Eddie Bauer · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 30L Backpack
Packable backpack with standard water-repellent coating, PFAS status unclear.
Eddie Bauer does not disclose PFAS content or water-repellent coating chemistry for this backpack. Most packable nylon backpacks use fluorocarbon-based water repellents, though alternatives exist. No third-party verification available.
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Material
Nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating water-repellent 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
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 Eddie Bauer Stowaway uses nylon ripstop fabric, a lightweight weave reinforced with thicker threads to resist tearing, paired with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. water-repellent coating treatments on outdoor gear historically rely on PFAS-based compounds, though some brands have shifted to fluorine-free alternatives; Eddie Bauer has not publicly disclosed which type is used on this model. Nylon ripstop itself is chemically stable under normal use and does not leach known hazardous monomers like BPA; the risk profile centers entirely on the water-repellent coating finish.
The brand's record and disclosure
Eddie Bauer has not issued clear, verifiable public statements about PFAS phase-out commitments or product-level transparency for this backpack line. The brand maintains general environmental statements but lacks the third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign, or fluorine-free water-repellent coating badges) that would confirm non-PFAS treatment. No product recalls or safety incidents specific to this model have been established in public records.
How it compares in its category
Most packable backpacks in this price and weight class rely on water-repellent coating-treated nylon, making the Stowaway typical rather than ahead of the curve. Competitors like Patagonia and REI Co-op have begun disclosing water-repellent coating chemistry or certifying fluorine-free alternatives; Eddie Bauer's silence puts it in the middle of an industry transition. For a budget-conscious consumer, this product trades transparency for affordability, without obvious safety red flags.
If you buy it
Store the backpack dry and well-ventilated; off-gassing of water-repellent coating compounds is minimal but possible during the first weeks of use, so air it outdoors briefly after purchase. Avoid machine washing, which can strip the water-repellent coating and increase leaching; hand-wash with mild soap and cool water if needed. Reapply water-repellent coating treatment every 12-18 months of regular use with a commercial fluorine-free restorer if you wish to avoid repeated PFAS exposure. Contact Eddie Bauer customer service directly to request confirmation of water-repellent coating chemistry before purchase if this is a decisive factor for you.
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 (PFAS or alternative) leaching
Nylon ripstop water-repellent coating treatments may include legacy PFAS compounds; no independent testing of this specific product has been published. Leaching into sweat or water contact is low under normal wear but increases with heat, washing, or abrasion.
Nylon degradation and microfiber shedding
Nylon ripstop is stable during typical backpack use; microfiber release occurs primarily with aggressive washing or prolonged friction. Standard hand care will not generate hazardous microplastic levels.
Dyes and colorants
No azo dyes or heavy metal pigment concerns have been reported for Eddie Bauer nylon products. Industry standard practices for nylon dyeing do not typically introduce formaldehyde or banned colorants.
Off-gassing from synthetic textiles and finishes
New nylon and water-repellent coating-treated gear can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during initial use and storage; this is temporary and generally mild. Air the backpack outdoors for 24-48 hours before extended indoor storage if you are sensitive to odors.
Hardware and zipper corrosion or leaching
No cadmium, lead, or nickel release issues have been established for Eddie Bauer backpack hardware. Standard YKK zippers used on most models meet consumer safety thresholds.
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.
More waterproof outdoor 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.