Cabela's · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Bass Pro Shops Carry-All Gear Bag
Generic gear bag; waterproof finish raises concern, brand silent on PFAS.
This durable carry-all likely has a water-repellent coating water-repellent coating typical of outdoor gear, which may contain PFAS. Cabela's provides no disclosure on treatment chemicals or PFAS avoidance.
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Material
Nylon or polyester fabric with water-repellent 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
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
Bass Pro/Cabela's carry-all bags are typically constructed from nylon or polyester ripstop fabric with a water-repellent (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the surface. The water-repellent coating is the primary concern: historically these finishes relied on long-chain PFAS compounds like PFOA or PFHxS, though some manufacturers have shifted to shorter-chain alternatives or fluorine-free options since the 2010s. The nylon or polyester substrate itself is chemically stable and does not leach hazardous substances under normal bag use, but the coating's composition and durability over time remain undisclosed by Cabela's.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cabela's (owned by Bass Pro Shops) has not published publicly available material safety data, PFAS sourcing policies, or third-party certifications for its gear bags. The parent company Bass Pro Shops maintains a general consumer goods retail stance with minimal chemical transparency compared to outdoor brands like Patagonia or The North Face, which have begun disclosing water-repellent coating chemistry. No major safety recalls or PFAS litigation have been publicly documented for this product line, but absence of disclosure does not indicate absence of PFAS in the finish.
How it compares in its category
Generic carry-all and duffel bags from mid-tier outdoor retailers occupy a middle ground: they cost less than premium brands (which increasingly market PFAS-free finishes) but lack the transparency of either budget no-name bags or certified eco-gear. Competitors like Carhartt, REI brand, and even some Walmart/Target gear bags have begun listing water-repellent coating chemistry or offering PFAS-free alternatives. Cabela's positioning as a heritage outdoor retailer creates an expectation of durability without a corresponding chemical disclosure practice, putting it behind market leaders on this issue.
If you buy it
Store the bag indoors at room temperature; water-repellent coatings degrade faster under UV exposure and heat, and degradation may increase leaching risk if PFAS-containing finish is present. Do not wash in hot water or use heavy detergents, as these can break down the water-repellent coating. Inspect seams and coated areas annually for peeling or wear; once degradation is visible, consider replacement rather than repair with sealants, which introduce additional chemical exposure. Hand-clean with cool water and mild soap if needed, then air-dry flat.
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 (water-repellent coating) finish
water-repellent coating coatings on nylon/polyester gear bags commonly contain long-chain or short-chain PFAS depending on manufacturing date and supplier. Cabela's does not disclose finish chemistry, so presence cannot be ruled out. Risk is inhalation/ingestion if finish degrades or off-gasses, though minimal during normal bag storage and use.
Coating degradation and leachables
As water-repellent coating finishes age, they can crack, peel, or powder, potentially releasing surface-bound chemicals. Nylon/polyester base does not leach, but degraded coating particles may be inhaled during storage or handling, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
Azo dyes in nylon/polyester fabric
Nylon and polyester are typically dyed with azo colorants in standard production. Cabela's does not list fabric testing or restricted substance policies. Risk of allergenic or carcinogenic azo dye breakdown is low under normal dry-bag conditions but cannot be confirmed without third-party testing.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fabric
Nylon and polyester bags shed microfibers during use and washing. This poses minimal direct consumer health risk during normal carrying, but contributes to environmental microplastic accumulation if bag is washed frequently or disposed improperly.
Heavy metals in pigments (if printed/branded)
Screen-printed logos or heat-transfer branding on Cabela's bags may contain trace metals (cadmium, lead) in older pigments, though modern textile printing has largely phased these out. No recalls or testing data are public for this product; risk is low but unverified.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 50% 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.
More waterproof outdoor gear storage bags 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.