Coleman · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
Coleman Container Watertight
Uncertain. Coleman discloses nothing about PFAS in waterproof coating.
Coleman's watertight container likely uses a durable water-resistant coating, but the brand provides no PFAS transparency. Material composition and treatment methods remain undisclosed.
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Material
Plastic container with waterproof/airtight seal 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
Coleman Watertight containers are injection-molded plastic (typically polypropylene or copolyester) with a proprietary waterproof/airtight seal coating applied to the lid gasket interface. The seal coating's chemical composition is not publicly disclosed; waterproof polymeric coatings often rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS), siloxanes, or other synthetic polymers to repel water. Since Coleman does not specify the coating material, potential leaching from the seal into stored contents, especially acidic, fatty, or heated items, cannot be ruled out without independent testing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Coleman has not published material safety data sheets or ingredient disclosures for the waterproof coatings on this product line. The company maintains a general outdoor/sporting goods reputation but has faced no major recall or regulatory action specific to this container. Coleman's silence on PFAS and other chemical additives in waterproof coatings is typical of the hard-goods industry but reflects minimal transparency compared to food-contact manufacturers subject to FDA oversight.
How it compares in its category
Coleman Watertight containers occupy the mid-tier of hard plastic storage. They compete against glass containers (inert, no coating risk) and stainless steel alternatives (no polymer seals), which carry zero leaching risk. Budget plastic containers often lack durable seals; Coleman's coating investment is a selling point but creates uncertainty about composition. For non-food dry storage, this product is comparable to other outdoor/utility brands; for food contact, glass or certified food-grade containers are safer.
If you buy it
Use only for dry goods, tools, and non-food items; avoid prolonged storage of fatty, acidic, or moisture-rich foods. Do not fill with hot liquids or place in direct heat. Inspect the seal gasket regularly for cracking, discoloration, or degradation; replace containers every 3-5 years or if the coating shows wear. Store in cool, dry conditions away from sunlight, which can accelerate polymer breakdown and potential leaching.
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.”
Seal coating leachables (non-PFAS polymers)
The waterproof seal coating is proprietary and undisclosed. Unknown synthetic polymers or additives in the coating may leach into stored contents, especially if the container is used for food or liquids over long periods or at elevated temperatures.
Microplastics from coating degradation
As the waterproof coating ages or is scratched, microscopic particles may flake into stored contents. Risk is higher if the container is frequently opened/closed or exposed to UV light, causing polymer embrittlement.
BPA or BPS in base plastic
Coleman does not state whether the polypropylene or copolyester resin contains BPA, BPS, or other endocrine-disrupting additives. Polypropylene is generally considered BPA-free, but supplier-level confirmation is absent from public sources.
Coating off-gassing and odor
Consumer reports on similar waterproof plastic containers note a chemical smell upon unboxing, consistent with residual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the waterproof coating application. This typically dissipates within days but indicates the presence of synthetic chemical residues.
Seal gasket material uncertainty
The gasket material itself (typically silicone or synthetic rubber) is not specified by Coleman. Some gasket formulations may contain fillers, plasticizers, or antimicrobial agents that could leach into food-contact scenarios.
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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
Coleman
Chiller Cooler
Plastic (polypropylene) cooler body, foam insulation
Lower concern cooler. No known PFAS-treated materials typical.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Coleman
YETI LoadOut 15 GoBox
Rotomolded polyethylene plastic
Lower concern. Hard plastic cooler with no known PFAS-linked coatings.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Coleman
Ezy Storage 5.28 Gallon Small Gasket Tote, Ip68 WaterProof Plastic Storage Bin with Lid, Gasket Seal and Durable Latches
Polypropylene plastic with waterproof gasket seal, coating unspecified
Waterproof plastic storage; PFAS coating risk unclear, no disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof outdoor gear storage 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.