Coleman · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
Coleman Dry Gear Bag
Dry bags typically use water-repellent coating coatings; Coleman silent on PFAS details.
Coleman Dry Gear Bag uses waterproof-treated nylon typical of dry bags. Brand provides no PFAS disclosure; coating chemistry unknown without lab testing.
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Material
Nylon fabric 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
Coleman Dry Gear Bags are constructed from nylon fabric treated with a waterproof coating to repel water. The nylon itself is a durable synthetic polymer, but the waterproof finish is the critical unknown. Dry bags and outdoor gear typically rely on water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings, and historically many brands used PFAS-based formulations; Coleman has not publicly disclosed whether this product uses PFAS-free alternatives. The coating's durability and leaching potential depend on its chemical composition and application quality.
The brand's record and disclosure
Coleman (owned by Newell Brands) has not made a clear public commitment to PFAS-free waterproofing in outdoor gear. The company does not appear to provide material safety data sheets or ingredient transparency for consumer dry bags. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for Coleman dry gear bags, but the lack of disclosure is a transparency gap. Industry peers (e.g., Patagonia, REI) have begun phasing PFAS in favor of alternatives, setting a standard Coleman has not explicitly matched.
How it compares in its category
Dry bags are a commodity category where PFAS presence is industry-wide and largely undisclosed. Coleman's bags are affordable and durable, but offer no transparency advantage over most competitors. Brands that explicitly advertise PFAS-free water-repellent coating coatings (using Teflon-family coating, wax, or silicone blends) are increasingly available at comparable or slightly higher prices. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, purchasing from brands with certified PFAS-free claims is a more defensible choice.
If you buy it
Use the bag for its intended purpose: storing dry goods and gear in wet environments. Do not heat it or place it near open flame, as nylon melts and coatings may off-gas. Wash by hand with mild soap and cool water; avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the coating. Replace the bag if the coating visibly degrades, cracks, or flakes, as this may indicate loss of water repellency and potentially increased leaching of residual coating chemicals.
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 waterproof coating
water-repellent coating coatings on dry bags commonly contain PFAS; Coleman has not disclosed whether this product uses PFAS-free alternatives. Grade provided separately reflects this uncertainty.
Nylon fiber degradation and microfiber shedding
Nylon fabrics degrade over time with UV exposure and wear, potentially shedding microscopic fibers. Outdoor storage of a dry bag increases fiber breakdown risk, though ingestion/inhalation risk is low for a storage product.
Coating leaching in contact with food or sensitive items
If the bag's waterproof coating includes plasticizers or other hydrophobic compounds, prolonged contact with unprotected food or drinking water could result in leaching. Using the bag for food storage is not recommended.
Off-gassing from new bag (volatile organic compounds)
New nylon and coating materials typically emit VOCs for days to weeks. Airing out the bag in a ventilated space before storage reduces exposure to any solvent residues or chemical odors.
Thermal degradation of nylon and coating
Nylon melts around 220-260C; polyurethane and other water-repellent coating coatings break down at much lower temperatures (above 80-100C). Heat exposure from direct sunlight or storage near heat sources can degrade both materials and potentially release degradation byproducts.
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.
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Coleman
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⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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⚠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.