Zigzag II 30L Backpack vs Base Camp Fuse Box Backpack: which is safer?

Columbia Zigzag II 30L Backpack is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

Columbia

Zigzag II 30L Backpack

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 14/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

Nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating

Confidence

55%

PossibleMicroplastics from synthetic fiber shedding

Reportedwater-repellent coating degradation and leaching

PossibleFormaldehyde in synthetic fabric resins

Why this grade

The North Face

Base Camp Fuse Box Backpack

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 4/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Polyester/nylon with water-repellent coating

Confidence

45%

Likelywater-repellent coating (PFAS status undisclosed)

PossiblePolyester/nylon thermal degradation

ReportedCoating delamination and integrity loss

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