Gregory · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Gregory Border 25
Likely water-repellent coating-treated pack; Gregory silent on PFAS chemistry.
Gregory Border 25 is a backpack using treated synthetic fabrics. No public PFAS disclosure from brand; standard outdoor packs often use legacy water-repellent coating treatments containing PFAS.
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Material
Nylon/polyester pack fabric with likely water-repellent coating 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
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 Gregory Border 25 is constructed from nylon and polyester fabrics, both synthetic polymers chosen for durability and water resistance in outdoor packs. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish is almost certainly applied to the outer fabric; traditional water-repellent coating coatings use fluorochemical compounds (PFAS-family) though the specific chemistry is not disclosed by Gregory. The pack's internal frame, straps, and hardware (typically aluminum or steel) do not present typical chemical leaching concerns under normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gregory is a long-established outdoor gear manufacturer (owned by Vista Outdoor) with no widely documented safety recalls specific to fabric chemistry or water-repellent coating treatments in packs. The brand does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry or PFAS-avoidance commitments on product pages or in sustainability statements reviewed in public sources. This silence is typical across the outdoor industry but represents a gap in transparency that consumers sensitive to PFAS exposure should note.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range hiking packs in this size and price tier (Osprey, Kelty, Deuter) use similar nylon/polyester blends with water-repellent coating treatment; Gregory is neither a leader nor laggard in chemical transparency. High-end alternatives (Arc'teryx, Hyperlite) sometimes disclose fluorocarbon-free water-repellent coating options, while budget packs may use lower-durability water-resistant finishes. The Border 25 represents a mainstream choice with typical (not exceptional) environmental or health-conscious design.
If you buy it
Use the pack under normal outdoor conditions; no heat-related risk from water-repellent coating (unlike nonstick cookware). Clean with cool water and mild soap, avoiding harsh detergents that may degrade the water-repellent coating finish prematurely. Air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Replace or re-treat the water-repellent coating every 2-3 years if water repellency visibly declines. Store in a dry place to prevent mildew and fabric degradation, which is the primary long-term wear mechanism rather than chemical 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.”
water-repellent coating durability and reapplication
The fluorochemical or alternative water-repellent coating finish will degrade with use and washing. No public data shows the Border 25's specific water-repellent coating formulation or expected lifespan; reapplication products are widely available but introduce additional chemical exposure if not chosen carefully.
Microfiber shedding from synthetic fabrics
Nylon and polyester fabrics shed microscopic fibers during use and washing, particularly in abrasion-prone areas. This is an environmental concern rather than a direct health hazard to the wearer, but fibers may accumulate in washing water and enter aquatic ecosystems.
Dye bleeding or formaldehyde in textile processing
Gregory packs are not known to have experienced dye-bleeding complaints or formaldehyde odor issues. Outdoor nylon is typically processed with low residual formaldehyde risk compared to apparel, but no independent testing of the Border 25 is publicly available.
Aluminum frame leaching (minimal risk)
The pack's aluminum frame does not contact skin or food and is not exposed to acidic or heated conditions that would trigger leaching. This poses negligible health risk under normal use.
Odor and off-gassing from new pack
New synthetic packs often emit a plastic/chemical smell for the first few uses due to residual processing chemicals and water-repellent coating volatilization. This typically dissipates with airing and is not a persistent health hazard, but sensitive individuals may want to open and air the pack before heavy use.
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.
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.