Aerio Backpack vs Asher Backpack: which is safer?
Kelty Asher 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
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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
Kelty
Asher Backpack
PFAS grade
F 20/100
Overall grade
F 12/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
nylon fabric with water-repellent coating
Confidence
35%
Possiblewater-repellent coating leachables (fluorocarbon-based or unknown chemistry)
PossibleNylon polymer 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