Dry Bag Co. · Waterproof Gear Storage Bags
Exped Drybag Versa
Skip until brand discloses waterproof treatment chemistry.
Exped drybag requires waterproof coating for function, but manufacturer does not disclose treatment type or PFAS status. Without transparency, PFAS risk cannot be assessed.
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
Drybag fabric with waterproof coating, composition 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
The Exped Drybag Versa uses a fabric base with an unspecified waterproof coating. Dry bags typically rely on polymer coatings (commonly polyurethane, silicone, or fluorocarbon-based treatments) to repel water. Without disclosure of the exact resin chemistry, it is impossible to rule out PFAS use in the waterproofing layer, which is a common industrial choice for durability. The fabric itself, if synthetic, introduces minimal chemical hazard when left at room temperature, but the coating formulation is the critical unknown.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dry Bag Co. has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of its waterproofing treatment or made statements about PFAS avoidance. No major safety recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this specific model. The brand's silence on waterproof chemistry is typical of smaller dry-bag manufacturers, but it contrasts sharply with outdoor brands that now publish PFAS-free certifications. Without third-party testing or a chemical disclosure sheet, the PFAS risk remains unquantified.
How it compares in its category
Dry bags with undisclosed coatings are the norm in budget-to-mid-range segments. High-end competitors (such as those from Ortlieb or Klymit) increasingly market PFAS-free waterproofing, though verification is often limited to marketing claims rather than independent audit. The Exped Versa sits in the mainstream category: functional and durable, but offering no chemical transparency advantage over generic alternatives. If PFAS exposure is a concern, this product does not stand out as safer than peers.
If you buy it
Store and use the bag at room temperature; do not heat, machine wash, or expose to prolonged direct sunlight, as these may degrade the coating and potentially release volatile compounds. Inspect seams and the coating surface regularly for cracks or peeling; once the waterproof layer is compromised, the bag's integrity fails and replacement is warranted. Rinse with cool water after saltwater or muddy use, and air dry fully to prevent mold growth. The bag is safe for packing clothing and gear under normal conditions, but is not food-safe and should not contact food items or drinking water sources if coating integrity is uncertain.
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 leachates (non-PFAS)
Polyurethane and silicone-based coatings can release volatile organic compounds or trace monomers when new or heated. No specific leachate data is published for this product. Risk is low under typical storage and use, but off-gassing may occur in sealed storage or direct sun exposure.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
As the waterproof layer ages, microscopic fragments may flake into stored contents. This is not unique to this brand but is inherent to all coated dry bags. Risk increases if the bag is folded repeatedly or exposed to abrasion.
Mold and bacterial growth if wet-stored
Dry bags that are sealed while damp can harbor mildew and mold inside the fabric. This is a maintenance issue rather than a chemical hazard, but prolonged exposure to mold spores poses respiratory risk, especially for sensitive individuals.
Seam integrity failure over time
User reports across dry-bag categories indicate that glued or welded seams can separate after 2-5 years of regular use, particularly if the bag is overstuffed or exposed to UV. Once seams fail, waterproofing is lost and the bag must be replaced. This is a durability issue, not a chemical hazard, but affects the useful life of the product.
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 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.