Garmin · Waterproof Sports Bags
Dive Bomb Waterproof Dry Backpack
Waterproof backpack; PFAS status unknown, no brand disclosure.
Garmin's dry backpack uses waterproofing treatment but provides no PFAS information. Coating composition remains unspecified by the brand.
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Material
Waterproof-treated fabric, unspecified coating
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
The Dive Bomb uses an unspecified waterproof-treated fabric, likely a polyester or nylon base with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish or polyurethane/PVC laminate. The coating's exact chemistry is not disclosed by Garmin, which is common in outdoor gear but prevents verification of treatment type. Waterproof coatings can involve PFAS chemicals (fluorocarbon-based) or non-fluorinated alternatives (polyurethane, silicone). The material composition matters because degrading coatings can potentially leach additives into contents or the environment.
The brand's record and disclosure
Garmin is a navigation and electronics company with limited public statements on PFAS use or elimination in textile products. The brand does not appear to maintain certifications like Bluesign or GOTS that would indicate third-party chemical oversight. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to this backpack have been documented in public records. Garmin's silence on waterproof coating chemistry is typical of the outdoor gear industry but represents a transparency gap for consumers concerned about chemical exposure.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof dry backpacks almost universally use either PFAS-based water-repellent coating or newer non-fluorinated alternatives; Garmin does not market this one as PFAS-free, placing it in the unspecified-treatment category. Competitors like Patagonia and Arc'teryx increasingly disclose PFAS reduction or elimination; most budget and mid-range brands (including Garmin) do not. Among dry backpacks, this is a mid-market product with standard waterproofing but no chemical transparency advantage.
If you buy it
Store the backpack in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or prolonged sunlight, which can accelerate coating breakdown. Avoid machine washing; rinse gently with cool water and air dry. Do not expose the interior or coating to sustained high temperatures (above 60C / 140F). Replace or retire the backpack if the waterproof coating visibly cracks, peels, or loses water-shedding properties, as degraded coatings are more prone to leaching.
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.”
Coating degradation and leaching potential
Unspecified waterproof coating on textile; long-term durability and leaching behavior of the finish under UV, heat, or wear are not published. Degrading synthetic coatings may release plasticizers or residual monomers, particularly if exposed to heat or prolonged moisture.
Formaldehyde in synthetic textile finishing
No public reports of formaldehyde-based resins in Dive Bomb fabric. Formaldehyde use in polyester or nylon waterproofing is declining but possible in untested products; Garmin provides no test data.
Azo dyes in colored polyester base
If the backpack base fabric is polyester, synthetic azo dyes may be used for color. Restricted azo dyes (those cleaving to carcinogenic amines) are banned in EU/CA but enforcement in imported goods varies. No Garmin testing or certification addresses this.
Polyurethane or PVC laminate off-gassing
If the waterproof layer is polyurethane or PVC-based, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may off-gas during storage or use, particularly in warm conditions. Garmin does not disclose the coating type, so VOC profile cannot be assessed.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Polyester or nylon base fabric may shed microfibers during normal wear and washing. While the dry backpack is not heated or machine-washed frequently, environmental release of synthetic fibers is a class-wide concern in synthetic textiles.
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 Sports Bags
Garmin
Carrying Case
Neoprene or polyester case, material unspecified
Unknown material raises concern; no PFAS disclosure from Garmin.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Guidewater Sling
recycled polyester with water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern; brand committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating, but verify current batch
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof sports 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.