Gregory · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Gregory Nano Backpack
Gregory offers no PFAS disclosure; water-repellent coating finish risk uncertain.
Gregory Nano Backpack uses durable nylon with water-repellent coating, but the brand provides no information about PFAS in the water-repellent coating treatment. Standard water-repellent coating backpack coatings often contain PFAS; Gregory's specific formulation is undisclosed.
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Material
Nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating water-resistant 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 Gregory Nano uses nylon and polyester fabrics, both synthetic polymers that are chemically stable under normal use conditions and do not leach heavy metals or BPA. The concern here is the water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior: manufacturers typically use either PFAS-based or newer fluorine-free formulations, but Gregory has not publicly specified which. Nylon and polyester themselves are benign for skin contact; the finish is where uncertainty lies.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gregory (owned by Vista Outdoor) does not maintain published disclosure statements on PFAS use, water-repellent coating chemistry, or restricted substance compliance that are readily accessible to consumers. The brand has not voluntarily pursued bluesign or OEKO-TEX certification, which would require independent third-party verification of chemical inputs. No product recalls or contamination reports have been established for this model. This silence on supply chain transparency is notable in an industry where competitors increasingly publish water-repellent coating sourcing.
How it compares in its category
Mid-range outdoor backpacks typically use either PFAS-based or fluorine-free water-repellent coating finishes; Gregory's lack of disclosure puts it in a less transparent position than brands like Patagonia (which explicitly phased out legacy PFAS) or Arc'teryx (which discloses supplier standards). Most budget to mid-tier outdoor gear does not voluntarily test or certify water-repellent coating chemistry. The Nano is ordinary for its price point but offers no reassurance beyond standard nylon durability.
If you buy it
The Nano is designed for everyday carry and light hiking; normal use (wearing, exposure to rain, washing with detergent) poses no documented acute hazard. Avoid prolonged high-heat drying or dry cleaning, which could degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially volatilize residual finish chemicals. Wash infrequently in cold water with mild soap; the water-repellent coating will naturally wear over 2-3 years. If environmental PFAS exposure is a concern, contact Gregory directly to request documentation of water-repellent coating source before purchase, as this information is not currently public.
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 (water-repellent coating) finish composition
Gregory does not disclose whether the water-resistant coating uses PFAS or fluorine-free alternatives. Older water-repellent coating formulations contain long-chain PFAS; newer ones may use shorter-chain or non-fluorinated options. Without manufacturer statement, composition cannot be verified.
Azo dyes in polyester/nylon fabric
No recalls or test reports indicate azo dye contamination in Gregory Nano models. Polyester and nylon in certified outdoor gear typically use compliant dyes, but Gregory does not publish independent testing. Risk is low but unverified.
Formaldehyde resins (fabric finishing)
Industrial nylon and polyester can be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance; Gregory does not disclose use of such agents. Most outdoor backpacks use minimal formaldehyde finishing, and this product shows no reported off-gassing complaints. Risk is low for direct skin contact.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony trioxide is a catalyst used in polyester production and typically remains bound in the polymer matrix at trace levels. No evidence of antimony leaching from Gregory packs or similar consumer nylon/polyester gear. Hazard is theoretical and not documented.
Coating degradation and microfiber shedding
As the water-repellent coating finish wears (typically after 2-3 years of regular use), the coating breaks down into small particles. While nylon microfiber shed is unavoidable in textiles, unknown water-repellent coating chemistry means potential environmental or wash-water impact cannot be assessed without disclosure.
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.