Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Box vs Humangear Stax: which is safer?

Humangear Stax is the clear pick. Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Box carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.

REI

Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Box

PFAS grade

F 40/100

Overall grade

F 32/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Ballistic nylon exterior with waterproof backing

Confidence

45%

PossibleWaterproof coating degradation and potential leachables

PossibleGlues and adhesives in seams

Why this grade

Our pick

REI

Humangear Stax

PFAS grade

A 100/100

Overall grade

B 84/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

polypropylene plastic

Confidence

72%

PossibleMicroplastic release from mechanical wear

PossibleThermal degradation and chemical leaching at elevated temperatures

PossibleMold and bacterial growth in crevices

Why this gradeBuy

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: see the full ranking