Amazon Basics · Waterproof Electronics Cases
Amazon Essentials Case-Mate Waterproof 2L Dry Bag With Built-In Phone Pouch Phone Pouch With Strap - Electronics
Waterproof dry bags often use water-repellent coating coatings; composition unclear.
This dry bag uses waterproof coating chemistry not disclosed by the brand. Waterproof materials frequently contain legacy PFAS, but Amazon Essentials provides no transparency on coating type or PFAS status.
The safe swap
Mous
Mous MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Vinyl/PVC with waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This dry bag is constructed from vinyl (PVC), a plastic polymer commonly used in waterproof gear because it resists water penetration and is durable. The waterproof coating applied to the PVC is not disclosed in public product information. PVC itself is stable when intact but can degrade under UV exposure or mechanical stress, and the coating composition (whether it contains PFAS, phthalates, or other additives) remains unspecified by Amazon Essentials.
The brand's record and disclosure
Amazon Basics does not publicly disclose material safety data, chemical composition, or coating ingredients for this product. No independent certifications (such as Oeko-Tex or GOTS) are listed. Amazon has faced criticism for opacity on chemical content in textiles and consumer goods, though no specific recalls of this dry bag model are on record. The company has not published a PFAS reduction commitment or chemical disclosure policy.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof dry bags typically use either PVC-based vinyl or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) as the shell material. PVC is cheaper and more common in budget offerings; TPU is generally considered lower-hazard but costs more. This Amazon Essentials model sits at the budget end of the category. Most competing dry bags (from brands like Sea to Summit or ALPS Mountaineering) also do not disclose waterproof coating composition, making this product typical rather than exceptional in transparency.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as UV exposure accelerates PVC degradation and may increase leaching of additives. Do not store near heat sources or use to carry hot liquids or foods. Inspect the seams and coating annually for cracks, peeling, or discoloration; discontinue use if the exterior becomes visibly damaged. Rinse the exterior with mild soap and water after use in saltwater environments to prevent salt residue from degrading the material.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Phthalates in PVC plasticizer
Standard PVC formulations contain phthalate plasticizers to improve flexibility. Amazon does not confirm if this bag uses phthalate-free alternatives (such as citrates or trimeliitates), so exposure risk cannot be ruled out, especially if the material contacts skin or food.
PFAS in waterproof coating
The waterproof finish applied to the vinyl is not disclosed. water-repellent coating coatings in similar dry bags historically relied on PFAS compounds (perfluorocarbons). Without ingredient transparency, PFAS presence cannot be confirmed but is typical for this product class at this price point.
PVC degradation and leaching under stress
UV exposure, high temperatures, or mechanical damage (creases, punctures) can degrade PVC and cause additives to leach into contact with contents. Risk is low during normal use but increases with age and neglect.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
New PVC products often emit a noticeable vinyl smell in the first weeks, indicating VOC off-gassing (likely plasticizers and residual monomers). This is typically transient and not considered a major hazard for external-contact items, but ventilation during initial use is advisable.
No microplastic shedding during normal use
Vinyl dry bags do not shed microplastics under standard storage or carrying conditions. Risk would only emerge if the material is abraded, degraded, or incinerated, scenarios outside normal consumer use.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Electronics Cases
Mous
MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
Aramid fiber (Kevlar-type synthetic polymer)
Lower concern; aramid is inherently PFAS-free but verify final coating.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Pelican
Shield Carbon Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24
Polycarbonate shell, foam padding
Lower concern; typical phone case materials rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Amazon Basics
Clear Soft Tpu Smartphone Cover For Iphone 2021
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Lower concern. TPU phone cases rarely use PFAS, but Amazon discloses nothing.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof electronics cases grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.