Lowepro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Cases
LowePro Fastpack BP 250 AW III Backpack
Skip until water-repellent coating details clarified. Likely PFAS-treated.
Camera backpack with water-resistant nylon fabric treated with water-repellent coating. Lowepro does not disclose PFAS content or use of fluorochemicals in the AW III line.
The safe swap
GoPro
GoPro Mission 1 Protective Housing
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-repellent coating) 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 Fastpack BP 250 AW III uses nylon and polyester fabrics with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating, likely Teflon-family coating-based, a common PFAS delivery method in outdoor gear. Nylon itself is chemically stable and non-leaching under normal use; polyester is similarly inert. The water-repellent coating is the primary concern: it sheds microfibers when abraded and may release PFAS chemicals, especially during laundering or if the coating degrades.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowepro has not made public commitments to PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatments or disclosed coating chemistry for this model. The brand does not appear on ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) or similar textile safety certifications lists. No product-specific recalls or contamination reports are on record for this backpack. The silent stance on water-repellent coating composition is typical of the photo gear industry but limits transparency around PFAS use.
How it compares in its category
Most durable camera backpacks in this price and performance tier use similar Teflon-family coating water-repellent coating coatings; this is standard practice. A small number of brands (e.g., Peak Design Everyday Backpack) have moved toward PFC-free water repellents, though availability remains limited. The Fastpack is not exceptional in safety profile compared to competitors, it is middle-of-the-road for PFAS risk in outdoor bags.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only; avoid machine washing or hot water, which accelerates water-repellent coating shedding and potential PFAS release. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. Air-dry away from direct heat. Inspect seams and coatings annually; replace the bag if the water-repellent coating layer visibly peels, flakes, or becomes tacky. Store in a cool, dry place to slow degradation. If PFAS exposure is a priority concern, consider waiting for the brand to publish water-repellent coating ingredient details or switch to an explicitly PFC-free alternative.
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
Teflon-family coating coatings on nylon/polyester degrade with use and washing, releasing microscopic fibers and potentially associated PFAS into water and potentially air. The pace of degradation depends on washing frequency and abrasion.
Formaldehyde in dyes and finishing resins
No specific reports for this model. Nylon and polyester textiles can retain formaldehyde resins from manufacture, but Lowepro does not publish dye/finish safety data. Levels in apparel-grade materials are typically below acute hazard thresholds.
Azo dyes in colored nylon/polyester
The backpack uses black, gray, and colored nylon/polyester. Azo dyes, some of which break down into carcinogenic amines, are not forbidden in US backpack manufacturing. No specific testing or restriction is documented for Lowepro products.
Heavy metals in dyes and pigments
No recalls or public warnings specific to this backpack. Synthetic pigments in outdoor textiles can contain trace lead or cadmium, but detection requires lab analysis. Risk is low during normal handling; higher if fabric is chewed or ingested by children.
Adhesive off-gassing in seams and patches
Seams are bonded with polyurethane or epoxy adhesives that may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing, especially when new. Odor typically dissipates within days to weeks of airing out. No hazard data specific to this model is available.
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 Camera & Lens Cases
GoPro
Mission 1 Protective Housing
Polycarbonate and silicone housing, lens glass
Lower concern. Standard action camera housing with minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof camera & lens cases 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.