy PFAS compounds are common in water-repellent coating treatments.
The better-graded swap
DiCAPac
DiCAPac WP-S10 Marine Case for Camera
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
Polyester/nylon with water-repellent water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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
The water-repellent coating on this rain cover likely contains fluorinated compounds, but specific chemistry is undisclosed. Contact with moisture during typical use (rain, sweat on camera gear) poses minimal acute risk, but end-of-life disposal (landfill or incineration) may release PFAS into soil or air if legacy chemistry is used.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation over time
Polyester/nylon water-repellent coating coatings naturally wear with UV exposure, washing, and mechanical friction. Degradation does not typically release hazardous particles in this use case (external camera cover), but loss of water repellency may reduce product lifespan, encouraging premature replacement.
What’s reassuring
Polyester/nylon thermal stability
The base textile is chemically stable under normal storage and use conditions. Intentional heating above 160°C would degrade polyester, but no typical camera-gear storage scenario approaches this threshold; no leaching of harmful monomers (BPA, phthalates) is documented for this material class.
Dye or finish allergens
No recalls or complaint clusters documenting formaldehyde resins, azo dyes, or heavy-metal pigments in Think Tank Photo rain covers are on public record. Polyester textiles typically pose low dermal risk even with incidental contact (e.g., touching the cover with bare hands).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This rain cover is constructed from polyester/nylon blend with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the outer surface. water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on PFAS compounds (PFAS "forever chemicals") to achieve water-shedding performance, though some manufacturers have shifted to formulations not linked to PFAS. Think Tank Photo has not publicly disclosed which chemistry they use on this product, leaving the specific fluorine content unknown. The polyester/nylon base itself is stable and poses no inherent leaching risk during normal use as a camera cover.
The brand's record and disclosure
Think Tank Photo, a camera-gear specialist, does not maintain a publicly documented PFAS disclosure policy or commitment to PFAS-free materials on their website or product documentation. No peer-reviewed recalls or safety violations specific to their rain covers have been identified. The brand's silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is notable because responsible outdoor-gear manufacturers (e.g.Some brands (such as Patagonia and some Arc'teryx lines) now openly declare lower PFAS concern or PFAS alternatives; Think Tank's absence of such messaging limits consumer confidence. Without direct contact with the brand, end-users cannot verify whether this product uses legacy PFAS-based water-repellent coating or modern alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Protective rain covers occupy a lower-risk category than cookware or cosmetics because they do not contact food, skin, or bodies of water in daily use. Competitors vary widely, some brands (e.g., Lowepro) also remain silent on water-repellent coating chemistry, while others (e.g., Peak Design, some Tom Bihn products) have begun communicating PFAS status or using branded PFAS-free coatings. This product's hazard profile is primarily driven by its water-repellent coating opacity rather than the base polyester/nylon textile, which is standard across the category. The main differentiator is transparency of chemical sourcing, not material performance.
If you buy it
Store the cover dry and away from heat sources (polyester degrades above 160°C, though normal camera storage poses no risk). Wash only with cool water and mild soap if needed; avoid hot water or harsh detergents that may degrade the water-repellent coating prematurely. Inspect the cover annually for surface wear or peeling; replacement is recommended if the water-repellent effect visibly diminishes. Before purchase, consider contacting Think Tank Photo directly to request water-repellent coating chemistry documentation; if they cannot or will not disclose PFAS status, weigh whether the brand's opacity justifies the purchase.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% 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.
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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.