Dry Bag Co. · Waterproof Gear Storage Bags
DryPack Waterproof Roll-Top Duffle Bag
Roll-top bags often use water-repellent coating coatings; manufacturer silence on PFAS is a red flag.
Waterproof duffle bags typically receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments, historically PFAS-based. No brand disclosure on coating chemistry or PFAS avoidance available.
The safe swap
Pelican
Pelican 1595 Air Travel Case
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon or polyester fabric with waterproof coating (unspecified)
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
DryPack uses nylon or polyester with an unspecified waterproof coating, likely a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the fabric surface. The coating is essential for waterproofing but is also the primary chemical exposure vector, its composition directly affects whether PFAS, solvents, or other synthetic chemicals leach into contact with skin or stored items. Without disclosed formulation, the coating's durability and off-gassing profile cannot be assessed from public information.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dry Bag Co. has not made public statements about PFAS use, chemical composition, or testing of their waterproof coatings. This silence is significant because industry leaders (e.g., some outdoor gear manufacturers) now disclose water-repellent coating chemistry proactively. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to this brand are on record, but lack of transparency on coating materials means you cannot verify compliance with emerging restrictions on fluorinated compounds in textile coatings.
How it compares in its category
Roll-top duffle bags typically use polyurethane, PVC, or fluorocarbon-based water-repellent coating coatings to achieve waterproofing. Bags labeled with specific coating names (e.g., 'Parylene', 'TPU', or manufacturer certifications like Bluesign) allow informed choice; DryPack's omission leaves it in an ambiguous middle ground. Premium alternatives disclose coating chemistry or use PFAS-free alternatives; budget options often do the same out of cost considerations.
If you buy it
Inspect the bag regularly for coating cracks, peeling, or delamination, these indicate chemical breakdown and increased leaching risk. Do not expose the bag to sustained heat (e.g., direct sunlight for days, dryer heat) or solvents (acetone, alcohol), which can degrade waterproof coatings and release volatile components. If stored with sensitive items (food, cosmetics, electronics), use an internal barrier (e.g., plastic liner) to isolate contact. Consider requesting coating specifications from the manufacturer before purchase to inform your decision.
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.”
Waterproof coating degradation and leaching
Unspecified water-repellent coating may contain polyurethane, acrylics, or fluorinated compounds; as the coating ages or is exposed to friction/heat, monomers and plasticizers can leach into stored items. No specific test data for DryPack is on record, but this is a known risk class for coated fabrics.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Synthetic waterproof coatings typically off-gas solvents used in application (e.g., isocyanates, xylene) during the first weeks after manufacture. In a sealed or poorly ventilated storage situation, inhalation exposure is theoretically possible but typically minor; no manufacturer data on DryPack off-gassing profile is available.
Azo dyes in nylon or polyester fabric
No recalls or warnings specific to DryPack textile dyes have been reported. Nylon and polyester in outdoor bags are often dyed with azo compounds; some releases carcinogenic amines under reductive conditions (e.g., sweat + bacteria). Risk is low for bags used as intended but cannot be ruled out without material testing.
Microplastics from fiber shedding
Polyester or nylon fabrics shed microfibers when abraded or laundered. A roll-top bag experiences internal friction and external rubbing; if contents are food, cosmetics, or frequent-wash items, cross-contamination is possible. This is a category-wide issue, not specific to DryPack, but relevant to long-term use.
Flame retardant additives
No evidence that DryPack treats fabric with halogenated or phosphorus-based flame retardants. Outdoor duffle bags are not typically subject to flammability standards requiring such additives, so presence is unlikely but unconfirmed by the manufacturer.
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 Gear Storage Bags
Pelican
1595 Air Travel Case
Polypropylene shell, polyurethane foam, stainless steel hardware
Lower concern. Polypropylene case with no water-repellent treatment evident.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof gear storage 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.