Cabela's · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Bass Pro Shops TrueTimber Catch-All Gear Bag
Unknown water-repellent coating treatment chemistry; PFAS risk unconfirmed, unclear.
Cabela's does not disclose PFAS status or water-repellent coating chemistry for this gear bag. Water-resistant outdoor bags often use legacy PFAS durable water repellents, but specifics unknown here.
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Material
Nylon/polyester fabric with water-resistant treatment
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 bag is constructed from nylon and polyester blended fabric with a water-resistant finish applied to the exterior. The water-repellent treatment is the key concern: outdoor gear manufacturers typically use either PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings or newer non-PFAS alternatives, but Cabela's has not disclosed which chemistry is used on this model. Nylon and polyester themselves are stable synthetics with low inherent toxicity when not heated, but the finish determines whether the bag sheds microplastics or leaches chemicals over its life.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cabela's (owned by Bass Pro Shops) does not publicly specify water-repellent coating chemistry on most gear bags and has not published PFAS-reduction commitments comparable to outdoor leaders like Patagonia or Arc'teryx. The brand has no documented safety recalls on this specific model. Lack of transparency on water-resistant treatment chemistry is typical for mid-tier outdoor retailers but represents a material information gap for consumers prioritizing PFAS avoidance.
How it compares in its category
Nylon/polyester catch-all bags are the standard for affordable outdoor gear storage; this model is typical in material and construction for the price point. Competitors like Pelican cases use similar synthetic fabrics with undisclosed treatments, while premium brands (REI Co-op, Osprey) increasingly label non-PFAS finishes. This bag offers no notable advantage in disclosure or material safety over comparable alternatives at the same price tier.
If you buy it
Store the bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow any degradation of the water-resistant coating. Do not machine wash or expose to high heat, as this can degrade the finish and potentially release treatment chemicals. Inspect seams and coating annually for wear; a bag showing cracking or peeling finish should be retired. Never assume the water-resistant treatment is stable indefinitely, especially if the bag is stored damp or used in prolonged sun.
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-resistant finish
water-repellent coating treatment chemistry unknown; PFAS-based coatings are still common in outdoor gear at this price point, but unconfirmed for this specific model. If PFAS-containing, the risk is primarily from skin contact or degradation rather than food contact.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
Nylon/polyester water-resistant finishes degrade with UV exposure and washing; shedding microfibers is a known issue with synthetic textiles over time. Risk increases if the bag is used frequently or stored in sunlight.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finish
No data on formaldehyde-releasing resins in this specific bag, and direct skin contact risk is minimal for a cargo container. Standard nylon formulations carry low documented risk unless heavily chemically finished.
Heavy metals in dyes or pigments
No recalls or testing for cadmium, lead, or other metals in Cabela's nylon gear bags. Synthetic fabric dyes in outdoor gear are not a high-risk category compared to ceramics or cosmetics.
VOC off-gassing from synthetic fabric
New nylon and polyester bags may off-gas volatile organics (including potential formaldehyde or solvent residues) for days to weeks after purchase. Airing out the bag indoors or outdoors before use reduces inhalation exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
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.
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.