Kelty · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Kelty Asher 55 Backpack
Mid-range risk. water-repellent coating likely but composition unspecified.
Kelty's Asher 55 uses nylon with water-resistant treatment, standard for hiking packs. Brand discloses nothing about PFAS or water-repellent coating chemistry, leaving risk unclear.
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Material
Nylon fabric 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 Asher 55 uses nylon fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. Nylon polymer itself is inert and does not leach harmful chemicals under normal pack use. The water-repellent coating, however, is the chemical wildcard: water-repellent coating finishes are commonly applied with fluorinated compounds (PFAS-based) or, less commonly, non-fluorinated alternatives. Kelty does not publicly disclose which chemistry their water-repellent coating uses, leaving the specific fluorine content unknown.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kelty (owned by Johnson Outdoor) does not publish detailed chemical composition, water-repellent coating sourcing, or material safety disclosures for their packs. No PFAS commitments, phase-out targets, or third-party certifications (Oeko-Tex, Bluesign) are on record for this model. No recalls or documented chemical contamination events for Kelty backpacks have been publicly reported. This silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is typical for outdoor gear brands but represents a transparency gap.
How it compares in its category
Kelty's approach to water-repellent coating finishing reflects the outdoor pack industry norm: nearly all nylon packs receive some water-repellent treatment, and fluorinated water-repellent coating remains the most durable and common choice. Competitors like Osprey and Arc'teryx similarly lack granular water-repellent coating transparency for mid-range models. Packs explicitly marketed as PFAS-free (some Patagonia lines, Hyperlite Mountain Gear models) do exist but often cost more or sacrifice water-shedding durability. The Asher 55 sits in the mainstream tier.
If you buy it
Wash the pack infrequently and avoid hot water and dryers, which can stress the water-repellent coating and potentially accelerate any leaching. Store in a dry place; moisture trapped inside does not increase chemical release risk but does invite mildew. Expect the water-repellent coating to degrade after 3-5 years of heavy use or 7-10 years of moderate use; reapplication is an option but introduces fresh water-repellent coating. If PFAS exposure concerns you, durability maximization through gentle use extends the life and reduces replacement frequency.
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 finish PFAS content (fluorinated compounds)
water-repellent coating finishes on nylon outdoor gear are predominantly fluorinated PFAS as of current manufacture. Kelty does not disclose their specific water-repellent coating chemistry. Fluorinated water-repellent coating does not off-gas significantly under normal use but can leach into wash water and may persist in the environment after disposal.
Formaldehyde in nylon dyeing/finishing resins
No recalled or documented formaldehyde issues specific to Kelty packs. Nylon dyeing can involve formaldehyde-releasing resins, but modern outdoor brands typically comply with Oeko-Tex or equivalent limits. Kelty does not publicly state compliance, so residual formaldehyde levels are unconfirmed but not flagged in industry sources.
Azo dyes and colorants
Restricted azo dyes (banned in EU textiles) are not documented as a problem in Kelty packs. The brand follows standard US apparel regulations. No safety alerts or recalls tied to dye contamination exist for this product line.
Antimony in polyester zippers and hardware trim
The Asher 55 includes polyester webbing straps and YKK zippers (standard across the category). Antimony is an oxide flame retardant sometimes present in polyester textiles at low levels but poses minimal risk during normal wearing and contact. No specific antimony data for Kelty is available; the hazard is category-level, not brand-specific.
water-repellent coating degradation and reapplication chemicals
Over time, the water-repellent coating finish wears off. Consumers may reapply commercial water-repellent coating products (spray or wash-in), which typically contain fluorinated or silicone-based compounds. Improper application in poorly ventilated spaces may increase inhalation exposure. Original factory water-repellent coating is lower-risk than consumer reapplication.
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.