Cabela's · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Cabela's 1000 Range Bag
Ballistic nylon bags likely use water-repellent coating coatings; Cabela's provides no PFAS disclosure.
Cabela's does not disclose whether this bag uses PFAS-based water repellent treatments. Ballistic nylon range bags typically receive water-repellent coating coatings that may contain fluorochemicals. No third-party testing available.
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Material
Ballistic nylon with water-resistant 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 Cabela's 1000 Range Bag is constructed from ballistic nylon, a tightly woven polyamide fabric chosen for durability and abrasion resistance in field use. The water-resistant coating applied to the exterior is the primary concern: manufacturers typically use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finishes to prevent moisture penetration, and many ballistic nylon products historically relied on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) for this function, though some newer formulations use non-fluorinated alternatives. Cabela's has not publicly disclosed the specific water-repellent coating chemistry used on this model, making definitive assessment impossible.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cabela's, owned by Bass Pro Shops, does not maintain a public PFAS transparency policy or product-level chemical disclosure program comparable to outdoor brands like Patagonia or The North Face. The brand has not signed industry pledges to phase out PFAS in apparel and gear. No product recalls or chemical safety controversies have been established for this specific bag model in public records.
How it compares in its category
Tactical and hunting range bags typically use ballistic nylon because of its proven durability in field conditions; this material class is standard across the category. Competing brands (5.11 Tactical, Maxpedition, Condor) similarly use ballistic nylon with undisclosed water-repellent coating coatings. Bags explicitly marketed with PFAS-free water-resistant coatings remain less common in this segment, though they exist. The Cabela's 1000 represents a mid-market option with typical transparency limitations for the category.
If you buy it
Use the bag primarily for dry storage and transport of gear; avoid prolonged contact with skin or face, particularly around seams where coating concentration may be higher. Do not wash in hot water or place near heat sources, as this may degrade the coating and potentially release volatile compounds. Store in a well-ventilated area, especially if new, to allow off-gassing of coating solvents. Replace the bag if the exterior coating begins to peel, crack, or visibly delaminate, as this signals loss of water-resistant function and possible coating particle release.
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.”
Fluorinated water-repellent coating (PFAS in water-resistant finish)
Ballistic nylon range bags commonly use fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes containing PFAS compounds. Cabela's does not disclose whether this model uses traditional Teflon-type coating-based coatings or newer non-fluorinated alternatives; the absence of disclosure suggests potential fluorinated chemistry is present.
Coating degradation and particle shedding
As the water-repellent coating ages or is stressed by washing, friction, or heat, it may peel or shed micro-particles. This is especially relevant if the coating contains PFAS, as particle inhalation or ingestion could be a secondary exposure pathway.
Solvent volatiles from coating application
New ballistic nylon bags often emit odors from solvent residues in the water-resistant finish. Ventilation is advisable, particularly for users sensitive to VOC exposure or those storing the bag in unventilated spaces like vehicles.
Polyamide (nylon 6 or 6.6) off-gassing
Ballistic nylon itself does not have a documented chemical hazard profile for off-gassing or migration. The material is considered chemically stable once cured.
Dye or ink migration from printing/labeling
No specific data on inks or dyes used in Cabela's branding or graphics on this model. Ballistic nylon typically uses color-fast industrial dyes; heavy metal content in print is not a documented concern for this product category.
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.