Lowepro · Waterproof Camera & Lens Cases
Lowepro Hardside 300 Photo Waterproof Camera Hard Case
Hard case material unspecified; waterproof treatment likely contains PFAS.
Lowepro does not disclose case material or waterproofing chemistry. Waterproof hard cases typically use PFAS-based coatings for durability, though this product's specific formulation is unknown.
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
Hard-sided polymer case with waterproof sealant/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 Lowepro Hardside 300 is constructed from hard-sided polymer (likely polypropylene or similar thermoplastic), which is chemically stable under normal storage and use conditions. The waterproof seal or coating applied to the case is the material of concern; waterproofing treatments on rigid cases typically use fluorocarbon-based polymers or aqueous coatings containing fluorinated compounds to achieve water resistance. No public specification sheet clearly identifies the exact sealant chemistry, making it impossible to rule out PFAS-containing formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowepro (owned by Vitec Group) does not maintain a publicly documented position on PFAS in product materials or manufacturing processes. The company provides no material safety data sheets or third-party certifications specific to PFAS avoidance for this case. Industry peer brands (Pelican, for example) similarly remain silent on fluorinated coatings in hard cases, suggesting this is an unaddressed category-wide transparency gap rather than a Lowepro-specific failing.
How it compares in its category
Hard-sided camera cases universally use polymer construction and waterproof treatments; this product is typical for the category and carries the same unresolved PFAS exposure risks as comparable Pelican, Storm Case, and other major brands. No manufacturer in this segment has disclosed PFAS-free sealant alternatives, making differentiation impossible on this hazard alone. Soft-sided cases with sealed zippers avoid waterproof coatings but sacrifice durability and weather protection.
If you buy it
Store the case in well-ventilated areas when new to minimize off-gassing of any volatile compounds in the waterproof coating; this is a one-time concern in the first few days. Do not expose the case to heat above 60°C (140°F), as polymer degradation is unlikely but thermal stress could compromise the waterproof seal. Clean the exterior with mild soap and water only; avoid solvents that may degrade the coating. The waterproof seal and gasket should be inspected annually for wear or cracks, particularly if used in saltwater or extreme conditions.
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.”
PFAS in waterproof coating
Waterproof sealants on rigid polymer cases almost universally contain fluorinated compounds; no specification from Lowepro rules this out. Exposure during normal use is minimal (sealed case, no ingestion path), but off-gassing in enclosed storage spaces or thermal stress could liberate volatile PFAS.
Polymer leaching under stress
Hard-sided polymer cases themselves (polypropylene or polystyrene) do not typically leach regulated chemicals under storage conditions. However, if the case is used to store food or beverages, or if heated above 60°C, minor migration of oligomers or additives is theoretically possible, though not documented for this product.
Microplastic shedding from surface degradation
No reports of microplastic generation from Lowepro hard cases in normal use. Weathering, UV exposure, or mechanical abrasion over years of outdoor use could theoretically shed small polymer particles, but this is not a documented concern for this product category and requires extreme use conditions.
Gasket and seal material toxicity
Waterproof gaskets in hard cases typically contain nitrile rubber or elastomeric polymers, which are generally safe; however, flame retardants or other additives are sometimes present in sealing compounds. Lowepro does not disclose gasket material or composition, and no incidents are on record for this model.
Off-gassing of volatile organic compounds from coating
New hard cases with wet or cured waterproof coatings may emit trace VOCs for a few days after manufacture or opening. This is not hazardous in normally ventilated spaces but may be noticeable indoors; airing the case outdoors for 24-48 hours is a standard precaution.
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 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.