Aerio Backpack vs Nano Backpack: which is safer?
Gregory Nano Backpack is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Arc'teryx
Aerio Backpack
PFAS grade
F 20/100
Overall grade
F 0/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating treatment
Confidence
45%
PossibleAntimony in polyester
Likelywater-repellent coating leaching and migration (non-PFAS chemistry unknown)
Our pick
Gregory
Nano Backpack
PFAS grade
F 20/100
Overall grade
F 12/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating water-resistant finish
Confidence
45%
Possiblewater-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish composition
PossibleCoating degradation and microfiber shedding
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More waterproof outdoor gear: see the full ranking