Think Tank Photo · Waterproof Camera & Lens Protection Cases
Think Tank PhotoCross 11L Sling Bag
Waterproof camera bag; water-repellent coating likely contains PFAS.
Think Tank Photo does not disclose PFAS content or water-repellent coating treatment specifics for this ballistic nylon sling bag. Fluorinated water repellents are typical but unconfirmed for this model.
The better-graded swap
Lowepro
Lowepro Hardside CS 60 Camera 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
Ballistic nylon with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Think Tank PhotoCross 11L Sling Bag is made of, ingredients and materials
The PhotoCross 11L uses ballistic nylon, a tightly woven polyamide fabric prized for abrasion and tear resistance in camera protection gear. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the exterior is the primary chemical concern. water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on PFAS compounds to achieve water beading and repellency; modern formulations vary, but Think Tank Photo does not publicly disclose which coating chemistry is used on this model.
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
Ballistic nylon water-repellent coating treatments typically contain PFAS unless explicitly reformulated; Think Tank Photo provides no composition data. Concern centers on long-term leaching during use, washing, and disposal.
Source, ATSDR ↗Polyamide fabric degradation and microfiber shedding
Ballistic nylon sheds microscopic synthetic fibers during wear, especially under abrasion or washing. No quantitative data exists for this specific bag, but the tight weave and heavy weight reduce shedding compared to lighter nylons.
What’s reassuring
Dye stability and azo dyes
No evidence of restricted azo dyes or dye-related incidents reported for Think Tank Photo products. Ballistic nylon is typically solution-dyed or piece-dyed with regulated colorants, though independent verification is absent.
Metal hardware corrosion and leaching
The bag includes aluminum and steel hardware (zippers, buckles, loops); no cadmium, lead, or plating failures have been documented. Saltwater or prolonged moisture exposure may cause oxidation but not chemical leaching into gear stored inside.
Off-gassing and VOC emissions
Ballistic nylon does not off-gas formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds at typical indoor or use temperatures. No odor or respiratory complaints linked to this product appear in public records.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Think Tank Photo maintains no public stance on PFAS use, chemical testing, or phased reduction timelines for waterproof gear. The company does not publish material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (BLUESIGN, GOTS, OEKO-TEX) for this product. No recalls, contamination incidents, or formal complaints regarding this bag appear in public safety records.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof camera bags in this size and price tier use ballistic nylon or similar synthetic fabrics with water-repellent coating coatings; PFAS content is industry-standard and rarely disclosed by heritage brands. Some competitors (e.g., Patagonia, Peak Design) now label PFAS-free or low-PFAS alternatives, though these are less common in traditional photo-gear suppliers. This bag's design and durability are well-regarded; the chemical transparency gap is not unique to Think Tank but notable for the category.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with wet exterior fabric, especially on bare arms or after heavy rain; rinse the outside with plain water if heavily soaked. Do not machine wash the bag; spot-clean with mild soap and air dry away from heat or direct sun. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing the bag to extreme heat or chemicals. If the water-repellent coating visibly degrades (water no longer beads), the bag remains functional but water resistance diminishes; the fabric itself is not compromised.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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 PhotoCross 11L Sling Bag?
- 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.