Carrying Case vs Backpack: which is safer?

Garmin Carrying Case is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

Garmin

Carrying Case

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 53/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Neoprene or polyester case, material unspecified

Confidence

45%

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing

PossibleAzo dyes or color-fastness agents

PossibleWater-repellent coating (non-PFAS or PFAS unknown)

Why this grade

Watershed

Backpack

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 0/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Ripstop nylon with waterproof treatment

Confidence

40%

PossibleCoating degradation and microplastic shedding

LikelyUndisclosed waterproof treatment chemistry (PFAS or alternative)

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 sports bags: see the full ranking