Gregory · Portable Outdoor Gear Bags
Gregory Alpaca Gear Box Adventure Kit 2 Pack Backpack
Alpaca backpack likely uses water-repellent coating; Gregory provides no PFAS disclosure.
Gregory does not publicly disclose PFAS use or absence in this alpaca gear pack. Outdoor backpacks typically use water-repellent coating treatments that may contain PFAS, but alpaca fiber itself is lower concern.
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Material
Alpaca fiber blend with water-repellent coating-treated nylon
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
This backpack combines alpaca fiber (a protein fiber similar to wool) with water-repellent coating-treated nylon exterior. Alpaca itself is a natural fiber with low toxicity risk, but the nylon shell is treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, typically fluorochemical-based compounds that may include PFAS. The blend means you get breathability and temperature regulation from alpaca with water resistance from the treated synthetic layer, but the chemical treatment is the critical unknown.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gregory is a heritage outdoor gear manufacturer with no public PFAS policy or disclosure statement on file. The company has not published restricted substance lists, third-party certifications (like bluesign or GOTS), or commitments to fluorine-free water-repellent coating alternatives. This silence is common among mid-tier outdoor brands but represents a gap in transparency that leaves the specific water-repellent coating chemistry unknown to consumers.
How it compares in its category
Most outdoor backpacks in this price tier use some form of water-repellent coating; fluorine-free water-repellent coating alternatives exist but are less common in heritage brands. Alpaca-blend construction is relatively niche and generally poses lower hazard than synthetic-only packs. Without certification, this product sits in the middle of the transparency spectrum: better than undisclosed synthetic blends, but behind brands that actively market PFAS-free treatments.
If you buy it
Wash separately from other items in cool water with mild detergent to limit water-repellent coating shedding and avoid potential cross-contamination. Do not dry clean or expose to high heat, which can degrade the nylon coating and release volatile compounds. Replace the backpack if seams fail, zippers break, or the fabric develops holes that require patching, as repairs may compromise the water-resistant barrier. Air dry completely before storage to prevent mold growth in the alpaca fiber.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
Gregory does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry; outdoor backpacks typically use fluorochemical treatments. Without third-party testing or brand commitment to fluorine-free alternatives, fluorinated compounds are statistically probable in the nylon finish.
Formaldehyde in textile resins or dyes
No formaldehyde-release recalls or warnings issued for Gregory backpacks or alpaca blend apparel. Alpaca fiber itself does not commonly require formaldehyde-based finishing, but nylon components may have trace resin treatments.
Azo dyes
No reported incidents of banned azo dyes in Gregory products. Alpaca blend and nylon are typically dyed with modern colorants, but brand does not publish dye standards.
Antimony in polyester or nylon
Nylon catalyst residues (antimony trioxide) are possible but not reported as a concern in Gregory backpacks. Alpaca blend reduces overall synthetic content, lowering theoretical exposure.
Microfiber shedding from nylon
Synthetic nylon exterior may shed microfibers during washing and wear, especially if the water-repellent coating degrades. Washing in mesh bags and air drying minimizes shedding compared to machine drying.
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 Portable Outdoor Gear Bags
REI Co-op
Trailgate Gear Bin Green 140 L
Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
Lower PFAS concern for bare plastic storage container.
⚠Risky category by default
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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.