Helly Hansen · Waterproof Outdoor Bags & Luggage
Helly Hansen Unisex Generator Backpack
water-repellent coating backpack; PFAS coating likely but unconfirmed by brand.
Helly Hansen does not disclose PFAS use in this backpack. Outdoor backpacks typically use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, though Helly Hansen's specific formulation is undisclosed.
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 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
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 Generator uses nylon and polyester fabrics treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating to shed rain and spills. water-repellent coating finishes on outdoor gear commonly rely on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) to achieve water resistance, though Helly Hansen has not publicly confirmed the chemistry. Nylon and polyester themselves are stable synthetic fibers with low toxicity risk under normal use, but the coating's composition and shedding behavior during washing and wear are the primary safety consideration here.
The brand's record and disclosure
Helly Hansen has not published detailed material disclosures or PFAS-free commitments for this specific product line, and remains silent on water-repellent coating chemistry across its backpack range. The brand does hold certifications including ISO 14001 environmental management but has not committed to phasing out PFAS in water-resistant products, unlike some outdoor competitors. No product-specific recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this model.
How it compares in its category
Most nylon backpacks with water-repellent coating coatings in this price and durability tier use conventional PFAS-based water repellents; genuinely PFAS-free alternatives exist but are less common and often less durable. Helly Hansen's lack of transparency puts this backpack in the middle of the outdoor gear spectrum: better than uncoated options for water performance, but less environmentally accountable than brands explicitly labeling PFAS-free alternatives. The Generator's outdoor heritage and durability reputation suggest the coating will remain effective for years, prolonging microplastic and PFAS exposure windows.
If you buy it
Wash infrequently in cold water with gentle detergent to minimize coating breakdown and shedding; avoid machine washing if possible. Do not dry-clean or expose to direct heat above 60 degrees Celsius, as this can degrade the water-repellent coating finish and potentially release residual monomers. Replace the backpack if the fabric begins to absorb water noticeably, a sign coating has failed; repair patches will not restore water resistance. Store in a cool, dry place to extend coating life and reduce unnecessary replacement cycles.
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 degradation and microfiber shedding
Nylon and polyester water-repellent coating backpacks shed microfibers and coating particles during washing and wear, especially as the finish degrades. This product's durability design suggests a 3-5 year lifespan before significant coating loss, creating a prolonged shedding window.
Nylon fiber shedding under abrasion
Nylon fabrics can release microfibers through friction with skin, clothing, and other surfaces. No specific data on this backpack model, but the material and weave type used in outdoor packs are known to shed at low to moderate rates under normal use.
Polyester photodegradation and breakdown products
Extended UV exposure and weathering can degrade polyester components, potentially releasing degradation byproducts. This risk is higher for outdoor backpacks used in direct sunlight for extended seasons.
Chemical residuals in synthetic dyes and treatments
No product-specific testing or recalls document azo dyes, heavy metals, or formaldehyde in this backpack's nylon or polyester. Helly Hansen does not disclose dye or finish chemistry for this model, so residual risk cannot be ruled out entirely.
Adhesive and seam-sealing compounds
Taped seams and adhesive components in waterproof backpacks may off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new, though this dissipates within days to weeks with airing. No specific disclosure available for this model's construction adhesives.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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
Hybrid Transport Backpack Tan Recycled Rice Paper Plastic Daypack
Recycled rice paper, plastic composite, no evident water-resistant coating
Lower concern. Plain materials, no apparent water-repellent coating treatment.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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.