Dana Design · Waterproof Outdoor Bags
Dakine Cyclone DLX Dry Backpack
Waterproof backpack; water-repellent coating treatment typical concern, brand silent on PFAS.
Dakine Cyclone DLX uses water-repellent coating standard on outdoor packs. Brand discloses no PFAS information; water-repellent coating treatments often contain PFAS, but specific formulation unknown.
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Material
Nylon/polyester with water-repellent 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
clothing 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 Dakine Cyclone DLX uses nylon and polyester as the primary fabric shell, both petroleum-derived synthetics with established safety profiles in apparel. The critical unknown is the water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the fabric. water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), though some modern formulations use non-fluorinated alternatives. Dakine's material specifications do not publicly disclose which water-repellent coating chemistry is used in this model, making the PFAS risk unquantifiable from available sources.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dakine (owned by Samsonite/Woodside Capital) does not maintain a public PFAS elimination commitment or detailed material transparency statement as of available records. The brand has not faced major product safety recalls involving textiles or chemical hazards. However, the absence of proactive disclosure on water-repellent coating treatment chemistry suggests either use of legacy fluorinated coatings or a general lack of supply-chain accountability. Contacting Dakine directly about this specific model's water-repellent coating formulation would be the only way to reduce uncertainty.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof backpacks in this price and performance tier typically use water-repellent coating coatings without public fluorine disclosure. Competitors like Patagonia and Arc'teryx have made explicit non-PFAS commitments on similar products, placing them ahead in transparency. The Cyclone DLX's main advantage is durability and affordability, not chemical safety disclosure. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, this product ranks lower than brands with explicit fluorine-free certifications.
If you buy it
Avoid machine washing or high-heat drying, as these can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially release volatile compounds from adhesives or coatings. Hand wash with mild soap and air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Re-apply a fluorine-free water-repellent coating treatment (e.g., paraffin or silicone-based) after 1-2 years of heavy use if water repellency diminishes. Store in a cool, dry place to minimize off-gassing of residual solvents or coatings.
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.”
water-repellent coating composition (non-PFAS unknowns)
The specific fluorinated or non-fluorinated water-repellent coating chemistry is not disclosed by Dakine. If fluorinated, leaching into water during use or washing is theoretically possible but minimal for intact coatings; degradation over time increases uncertainty.
Polyester fiber antimony residue
Antimony is sometimes used as a catalyst in polyester synthesis but is typically bound in the polymer chain. No recalls or published contamination data exist for Dakine backpacks; risk is considered minimal for intact textiles.
Adhesives and seam sealants off-gassing
Waterproof backpack seams often use solvent-based polyurethane or epoxy adhesives and tape. New products may emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the first few weeks. Airing the pack outdoors before use reduces exposure.
Dye or finish formaldehyde releasers
Nylon and polyester textiles can be finished with formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance or dye fixation. No published data on Dakine products; most outdoor gear manufacturers do not apply heavy formaldehyde treatments to technical fabrics, making this a low theoretical risk.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
water-repellent coating coatings gradually wear and can shed micro-scale particles into water or soil during washing and use. The composition of shed particles depends on the coating chemistry (fluorinated or not). Long-term environmental impact is unclear but extends product lifespan through proper care.
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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Bags
Granite Gear
Wrought Iron Food Pack
nylon fabric pack, likely uncoated or minimally treated
Food pack likely lower concern; confirm no water-repellent coating with brand.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof outdoor 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.