Gregory · Portable Outdoor Gear Bags
Inertia 18 H2O
Unknown water-repellent coating treatment chemistry; Gregory silent on PFAS disclosure.
Gregory's Inertia 18 H2O backpack uses a water-resistant treatment but the brand does not publicly disclose whether it contains PFAS. No third-party testing data available for this model.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon/polyester blend with water-resistant treatment (H2O system)
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 18 H2O uses a nylon/polyester blend with Gregory's proprietary H2O water-resistant finish. Nylon and polyester are stable synthetic fibers with low inherent toxicity, but the "H2O" water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment chemistry is not publicly disclosed. water-repellent coating finishes historically relied on PFAS compounds (perfluorocarbon chains), though some brands have shifted to PFAS-free alternatives; Gregory has not clarified which approach they use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Gregory is a well-established outdoor gear manufacturer but has not published detailed chemical disclosure policies or PFAS commitments comparable to transparency leaders in the category. No major product recalls related to chemical hazards are on public record for Gregory apparel. The company's silence on water-repellent coating chemistry and PFAS status is a disclosure gap rather than evidence of harm, but it limits independent assessment.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range water-resistant backpacks and apparel use water-repellent coating coatings; Gregory's approach is typical for this price and performance tier. Brands like Patagonia and Arc'teryx have published PFAS reduction commitments and third-party test results, setting a higher disclosure standard. The Inertia 18 H2O sits in the middle: functional and reputable, but less transparent than category leaders on chemical inputs.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with mild detergent to preserve the water-resistant coating and minimize any potential chemical release. Avoid dry cleaning, which may use aggressive solvents. The water-repellent coating treatment will degrade over 2-3 years of regular use; re-treatment is common for outdoor gear and available as an aftermarket service. Store in a dry location to prevent mold growth in the fabric layers, which is a moisture-related hygiene issue, not a chemical hazard.
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.”
Azo dyes in synthetic textiles
Nylon and polyester can be dyed with azo compounds; no product-specific testing or complaints are on record for Gregory Inertia products. Standard industrial dyes used in reputable outdoor apparel are generally tested for heavy metal content.
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic finishes
Antimony in polyester fibers
Antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst in polyester production; finished apparel contains residual amounts typically below health-concern thresholds and not regulated as a consumer hazard. No specific testing or issues are documented for Gregory polyester.
water-repellent coating degradation and microplastic shedding
All water-repellent coating-treated textiles shed microscopic polymer particles over time, especially after washing or abrasion. This is a general property of coated fabrics, not specific to Gregory, but more frequent washing accelerates shedding. The coating itself (PFAS or alternative) breaks down into particulates; environmental fate depends on chemical composition.
Undisclosed water-resistant treatment chemistry
Gregory's H2O system description lacks specificity on active ingredients or PFAS status. Without independent testing or manufacturer disclosure, the hazard profile of the water-repellent coating finish cannot be fully assessed. This is a transparency and precaution issue rather than a confirmed health risk.
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.