Carrying Case vs Cayo 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
Skip
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)
Yeti
Cayo Backpack
PFAS grade
F 20/100
Overall grade
F 0/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Recycled nylon with water-repellent coating
Confidence
35%
LikelyPFAS in water-repellent coating
PossibleCoating degradation and leaching
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