Gregory · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Gregory Baltoro 65
High-end backpack with standard water-repellent coating, PFAS status unclear.
Gregory Baltoro 65 is a durable hiking pack using nylon and polyester with water-repellent treatment. Brand does not disclose PFAS use or absence; water-repellent coating coatings commonly contain PFAS, but some alternatives exist.
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Material
nylon, polyester, water-repellent coating-treated fabric
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 Baltoro 65 uses nylon and polyester as primary load-bearing fabrics, with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. water-repellent coating coatings are typically fluorinated compounds that shed water but can degrade over time and washing. Nylon and polyester themselves are stable thermoplastics, but the finish and any dyes used in coloring introduce the main chemical exposure pathways. Gregory does not publicly disclose the specific water-repellent coating formulation (fluorinated vs. fluorine-free) for this model.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gregory manufactures outdoor gear but has not published transparency reports on chemical inputs, water-repellent coating formulations, or hazardous substance restrictions. The brand has no widely documented sustainability certifications (e.g., Bluesign, GOTS) for this product line. No product recalls or chemical safety incidents are on record for the Baltoro 65 specifically. Absence of disclosure does not indicate safety; it reflects limited third-party verification of their material sourcing.
How it compares in its category
High-end backpacks in this weight and capacity class typically use nylon-polyester blends with water-repellent coating finishes; the Baltoro is standard for the segment. Some competitors (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) have begun disclosing fluorine-free water-repellent coating options or committing to phase-out timelines. Gregory's silence on this choice places it in the middle of the market; it is neither a known early adopter nor a laggard, but the lack of clarity is a competitive disadvantage for informed buyers.
If you buy it
Minimize direct skin contact with the exterior water-repellent coating-treated fabric, especially when wet or new (off-gassing potential is minimal but not zero). Wash infrequently; each wash degrades the water-repellent coating and may release coatings into wastewater. Dry-clean solvents can also strip the finish; air-dry or machine-wash on cold with minimal detergent. Inspect seams and stress points annually for fabric breakdown; once the water-repellent coating fails or nylon begins to delaminate, replacement is justified.
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 composition (fluorinated vs. fluorine-free)
Gregory does not disclose whether the Baltoro 65 uses legacy fluorinated water-repellent coating (which may persist in the body) or fluorine-free alternatives. Field use and washing will degrade the coating over time, potentially releasing micro-particles or residue.
Azo dyes in nylon-polyester fabric
No specific testing or recalls document azo dye use in Gregory packs. Nylon and polyester in outdoor products are typically dyed with controlled disperse or acid dyes, but testing records are not public.
Formaldehyde in fabric finishing resins
Industrial nylon-polyester blends may use formaldehyde-based resins in anti-wrinkle or performance treatments. Gregory does not disclose finishing chemistry; no incidents are reported for this model.
Nylon degradation and microfiber shedding
Nylon fibers degrade gradually with UV exposure, abrasion, and flex fatigue. Repeated compression and movement may shed microfibers into contact surfaces and the environment, though this is inherent to the material class, not unique to Gregory.
Antimony catalysts in polyester
Polyester production may use antimony trioxide catalysts; trace residues can remain in finished fabric. No testing or disclosure from Gregory; no reported health incidents linked to Baltoro 65 use.
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.