Dana Design · Waterproof Outdoor Bags
Dry Pocket Waterproof Floating Backpack Dry Bag
Waterproof dry bags typically use water-repellent coating coatings; unknown composition raises concern.
Dana Design does not disclose coating chemistry or PFAS status. Dry bags commonly use fluorinated water repellents; specifics unknown here. Request transparency before purchase.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon or polyester fabric with waterproof coating, unspecified water-repellent coating 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
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
This dry bag uses nylon or polyester fabric treated with a waterproof coating and a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. The specific chemical identity of the water-repellent coating treatment is not disclosed by Dana Design. water-repellent coating treatments have historically relied on PFAS compounds (PFAS "forever chemicals") to achieve water resistance, though some manufacturers have shifted to PFAS-free alternatives. Without product documentation or testing, the coating's composition cannot be confirmed as safe or PFAS-free.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dana Design has not published information about chemical composition, water-repellent coating treatment type, or PFAS content for this product line. The brand maintains no publicly known certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign) that would verify absence of restricted chemicals. This silence on waterproofing chemistry is typical of many outdoor gear manufacturers but offers consumers no assurance about coating safety.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof dry bags in this price tier use similar untransparent water-repellent coating systems. Higher-end competitors (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx) increasingly disclose PFAS-free coatings or third-party chemical audits. Dana Design's lack of transparency places it in the middle-of-market category where chemical assumptions dominate. Truly low-risk alternatives exist from brands with explicit PFAS-free commitments.
If you buy it
Do not machine wash or tumble dry; hand wash with cool water and mild detergent only, as heat and agitation can degrade coatings and potentially release particles. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend water-repellent coating life. Avoid prolonged contact with skin or food storage if you are sensitive to chemical coatings. If the waterproofing fails within 2-3 years, consider replacement rather than retreat, since aftermarket water-repellent coating treatments introduce additional chemical variables.
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 (non-PFAS hazards)
Even PFAS-free water-repellent coating systems (e.g., wax, silicone-based) may shed microparticles or release volatile organics with wear. No specific shedding or off-gassing data available for this product.
Azo dyes in nylon or polyester
Dana Design does not disclose dye chemistry. Synthetic fabrics can contain azo dyes linked to allergic contact dermatitis, but no recalls or complaints specific to this brand's backpacks are on record.
Formaldehyde resins (fabric finishing)
Polyester and nylon fabrics sometimes receive formaldehyde-based finishing agents for wrinkle resistance or shape retention. Dana Design does not specify whether this treatment is used; no documented contamination reported for this product line.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester yarn can contain antimony as a catalyst residue from production. Levels in finished fabric are typically low and dermally inert unless the material is damaged or chewed. No specific testing or complaint history for Dana Design backpacks.
Coating degradation and microplastic release
Over time, waterproof coatings can flake, crack, or shed particles, especially under UV, mechanical stress, or washing. Nylon microfibers may also leach if coating fails. No long-term durability study specific to this model exists in public literature.
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 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.