Granite Gear · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Bags
Granite Gear Drysack
Drysack uses waterproof coating; brand silent on PFAS composition.
Granite Gear does not disclose PFAS use or avoidance for this dry bag. water-repellent coating-coated nylon gear often contains fluorochemicals, though some brands use alternatives. Contact manufacturer for coating specifics before purchase.
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Material
Nylon with water-repellent 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
Granite Gear Drysacks are constructed from nylon fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating to shed water without being fully waterproof. The nylon itself is a synthetic polymer with established safety; the water-repellent coating is where uncertainty lies, as manufacturers typically do not disclose whether they use PFAS-based or newer fluorine-free alternatives. Nylon is stable and does not off-gas formaldehyde or VOCs under normal storage or outdoor use, making it safer than many textiles in that regard.
The brand's record and disclosure
Granite Gear is a Minnesota-based outdoor gear company with a functional reputation for durability but minimal public disclosure on chemical composition or environmental stance. The brand has not published specific statements about PFAS use in their water-repellent coating treatments, nor have they advertised PFAS-free certifications. No recalls or safety controversies involving this product are on record. This silence on water-repellent coating chemistry reflects a broader industry norm of non-disclosure rather than a red flag unique to Granite Gear.
How it compares in its category
Drysacks are among the lowest-hazard outdoor textiles because they are not worn against skin, contain no dyes that could shed, and do not undergo frequent washing that increases leaching risk. Most competitors (Sea to Summit, Outdoor Research, REI Co-op) also treat nylon with undisclosed water-repellent coating coatings, so Granite Gear is typical for the category. A few premium brands now offer PFAS-free drysacks, but they are rare and more expensive; this product occupies the mainstream middle ground.
If you buy it
Store dry and keep away from direct heat or flame, as nylon melts around 260°C. Rinse with cool water only if needed; avoid hot water or machine washing, which can strip and redeposit water-repellent coating unevenly. The coating will degrade after years of UV exposure and abrasion; expect to recoat or replace after 5-10 years of regular use. Never use bleach or harsh detergents, as these degrade nylon and water-repellent coating.
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 durability and reapplication
water-repellent coating coatings on nylon degrade with washing and UV exposure. Granite Gear does not publicly specify whether the original water-repellent coating is reapplicable or if the drysack must be replaced; users often report loss of water repellency within 2-3 years of heavy use.
Formaldehyde resins in dyes or finishes
No formaldehyde-based dyes or cross-linkers have been reported in Granite Gear drysacks. Nylon does not require formaldehyde resins for structure, and drysacks typically use minimal permanent dyeing.
Azo dyes and color fastness
Drysacks are typically neutral-colored (gray, black, tan) and do not require reactive azo dyes. No color-bleeding or azo dye safety issues are documented for this product line.
Nylon degradation and particle shedding under heat
Nylon can degrade and potentially shed microfibers if exposed to sustained high temperatures (above 80°C) or flame. This is not a typical use case for a drysack, but storage near radiators or direct sunlight could accelerate fiber breakdown over years.
Antimony in polyester content
Granite Gear Drysacks are nylon, not polyester, so antimony catalysts are not present. This hazard is not applicable to this product.
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 Outdoor Gear Bags
Marmot
Tool Box
Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
Toolbox, not garment. Check product specs for water-repellent coating.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof outdoor gear 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.