Granite Gear · Waterproof Outdoor Bags
Granite Gear SCurry 24L Backpack
Typical outdoor pack; water-repellent coating likely contains PFAS, brand silent on it.
Granite Gear does not disclose PFAS status. Backpack likely treated with water-repellent coating, a common PFAS application in outdoor gear. No third-party verification available.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon with water-repellent coating water-resistant 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
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 SCurry 24L is constructed from nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. water-repellent coating treatments on outdoor textiles historically use fluorochemical compounds, typically PFAS-based, to create water-shedding properties without bulk. Nylon itself is chemically stable during normal use, but the applied finish is where chemical persistence and potential off-gassing can occur, particularly if the pack is new or subjected to heat.
The brand's record and disclosure
Granite Gear is a small US-based outdoor pack manufacturer with no publicly available documentation on water-repellent coating chemistry, PFAS use, or fluorochemical sourcing. The brand has not adopted industry transparency programs like the Outdoor Industry Association's chemical management guidance. No recalls or chemical safety incidents are on record for this model, but the absence of disclosure makes it impossible to confirm whether the water-repellent coating uses legacy PFAS or newer alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Most 24L nylon backpacks in the mid-range outdoor segment use water-repellent coating-treated nylon, making this product typical rather than exceptional. Brands like Osprey and Arc'teryx have committed to PFAS phase-out or transparent sourcing, while smaller manufacturers like Granite Gear generally remain silent. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, packs with silicone-based or PFC-free water-repellent coating systems, or untreated nylon with separate rain covers, are available at similar price points.
If you buy it
Air out a new pack for 24-48 hours in ventilation before heavy use to minimize any volatile off-gassing from the water-repellent coating finish. Avoid heat (direct sun, car storage, machine washing above warm water) as it can degrade the coating and potentially mobilize chemicals. Reapply water-repellent coating treatments as the pack ages (typically every 1-2 years of regular use) using products you choose yourself, giving you control over chemistry. Inspect seams and stitching regularly for wear; this is typically the first failure point and is unrelated to chemical safety.
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.”
Fluorochemical water-repellent coating finish volatilization
New nylon packs with applied water-repellent coating coatings may off-gas during the first days of use, especially if stored warm. No specific testing on this model is available, but the phenomenon is documented in similar outdoor textiles.
Azo dyes in nylon fabric
No recalls or chemical reports exist for Granite Gear backpacks. Standard nylon production can use azo dyes (which may contain heavy metals), but this brand has not been flagged for this issue.
Heavy metals in printed logos or labels
The SCurry 24L uses minimal printed branding (mostly woven labels), reducing risk of metal-heavy inks. No safety incidents are documented.
Formaldehyde in fabric treatments
Nylon does not typically require formaldehyde-based durable finishes as it is inherently stable. The water-repellent coating is the main treated coating and is not formaldehyde-based.
Microfiber shedding from degraded water-repellent coating
As the water-repellent finish wears down over 2-3 years of use, coating particles may shed into environments. This is cosmetic and environmental rather than a direct wearer hazard, but reflects coating durability and lifecycle chemistry.
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 Bags
Granite Gear
Wrought Iron Food Pack
nylon fabric pack, likely uncoated or minimally treated
Food pack likely lower concern; confirm no water-repellent coating with brand.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof outdoor 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.