Mountainsmith · Portable Outdoor Gear Bags
Mountainsmith Divide EVO Daypack
Unknown water-repellent coating chemistry; no PFAS disclosure or testing data available.
Mountainsmith makes no public claims about PFAS or water-repellent coating treatment chemistry on this daypack. The nylon likely carries a water-repellent coating, but the manufacturer does not disclose its composition.
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Material
nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating treatment, specific chemistry unspecified
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 Divide EVO uses nylon ripstop as its primary fabric, a lightweight, durable polymer mesh woven with reinforcing threads. The critical unknown is the water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to this nylon. water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) but have been shifting toward fluorine-free alternatives; Mountainsmith has not publicly specified which chemistry they use. Nylon itself is not inherently hazardous, but the applied treatment chemistry determines residual toxicity risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Mountainsmith does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry, PFAS testing data, or relevant certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Bluesign) for the Divide EVO. The brand maintains no visible sustainability or chemical transparency statements on their website or product documentation. This silence is notable in a market where competitors increasingly volunteer fluorine-free water-repellent coating information; lack of disclosure does not confirm PFAS presence but indicates no proactive safety communication.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range outdoor daypacks in this segment (REI Co-op, Arc'teryx, Patagonia) either publicly state fluorine-free water-repellent coating or carry third-party certifications. The Mountainsmith Divide EVO is competitively priced and functional but lags in chemical transparency relative to brands actively marketing safer water-repellent coating alternatives. Nylon ripstop durability is standard across the category; the differentiator here is the absence of reassurance about the treatment layer.
If you buy it
Wash the pack periodically with mild detergent and cool water to reduce buildup of residual chemicals and contaminants. Avoid high-heat drying or direct sun exposure for prolonged periods, as this can accelerate coating degradation and potential microfiber shedding. Do not machine wash in hot water or bleach, as these can compromise the water-repellent coating layer and increase leaching from any remaining treatment residues. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or solvents. If you are PFAS-sensitive or pregnant, consider requesting water-repellent coating chemistry confirmation from Mountainsmith before purchase, or choose a brand with published fluorine-free documentation.
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 water-repellent coating (fluorinated water repellent)
Mountainsmith does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry. Nylon ripstop water repellents traditionally used PFOA, PFOS, or related fluorinated compounds; many brands have phased these out, but absence of disclosure means fluorine-free status cannot be assumed. Risk is greatest during initial use and washing.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Nylon ripstop does not typically require formaldehyde-based dyes or wrinkle-resistant finishes. No evidence of such treatments in this product category; standard nylon processing avoids this hazard class.
Azo dyes
The Divide EVO is marketed in solid earth tones (olive, charcoal, etc.). Nylon ripstop is not dependent on azo dyes for these colors, and no public concerns or recalls exist for Mountainsmith packs on this issue.
Antimony in polyester components
Primary material is nylon, not polyester. Seam tape, mesh liners, or webbing may contain polyester; Mountainsmith does not specify. Risk is low unless large secondary polyester content and poor antimony controls, which is uncommon in outdoor gear.
Microfiber shedding and degradation of water-repellent coating
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 Portable Outdoor Gear Bags
REI Co-op
Trailgate Gear Bin Green 140 L
Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
Lower PFAS concern for bare plastic storage container.
⚠Risky category by default
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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.