Black Diamond · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Black Diamond Creek 35 Backpack
Typical outdoor backpack, water-repellent coating-treated fabric raises concern, no PFAS disclosure.
Black Diamond Creek 35 is a standard hiking backpack with water-repellent coating treatment typical in outdoor gear. Brand provides no PFAS information; water-repellent coating coatings often contain PFAS, but specifics unknown.
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Material
Nylon/polyester with water-repellent 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
clothing 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
The Creek 35 uses nylon and polyester as its primary fabrics, both synthetic polymers that are stable and durable but require chemical treatments to add water resistance. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating is the key concern here, as many outdoor brands still rely on PFAS-based formulations for these coatings, though Black Diamond has not disclosed which type they use. Nylon and polyester themselves do not off-gas formaldehyde or release phthalates under normal backpack use conditions, making them safer than some textile alternatives in that respect.
The brand's record and disclosure
Black Diamond has not publicly committed to PFAS-free materials or published a chemical disclosure policy for their gear, which is notable given competitor transparency from brands like Patagonia and The North Face. The brand is owned by Clarus Corporation and is primarily focused on climbing and mountaineering equipment, areas where water-resistant coatings are standard. No major safety recalls or formaldehyde violations have been recorded for Black Diamond apparel, but the absence of proactive PFAS communication is a yellow flag for environmental and health-conscious consumers.
How it compares in its category
The Creek 35 sits in the mid-to-premium outdoor backpack segment where water-repellent coating-coated nylon is the norm across most mainstream brands. Some competitors (e.g., newer Patagonia packs) now offer PFAS-free water treatments, though they remain less common and often command higher prices. A true low-chemical alternative would be untreated natural fiber or PFAS-free synthetic options, but these are rarer and typically sacrifice weather performance; the Creek 35 represents the conventional, unvetted choice.
If you buy it
Wash the pack in cool water by hand or gentle machine cycle before first heavy use to reduce any loose residues from manufacturing. Avoid high heat or direct flame exposure near the water-repellent coating, which can degrade or release compounds when scorched. Expect the water-repellent coating to fade after 2-3 years of regular use; reapplication products exist but also typically contain chemical treatments. Store dry in a well-ventilated space and do not seal in plastic bags for extended periods, as this can trap any residual off-gases.
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.”
water-repellent coating composition (PFAS suspected but undisclosed)
Black Diamond has not disclosed whether the Creek 35 uses PFAS or PFAS-free water repellent. Industry standard for nylon/polyester backpacks still leans toward PFAS-based treatments; this product offers no transparency to rule it out.
Formaldehyde in textile finishes
No evidence of formaldehyde-releasing resins in Black Diamond backpacks. Nylon and polyester do not inherently require formaldehyde-based dyes or finishes; standard polyester should not be a concern on this product.
Azo dyes or heavy metals in pigments
Black Diamond packs are typically dyed with standard textile dyes; no recalls or documented heavy metal contamination in polyester backpacks from this brand. The black colorway used in the Creek 35 does not indicate elevated risk.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony (catalyst residue from polyester synthesis) is not a known issue with Black Diamond textiles and is typically only a concern in food-contact polyester; environmental exposure via wearing a backpack is negligible.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
As the water-repellent coating degrades over years, small particles may shed into the environment during washing or wear. The underlying nylon/polyester fibers themselves are not classified as microplastics but abrasion will occur; regular care can slow degradation.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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 Outdoor Gear
Patagonia
Refugio Day Pack 26L
recycled nylon with non-fluorinated water-repellent coating treatment
Lower PFAS concern. Patagonia claims non-fluorinated water-repellent coating on this pack.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof outdoor gear 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.