Kelty · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Kelty Redwing Traveler 30L Backpack
Moderate risk. water-repellent coating treatment likely contains PFAS, brand silent.
Kelty Redwing backpacks use durable nylon with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. water-repellent coating treatments commonly contain PFAS; Kelty does not disclose or claim PFAS-free status.
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Material
Nylon 6.6 fabric with water-repellent 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
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 Redwing Traveler uses nylon 6.6 fabric, a synthetic polymer chosen for durability and water resistance in outdoor gear. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the nylon is the primary concern: these treatments historically relied on PFAS chemicals to achieve water-shedding properties, though the exact chemistry Kelty uses is not publicly disclosed. Nylon 6.6 itself does not leach hazardous chemicals under normal backpack use conditions, and the fabric does not off-gas formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds at the levels typical of furniture or interior textiles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kelty, owned by Johnson Outdoor, has not published a public commitment to PFAS phase-out or chemical transparency in backpack materials. The company does not list PFAS certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Bluesign) for this product line. Kelty has not faced major recalls or safety controversies specific to textile hazards in backpacks, but the silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is notable given industry movement toward PFAS-free alternatives. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to confirm whether the coating contains legacy PFAS or newer replacements.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream outdoor backpacks in this price range use water-repellent coating coatings similar to or identical to Kelty's approach, so the Redwing Traveler is not an outlier in PFAS exposure risk. Brands like Patagonia and Arc'teryx have begun disclosing PFAS-free water-repellent coating options (notably Paragon and PFC-free formulations), setting a higher standard. Budget and mid-market competitors (Osprey, Gregory, Deuter) similarly decline public disclosure, placing Kelty in the median rather than the worst or best position. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, dedicated eco-focused brands offer transparent alternatives, though at higher cost.
If you buy it
Wash the backpack gently in cool water with mild detergent before heavy use to remove any loose coating residues; avoid hot water or machine washing, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and increase any potential leaching. Do not dry clean or expose to high heat. Replace the backpack if the water-repellent coating visibly peels, flakes, or deteriorates, as compromised coating may shed microparticles. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend coating life; reapplication of commercial PFAS-free water-repellent coating products is possible if water resistance declines, though this is optional for functionality.
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 composition (PFAS risk)
Water-repellent finishes on nylon outdoor gear almost universally contain PFAS or PFAS-like compounds. Kelty's silence on this chemistry and lack of OEKO-TEX or Bluesign certification suggests conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating, though reformulation cannot be ruled out.
Formaldehyde resins in dyes or finishes
Nylon 6.6 backpack fabric does not require formaldehyde-based finishing resins for structure or dye fixation. No recalls or testing have flagged formaldehyde in Kelty backpacks specifically.
Azo dyes (carcinogenic potential)
Kelty does not disclose dye chemistry for the Redwing line. Nylon fabric typically accepts low-volatility dyes; no evidence of restricted azo dyes in this product, but certification (OEKO-TEX 100) would provide assurance and is absent.
Antimony in polyester accents
Backpacks often include small polyester webbing straps, labels, or linings. Antimony trioxide is a catalyst in polyester production; if present, it poses minimal risk in a backpack (low dermal contact, no ingestion pathway) but indicates lower manufacturing standards overall.
Microplastic shedding from coating degradation
As the water-repellent coating ages and peels, small particles may shed. This risk is not specific to Kelty but is inherent to coated synthetic textiles; regular inspection and gentle washing minimize release.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% 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.