Ascend Heavy-Duty Dry Bag vs Base Camp Dry Bag: which is safer?

The North Face Base Camp Dry Bag is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Cabela's

Ascend Heavy-Duty Dry Bag

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 14/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

Fabric with waterproof coating (likely PVC or polyurethane)

Confidence

45%

PossibleCoating degradation and microparticle release

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing

PossiblePolyvinyl chloride (PVC) phthalate and other additives

Why this grade

Our pick

The North Face

Base Camp Dry Bag

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 18/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

TPE/PVC drybag with waterproof coating

Confidence

45%

Possiblewater-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating composition

PossiblePVC/TPE thermal leaching

ReportedCoating degradation and microparticle shedding

Why this grade

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 storage bags: see the full ranking