Black Diamond · Waterproof Outdoor Bags & Luggage
Black Diamond Pursuit 15 Backpack
water-repellent coating-treated backpack; PFAS coating likely but unconfirmed by brand.
Black Diamond does not disclose PFAS content or water-repellent coating chemistry for this pack. Outdoor backpacks typically use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS; transparency is lacking.
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Material
Nylon fabric 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
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
The Pursuit 15 is constructed from nylon fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear have historically relied on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water shedding at the molecular level, though newer non-fluorinated alternatives are emerging. Black Diamond has not publicly specified which water-repellent coating chemistry they use on this model. Nylon itself is chemically stable and non-leaching under normal use; the hazard potential centers on the finish rather than the base fiber.
The brand's record and disclosure
Black Diamond is a respected climbing and outdoor equipment maker but has not published detailed chemical disclosure policies or specific PFAS commitments comparable to leaders like Patagonia or The North Face. No product-level ingredient lists or third-party certifications (such as BLUESIGN or GreenGuard) are evident for the Pursuit line. The brand's silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is typical of many mid-tier outdoor brands; it reflects industry-wide opacity rather than flagrant concealment, but it does limit consumer verification.
How it compares in its category
Most nylon backpacks in the 15L day-pack category use similar water-repellent coating treatments, so the Pursuit 15 is not unusual in this respect. Some competitors (Arc'teryx, Osprey) have begun disclosing or phasing to PFAS-free water repellents, setting a higher transparency standard. The Pursuit 15's price point and performance are competitive; its lack of third-party certification or brand transparency is a relative weakness in an increasingly conscious market segment.
If you buy it
Treat the backpack normally; nylon is robust and not damaged by washing or typical outdoor conditions. Avoid prolonged heat exposure (dry cleaning, direct sunlight storage) as high temperatures can degrade coatings and potentially increase leachate risk, though this is speculative. Periodically inspect seams and the exterior for coating wear; once the water beading fades noticeably (typically 2-4 years of heavy use), the water-repellent coating has degraded and reapplication may be desired. If PFAS exposure is a primary concern, contacting Black Diamond for explicit water-repellent coating chemistry or considering a brand with transparent non-fluorinated options would reduce uncertainty.
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 fluorinated coating (PFAS)
Industry standard for nylon outdoor gear; unconfirmed by Black Diamond for this model but reasonable assumption. Graded separately per your brief; included here for completeness.
Coating degradation and reapplication products
Over time, the water-repellent coating will wear and users may purchase aftermarket hydrophobic reapplication sprays, some of which contain PFAS or solvent VOCs. Not a hazard of the original product but a secondary risk pathway.
Nylon microfiber shedding under abrasion
Nylon backpacks can shed microfibers when rubbed or washed, but this is a general textile concern unspecific to this model and not documented as a concern for Black Diamond products.
Heavy metals in dyes or pigments
No recalls or testing data for this product; nylon textiles are typically dyed with modern colorants not known to leach heavy metals during normal contact wear.
Formaldehyde resins in finish or sealing
water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear do not typically employ formaldehyde resins; no evidence of this hazard for Black Diamond backpacks in public records.
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.
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⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Keen
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Lower concern. Plain materials, no apparent water-repellent coating treatment.
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More waterproof outdoor bags & luggage 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.