Black Diamond · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Black Diamond Distance 8 Backpack
water-repellent coating treatment likely contains PFAS. Maker silent on chemicals.
Black Diamond does not disclose water-repellent coating treatment details or PFAS status for this pack. Most commercial backpack water repellents use PFAS compounds.
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Material
Nylon with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish
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 Distance 8 is constructed from nylon fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear have historically relied on PFAS chemistry (perfluorinated compounds) to achieve water shedding without adding bulk. Black Diamond has not publicly disclosed whether this backpack uses legacy PFAS-based water-repellent coating, newer fluorine-free alternatives, or a hybrid approach. Nylon itself is a stable synthetic polymer with no inherent leaching hazard under normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Black Diamond is owned by Clarus Corporation and competes in the climbing and outdoor equipment space. The brand has not published a PFAS reduction commitment or material transparency statement regarding water-repellent coating treatments on any of its gear lines. This silence is notable given competitor pressure in the outdoor industry to disclose or phase out PFAS. Without direct contact with the manufacturer, the chemical composition of the water-repellent coating finish on this specific model remains proprietary.
How it compares in its category
Most nylon climbing and hiking backpacks in this price range (under $150) use water-repellent coating-treated fabrics, making this product typical rather than exceptional. Premium brands like Patagonia and Arc'teryx have begun disclosing PFAS use or transitioning to fluorine-free water-repellent coating, while Black Diamond remains in the middle ground with no public stance. For consumers seeking transparent PFAS-free gear, this backpack offers no reassurance; for those prioritizing durability and water resistance, it is a standard choice.
If you buy it
Wash the backpack in cool water with mild detergent; avoid dry cleaning, which can amplify any residual water-repellent coating chemicals. Do not machine dry or expose to high heat, as this can degrade the nylon and potentially release volatile compounds. Replace the backpack when seams fail, zippers jam repeatedly, or the fabric tears, rather than attempting to re-treat it with aftermarket water-repellent coating (which may introduce additional PFAS). Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight to extend the fabric's lifespan and minimize off-gassing.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
Nylon backpacks with water-repellent coating finishes most commonly rely on PFAS-based chemistry unless explicitly labeled otherwise. Black Diamond's silence on this treatment is consistent with many brands that have not yet transitioned to fluorine-free alternatives.
Formaldehyde resins in dyes or finish
No documented recalls or reports of formaldehyde-releasing dyes or finishing resins in Black Diamond backpacks. Nylon textile production standards (OEKO-TEX certification where applied) typically screen for this, but Black Diamond does not list such certifications for this model.
Azo dyes (color fastness hazard)
The black colorway of this backpack is unlikely to contain restricted azo dyes, as black nylon dyes are stable and non-restricted under REACH. No known incidents or warnings apply to this product's dyeing process.
Antimony in polyester trim
If the backpack incorporates polyester webbing, zippers, or binding (common in climbing packs), antimony may be present as a polyester catalyst. Black Diamond does not disclose the full material composition of straps and hardware, so this cannot be ruled out but poses minimal ingestion risk in normal use.
Degradation and microfiber shedding
Repeated washing, UV exposure, and abrasion will gradually degrade the nylon fibers and water-repellent coating, potentially releasing microfibers and any coating residues. This is a chronic low-level exposure typical of all synthetic outdoor gear, not specific to Black Diamond.
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.