Marmot · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Bags
Trail Gear Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack
Waterproof dry bag, likely water-repellent coating-treated. PFAS status unknown without testing.
Marmot does not publicly disclose PFAS treatment or avoidance for this dry bag. water-repellent coating waterproof coatings historically used PFAS, though newer alternatives exist. No third-party PFAS testing available.
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Material
Ripstop nylon 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
Marmot's dry bag uses ripstop nylon, a synthetic woven fabric with high tear resistance, typically coated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish to shed moisture. Ripstop nylon itself is chemically inert in normal use. The water-repellent coating is the variable: many outdoor brands still rely on fluorocarbon-based treatments (PFAS-containing), though some have shifted to non-fluorinated alternatives. Marmot does not publicly disclose the chemistry of its water-repellent coating finish, so the PFAS content cannot be verified without independent testing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Marmot (owned by Caldera Brands, formerly owned by Swallow Industries) has not issued public statements specifically addressing PFAS in their product coatings. The brand has not obtained Bluesign certification or other independent verification of water-repellent coating chemistry. No recalls or health controversies involving this product line are on record. For a company of Marmot's size in outdoor gear, the lack of transparency is a notable gap, though not uncommon in the backpack/dry bag category.
How it compares in its category
Ripstop nylon dry bags are a standard construction across most mid-range outdoor brands (The North Face, Osprey, REI Co-op). The main differentiation is water-repellent coating chemistry, which is rarely disclosed at point of sale. Marmot's product sits in a middle tier: not explicitly marketed as PFAS-free (like some newer sustainability-focused brands) but also not flagged for unusual chemical exposure. Prices and durability are competitive; coating longevity typically runs 2-4 years with field use.
If you buy it
Store the bag in a dry location to minimize mold risk in the nylon interior. Avoid prolonged heat (do not machine wash in hot water or tumble dry); hand wash with mild soap if needed, as heat can accelerate coating degradation. Reapply commercial water-repellent coating treatments every 1-2 years if water beading noticeably decreases. If the brand eventually discloses PFAS-free certification, that would reduce the care tier. Otherwise, monitor for signs of coating breakdown (sticky residue, uneven water shedding) after 3-4 years of use.
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 chemistry (non-PFAS hazards)
Even non-fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes may contain other chemical surfactants; Marmot does not disclose which type is used. Risk of skin contact is low in normal use but elevated during wet conditions or if coating degrades into smaller particles.
Nylon microfiber shedding
Ripstop nylon itself does not readily shed microplastics in normal wear or washing as a dry bag (it is a structural backpack, not a garment worn against skin). Risk is minimal unless the fabric is torn and handled roughly.
Azo dyes or heavy metals in nylon fabric
No specific recalls or warnings for Marmot dry bags. Nylon fabric produced to modern standards typically avoids restricted azo dyes and cadmium. No independent testing data available for this product.
Mold and bacterial growth in storage
Dry bags are designed to keep contents dry, not to breathe. If stored damp or in warm, humid conditions, the interior nylon can harbor mold or bacteria. This is a use/care issue, not a manufacturing defect, but relevant to safe storage.
Coating off-gassing or skin irritation on contact
No reported incidents of allergic reaction or respiratory irritation from Marmot dry bags. water-repellent coating coatings are typically cured before sale; volatile emissions should be minimal under normal conditions.
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 Bags
Marmot
Tool Box
Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
Toolbox, not garment. Check product specs for water-repellent coating.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof outdoor gear bags 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.