MSR · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Bags
NRS 110L Bill's Bag Dry Bag
Dry bag with unknown waterproof coating, no PFAS disclosure available.
NRS/MSR dry bags use water-repellent coating-treated nylon for waterproofing but do not publicly disclose coating chemistry. Without brand transparency or third-party testing, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out.
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Material
Nylon fabric with water-repellent coating waterproof 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
NRS 110L is constructed from nylon fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. The specific chemistry of that coating is not disclosed by MSR/NRS. water-repellent coating coatings traditionally used fluorinated compounds (PFAS), but modern alternatives exist; without transparency, the coating's composition remains unknown. Nylon itself is chemically stable and low-hazard, but the coating's durability and leaching behavior during use and washing cannot be assessed without disclosure.
The brand's record and disclosure
NRS (an MSR subsidiary) does not publish PFAS testing results, ingredient disclosures, or certifications (like Bluesign or OEKO-TEX) for this product. MSR's parent company Cascade Designs has not made public commitments to PFAS phase-out or transparency in their outdoor gear lines. This silence on a known category concern (waterproof coatings) is notable in an era where major competitors increasingly disclose or commit to non-fluorinated alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Dry bags occupy a narrow niche where water-shedding is functional, not decorative. Many competitors (Osprey, Patagonia dry bags) now disclose non-fluorinated water-repellent coating or use mechanical coatings. The NRS 110L's lack of transparency is a disadvantage relative to brands that have moved toward PFC-free or tested-safe alternatives. Price and durability may offset this for cost-conscious buyers, but information parity is absent.
If you buy it
Wash infrequently in cold water without detergent to preserve the water-repellent coating; heat and surfactants degrade water repellency. Do not machine-dry or expose to high heat. When water repellency visibly fails (water beads less reliably), the coating is breaking down; this is your signal to replace the bag or retreat it with a third-party water-repellent coating spray (which carries its own chemical choice). Store dry and away from direct sunlight to extend coating life.
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 microparticulate release
As the nylon-bonded water-repellent coating ages and flexes, microscopic particles can shed into water or skin contact. Composition unknown, so risk profile (including PFAS or other additives) cannot be quantified. No published data on this product's shedding rate.
Formaldehyde or azo dyes in nylon fabric
Nylon itself does not inherently contain formaldehyde or azo dyes. No recalls or public concerns have been reported for NRS dry bags on these fronts. Standard nylon fabric production does not typically introduce these hazards, though untested finished goods carry low latent risk.
Coating leachables under saltwater or UV exposure
If water-repellent coating uses fluorinated compounds, saltwater immersion or prolonged UV can accelerate hydrolysis and leaching. Marine or high-altitude use may increase exposure. No manufacturer data available on environmental conditions that accelerate coating breakdown.
Flame retardant additives
Dry bags are not typically treated with flame retardants as they are outdoor gear without regulatory flame-test requirements. No evidence that NRS 110L contains added flame retardants.
VOC off-gassing from coating
New water-repellent coating-coated textiles may emit low levels of volatile compounds during initial use, especially in warm or enclosed storage. Airing the bag before first use in a confined space (tent, car) is reasonable precaution, though acute health risk is low.
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.