Gregory · Portable Outdoor Gear Bags
Gregory Inertia 24 H2O Backpack
Water-resistant backpack. No PFAS disclosure from Gregory.
Gregory Inertia backpack uses water-repellent coating-treated nylon for water resistance, a common application of PFAS coatings. Brand provides no PFAS information or certifications.
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Material
Nylon with water-repellent coating 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
The Inertia 24 H2O uses nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the exterior. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear historically relied on fluorochemical compounds (PFAS family) to achieve water shedding; many brands have not disclosed what chemistry they currently use. Nylon itself is a stable synthetic polymer with low leaching risk under normal use, but the surface treatment is the primary chemical concern for this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gregory does not publicly disclose the chemistry of its water-repellent coating or commit to PFAS-free formulations. The brand has not published a restricted substances list or transparency report specific to water-repellent treatments. Without official disclosure, the composition of the Inertia 24's water-resistance layer remains unknown and cannot be verified as PFAS-free or PFAS-containing. This silence is common in the outdoor gear industry but limits informed purchasing.
How it compares in its category
Most nylon backpacks in the 20-30 liter range use similar water-repellent coating coatings with unknown or mixed chemical profiles. Brands like Patagonia and Arc'teryx have published stricter chemical guidelines, though even their disclosure remains limited. The Inertia 24 is competitively positioned on durability and design; the chemical risk profile is typical for mid-range outdoor packs, neither better nor worse than comparable Gregory or competitor models without explicit PFAS commitment.
If you buy it
Wash the backpack separately from other textiles in cool water to minimize any potential leaching of coating residues. Avoid high-heat drying or direct sunlight for extended periods, which can accelerate coating breakdown. Inspect seams and coated areas annually for degradation; re-proof with aftermarket water-repellent coating products only if the original coating visibly wears away. Storage in a cool, dry space extends the life of both the nylon and the 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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating (fluorochemical water repellent)
Water-repellent textiles commonly contain PFAS. Gregory's water-repellent coating chemistry is undisclosed; composition cannot be confirmed as PFAS-free or PFAS-containing based on available public information.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
No established reports of formaldehyde resin use in Gregory nylon backpacks. Nylon does not typically require formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resistance finishes as wool or cotton does.
Azo dyes in nylon coloring
No specific recalls or test results identifying banned azo dyes in Gregory Inertia packs. Commercial nylon backpacks from established brands generally comply with restrictive substance limits, though full dye chemistry is rarely disclosed.
water-repellent coating degradation over time
water-repellent coating treatments on nylon are temporary and degrade through washing, sunlight, and wear. As the coating wears away, residual fluorochemical particles may shed into the environment or contact skin during use.
Heavy metals in pigments or dyes
No documented issues with cadmium, lead, or other heavy metals in Gregory backpack dyes. Pigments in technical nylon are generally tested for heavy metal content by major outdoor brands.
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 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.