Cabela's · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Plano Z-Series Waterproof Backpack
Unknown waterproof treatment; no PFAS disclosure from brand.
Plano Z-Series backpack uses unspecified waterproof coating. Cabela's provides no PFAS information. Waterproof coatings often contain PFAS, but specifics are unclear.
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Material
Nylon or polyester with waterproof 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 Plano Z-Series uses nylon or polyester fabric with a waterproof coating applied to achieve water resistance. The coating itself is the main unknown: Cabela's has not disclosed the chemistry, and waterproof treatments on outdoor gear commonly use PFAS (fluorinated compounds) or other polymer sealants. Nylon and polyester themselves are stable synthetics with low leaching risk in normal use, but the coating's durability and composition are the safety concern for this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cabela's (owned by Bass Pro Shops) does not publicly disclose waterproofing chemistry or PFAS use in their gear lines. No major safety recalls specific to this backpack model are on record. The brand has not published chemical disclosure policies or pursued third-party certifications (such as Bluesign or GOTS) that would confirm absence of hazardous treatments. Transparency on outdoor coating materials is generally weak across the brand.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof backpacks in this price and function tier typically use either PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) or newer fluorine-free alternatives; this product does not distinguish itself. Mid-range outdoor brands like REI Co-op, Patagonia, and some North Face lines increasingly disclose coating type or avoid PFAS explicitly. The Plano Z-Series offers no such transparency, placing it in the middle of the spectrum for consumer visibility.
If you buy it
Avoid exposing the backpack to high heat (near radiators, direct sunlight for extended periods, or dryers) which may degrade the coating and potentially release volatiles. Clean spills or stains with cool water and mild soap; aggressive scrubbing can wear the waterproof layer. Replace it if the coating visibly peels, flakes, or deteriorates, as a compromised coating may expose you to the base fabric and any residual coating fragments. Store in a cool, dry place to extend coating life.
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.”
Unknown waterproof coating composition
Cabela's does not disclose whether the waterproofing uses PFAS or fluorine-free alternatives. PFAS-based water-repellent coating is common in outdoor backpacks and accumulates in the body; fluorine-free coatings vary in durability and safety profile. Lack of disclosure prevents full assessment.
Coating degradation and inhalation risk
Nylon and polyester coatings can degrade from UV, heat, or wear, potentially releasing polymer particles or volatile organic compounds. Risk is low in normal use but increases if backpack is stored in hot environments or exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Microfiber shedding from fabric
Synthetic backpack fabrics shed microfibers, especially when wet or abraded. While microfiber release is not a branded safety issue for this product, prolonged water contact during use may increase shedding. This is primarily an environmental concern rather than direct personal health risk.
Dyes and chemical finishes in fabric
No specific recalls or test results are on record for heavy metals or formaldehyde resins in Plano Z-Series nylon or polyester. However, low-cost outdoor textiles sometimes use azo dyes or formaldehyde-based wrinkle finishes; Cabela's does not publish dye standards.
VOC off-gassing from new product
New synthetic backpacks may off-gas volatile organic compounds from coating, adhesives, or dyes during the first weeks of use. Airing the backpack outdoors before extended use, especially in enclosed spaces, reduces exposure.
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.