Varsity Elite Backpack vs Guidewater Sling: which is safer?

Patagonia Guidewater Sling is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Nike

Varsity Elite Backpack

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 0/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Polyester, nylon with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating

Confidence

35%

PossibleAntimony in polyester

Likelywater-repellent coating degradation and chemical leaching

PossibleMicroplastics shedding

Why this grade

Our pick

Patagonia

Guidewater Sling

PFAS grade

F 45/100

Overall grade

F 19/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

recycled polyester with water-repellent coating finish

Confidence

72%

PossibleAntimony in polyester (catalyst residue)

LikelyMicroplastic shedding (synthetic fiber degradation)

PossibleCoating leachates from water-repellent coating finish (non-PFAS)

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