Coleman · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
The Container Store Case of 6 Weathertight Tote Clear 10065387
Waterproof tote likely uses water-repellent coating, PFAS risk unconfirmed.
Coleman's weathertight totes use waterproofing treatment, commonly water-repellent coating-coated. No public disclosure of PFAS-free status or treatment chemistry.
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Material
Polypropylene with waterproof 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 tote is injection-molded polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic with relatively low leaching risk under normal storage conditions. The waterproof treatment is likely a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the exterior; water-repellent coating formulations often historically contained PFAS compounds, though some manufacturers have shifted to PFAS-free alternatives. Polypropylene itself is stable and does not leach BPA or phthalates under room temperature or mild heat. The material's main weakness is brittleness over time in sunlight, not chemical release.
The brand's record and disclosure
Coleman (Newell Brands subsidiary) has not published clear statements on PFAS use in outdoor storage products or water-repellent coating coatings. The company does not appear on major PFAS-free commitment registries or third-party certifications (e.g., Bluesign, OEKO-TEX). Given the waterproofing requirement of this product, the absence of transparent disclosure is a significant gap. No recalls for chemical hazards in Coleman weathertight totes are on record, but this reflects lack of testing data rather than confirmed safety.
How it compares in its category
Weathertight storage totes are commodity items; most brands (Rubbermaid, Sterilite, Coleman) use polypropylene as the base and differ mainly in water-repellent coating choice. Few retailers or manufacturers disclose whether coatings are PFAS-free or PFAS-containing. This product is typical of the market: no better, no worse, in terms of transparency. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, uncoated polypropylene bins or those explicitly labeled PFAS-free are available but less water-resistant.
If you buy it
Store food, textiles, or sensitive items inside only if the tote will remain dry or used for non-food purposes; polypropylene is food-contact safe but the water-repellent coating is not rated for food. Avoid exposure to prolonged direct sunlight, which degrades polypropylene and may accelerate any coating breakdown. Do not heat or microwave contents in the tote. Rinse exterior with plain water periodically; avoid harsh solvents that could compromise the waterproof layer. Replace if cracks develop or water begins to seep through.
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-repellent coating waterproof coating
Coleman has not disclosed whether this tote uses PFAS-based or PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatment. Historical industry practice favors PFAS compounds for durability; absence of statement suggests risk is unconfirmed but plausible.
Polypropylene degradation and microplastic shedding
UV exposure and mechanical wear over years can cause the PP to become brittle and crack, potentially shedding microplastics if contents contact soil or water. Risk increases after 3-5 years of outdoor exposure.
Coating leachables migration to stored contents
If the water-repellent coating contains unreacted oligomers or additives, prolonged contact with damp or oily contents (e.g., textiles treated with oils) could cause trace migration. Risk is low for dry or non-absorbent items.
Lead or heavy metals in pigments (if colored)
The product is described as clear; no pigments are used. Colored polypropylene totes occasionally carry legacy concerns about cadmium stabilizers, but no recalls for this brand's clear totes are documented.
Mold or bacterial growth if water trapped inside
Any breach in the seal or trapped moisture can support mold growth, particularly in warm climates. This is a use and maintenance risk, not a material hazard, but relevant to product safety.
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
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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.