Gregory · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Gregory Juno 30
Backpack with water-repellent coating treatment; PFAS details unknown, approach with caution.
Gregory Juno 30 is a nylon hiking backpack with water-repellent coating finish. Brand discloses no PFAS information; water-repellent coating treatments often contain PFAS, but specific composition unconfirmed.
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Material
Nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating finish
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 Juno 30 uses nylon ripstop as its primary fabric, a synthetic polymer chosen for lightweight strength and tear resistance. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the nylon is the chemical concern: most commercial DWRs historically used PFAS compounds, though manufacturers have shifted toward fluorine-free alternatives in recent years. Gregory has not publicly disclosed which type they use on this model, leaving the fluorochemistry uncertain.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gregory (owned by Vista Outdoor) does not maintain a public commitment or transparency statement on PFAS avoidance in their product lines. The brand has not published third-party certifications (such as bluesign or GOTS) for this pack, and no recalls or safety controversies specific to Gregory backpacks have been documented. Their silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is a red flag in an industry where competitors increasingly specify fluorine-free or PFAS-free treatments.
How it compares in its category
Mid-range hiking packs of this size typically use nylon with some form of water repellency. Competitors like Osprey and Arc'teryx have begun disclosing fluorine-free water-repellent coating use on select models, while Gregory has not followed suit publicly. The Juno 30 sits in a competitive middle ground where durability is strong but chemical transparency lags behind category leaders.
If you buy it
Wash it sparingly and in cold water to minimize any potential leaching of finish chemicals; avoid machine drying or high heat. Replace the pack if seams fail or fabric tears significantly, as the water-repellent coating will degrade over years of use and reapplication products are not well characterized. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow UV and moisture-driven degradation. Do not use for food storage if the interior coating flakes or the fabric odor is strong when new.
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 finish (non-PFAS assessment of co-hazards)
Unknown chemistry in water-repellent coating treatment; Gregory has not disclosed fluorine-free status. Potential for skin contact during use and microfiber shedding during washing, though absolute exposure levels are not quantified in public literature.
Azo dyes in nylon coloring
No recalls or safety alerts specific to Gregory Juno 30 dye chemistry. Standard nylon ripstop rarely triggers azo-dye concerns if sourced from regulated suppliers, but brand does not publish dye standards.
Antimony in polyester (if present in blend)
This pack is described as nylon ripstop, not polyester, so antimony catalyst residue is not a relevant concern for this specific product.
Formaldehyde resins in finish or fabric treatment
Nylon ripstop fabric itself does not typically require formaldehyde cross-linking. Gregory has not publicly cited formaldehyde-free finishes, but no safety reports exist for this product.
Degradation of coating and microfiber release over time
water-repellent coating finishes degrade with repeated washing and wear, potentially releasing microfibers and finish particles. This is a category-wide issue, not specific to Gregory, but heavier use increases exposure.
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 Gear
Patagonia
Refugio Day Pack 26L
recycled nylon with non-fluorinated water-repellent coating treatment
Lower PFAS concern. Patagonia claims non-fluorinated water-repellent coating on this pack.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof outdoor gear 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.