Dry Bag Co. · Waterproof Gear Storage Bags
FisheWear Steel My Heart Duffel Dry Bag
Skip unless brand discloses waterproof coating composition.
Dry bags typically use water-resistant treatments, often PFAS-based. No public disclosure from Dry Bag Co. on coating type or PFAS status 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
Fabric with waterproof water-repellent coating, unspecified type
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 duffel combines a fabric shell (likely nylon or polyester) with an unspecified water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. water-repellent coating coatings are the primary chemical concern in this product category because manufacturers historically used fluorinated compounds (including legacy PFAS) to achieve water resistance. The brand has not disclosed whether the coating is fluorinated, fluorine-free, or what specific chemistry is used. Without this information, the coating's safety profile remains uncertain.
The brand's record and disclosure
Dry Bag Co. maintains public silence on waterproof coating composition and has not published a PFAS stance or material disclosure policy. No major safety recalls or third-party certifications for this product are on record. The lack of transparency around a chemical component that directly contacts stored items (particularly food or textiles) is a gap that responsible brands typically fill with published spec sheets or supplier certifications.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof duffels vary widely: premium outdoor brands often disclose fluorine-free coatings or avoid water-repellent coating entirely, while mass-market alternatives frequently omit specification sheets. This product falls in the middle tier with no disclosed differentiation. Competitors like Patagonia and REI brands typically publish coating data; generic brands rarely do, placing this in a category of average transparency.
If you buy it
Store dry bags in cool, well-ventilated spaces away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight, which can degrade polymer coatings and potentially release trapped compounds. Do not store food or cosmetics directly against the interior coating for extended periods; use an inner liner if storing sensitive items. Wash with cool water and mild soap only; avoid machine drying or high heat. Replace if the coating becomes visibly worn, peeling, or develops an unusual odor, which may indicate breakdown.
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 degradation and leachables
Unspecified water-repellent coating chemistry poses unknown risk of leaching or off-gassing, particularly if coating degrades from UV exposure or temperature cycling. Risk is elevated if coating contains legacy fluorinated compounds.
Polyester or nylon fiber degradation under heat
The fabric itself (likely polyester or nylon) does not present established hazards under normal storage conditions, but UV and heat can accelerate polymer breakdown and coating failure.
Formaldehyde resin finishes in textiles
Lower-cost textile coatings sometimes use formaldehyde-based resins for dimensional stability; no specific disclosure from this brand suggests potential use, though most modern duffels avoid this practice.
Heavy metals in dyes or pigments
The 'Steel My Heart' branding suggests a patterned or colored exterior; no recall or test data exists for this product, and reputable fabric suppliers typically test for lead and cadmium compliance.
Bacterial growth in moisture-sealed interior
A fully waterproof bag with no air exchange can trap moisture and promote mold or bacterial growth if not dried thoroughly before storage. This is a use-error hazard rather than 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 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.