Helly Hansen · Waterproof Outdoor Bags & Luggage
Helly Hansen Loke Backpack
Outdoor backpack with water-repellent coating, PFAS details unknown from brand.
Helly Hansen Loke uses water-repellent coating treatment typical of outdoor gear, but does not publicly disclose PFAS content or avoidance. water-repellent coating coatings commonly contain PFAS; verification unavailable.
The safe swap
Garmin
Garmin Carry Case
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating water-resistant 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 Loke Backpack is constructed primarily from nylon and polyester fabrics with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. water-repellent coating coatings are the chief chemical concern for outdoor gear, as traditional formulations have relied on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) to achieve water-shedding performance. Nylon and polyester themselves are stable synthetic polymers with low leaching risk under normal use; the hazard profile depends almost entirely on what water-repellent coating chemistry Helly Hansen selected and how it degrades with wear and washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Helly Hansen has not publicly disclosed water-repellent coating treatment chemistry for the Loke Backpack or made clear commitments to PFAS-free water-repellent alternatives on their website or product documentation. The brand does not prominently advertise certifications like bluesign or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for this product, which would provide independent verification of hazardous substance avoidance. Industry peer companies (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) have increasingly shifted to fluorine-free water-repellent coating or disclosed their PFAS use; Helly Hansen's silence on this category suggests either legacy formulations or an intentional non-disclosure policy.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor backpacks at this price and performance tier (mid-range) commonly use water-repellent coating treatments, and most brands do not disclose chemistry. Helly Hansen's position is typical rather than exceptional; competitors like The North Face and Columbia face similar transparency gaps. Higher-end brands (Patagonia, Arcteryx) now offer fluorine-free or clearly PFAS-disclosed gear, while budget options sometimes skip water-repellent coating altogether. The Loke sits in a middle zone where water resistance is valued but chemical accountability is not yet standard.
If you buy it
Avoid frequent machine washing; hand rinse with plain water when possible to slow water-repellent coating degradation and reduce chemical leaching into waterways. Do not dry-clean or use heavy detergents, as these can strip and reactivate any water-repellent coating residues. Inspect seams and coating annually for wear; a degraded water-repellent coating will lose function but not pose acute hazard to you. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight, which can accelerate polymer aging and adhesion loss of the water-repellent coating layer.
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 leachability and environmental persistence
If the water-repellent coating uses traditional PFAS-based chemistry (not disclosed by brand), washing and weathering will gradually release these compounds into water. No acute health risk to wearer, but persistent bioaccumulative risk if product is laundered regularly and effluent enters waterways.
Nylon/polyester microfiber shedding
Synthetic textile backpacks shed microfibers during abrasion and washing, but the Loke's purpose (worn, not garment-close contact) limits dermal exposure. No documented acute toxicity from incidental microfiber contact; concern is primarily environmental and long-term in high-frequency washers.
Formaldehyde or azo dyes in fabric dyeing
Helly Hansen does not disclose dyeing chemistry for the Loke. Industry standard for nylon/polyester outdoor gear typically avoids heavy formaldehyde use, but absence of third-party certification (bluesign, OEKO) means no guarantee. Direct skin contact is minimal with a backpack, reducing exposure even if present.
Adhesive or seam-tape off-gassing
Water-sealed seams and any thermoplastic adhesives used to bond overlays may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) initially, particularly if stored in warm conditions or new. This is temporary and not documented as a health hazard, but sensitivity to smells or chemical odor is a fair concern in the first weeks of use.
Metal hardware corrosion and leaching
Zippers, buckles, and D-rings are typically nickel-plated steel or aluminum on mid-range packs. No nickel or aluminum leaching hazard under normal conditions; risk only relevant if hardware is corroded and comes into prolonged contact with broken skin.
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 Bags & Luggage
Garmin
Carry Case
Neoprene or polyester with nylon hardware
Lower concern protective case, no known PFAS risk signals.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Keen
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Recycled rice paper, plastic composite, no evident water-resistant coating
Lower concern. Plain materials, no apparent water-repellent coating treatment.
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More waterproof outdoor bags & luggage 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.