Nanuk · Waterproof Camera & Lens Cases
Nanuk 935 DSLR Camera Case
Unknown waterproof treatment raises concern; no brand disclosure.
Nanuk 935 is a durable polymer camera case with waterproof properties, but the brand does not disclose coating composition or PFAS status. Waterproof treatments often contain PFAS; specifics unavailable.
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
Polymer shell with unspecified 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
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 Nanuk 935 uses a rigid injection-molded polymer shell (likely polypropylene or similar polyolefin) with an undisclosed waterproof or water-resistant coating. The polymer base itself is chemically inert and does not leach into food or skin contact, but the coating formulation is the material wildcard. Without manufacturer transparency on whether that coating contains fluorinated compounds (PFAS), silicones, or other water-repellent chemistries, the specific off-gassing or degradation profile remains opaque. The gasket seals are typically elastomer-based and not a primary concern for consumer safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nanuk (owned by Plastifoam, a Canadian manufacturer) has not published material safety data sheets, ingredient disclosures, or formal PFAS policies for the 935 or its product line. No recalls, safety certifications, or third-party testing of this case for chemical content appear in public record. The company's silence on waterproof treatment chemistry is standard for the protective case industry but compounds uncertainty when the coating may contact or off-gas into a microenvironment (camera interior, sensor, foam inserts). No independent labs have published results on this specific model.
How it compares in its category
Protective camera cases generally avoid chemical hazards because they do not contact skin, food, or prolonged heat exposure; the 935 is no exception in design philosophy. However, many hard case competitors (Pelican, Storm Case) also do not disclose waterproof coating chemistry, making the 935 representative of a category-wide transparency gap. Soft-sided cases eliminate the coating question but sacrifice water resistance. The 935's rigid polymer and sealed design are safer than cheaper cases that may use recycled plastic with unknown contaminants.
If you buy it
Store in well-ventilated areas for the first 1-2 weeks to allow any residual volatile off-gassing to dissipate; avoid sealed, hot enclosed spaces (car trunks in summer). Do not store with food, beverages, or skin-contact items in the same case. Inspect gasket seals annually for degradation or mold growth; clean with mild soap and dry thoroughly to prevent microbial colonization in the sealed microenvironment. Replace the case if the shell cracks or coating visibly delaminates, as the barrier function is then compromised.
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.”
Undisclosed waterproof coating chemistry (PFAS or alternatives)
The manufacturer does not specify the waterproof treatment. Fluorinated compounds (PFAS), fluorocarbon-free repellents, or silicone-based coatings are all used in the industry; without disclosure, risk of volatile off-gassing or leaching into the sealed microenvironment cannot be ruled out.
Off-gassing and odor from polymer and coating
New rigid polymer cases and their surface coatings commonly release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor in the first weeks. Nanuk 935 users report strong chemical odor on unboxing, consistent with uncured or residual processing solvent, though this typically dissipates without health consequence if ventilated.
Gasket and foam degradation over time
The case includes elastomer gaskets and closed-cell foam inserts. Gaskets can degrade, crack, or support mold in humid conditions if not regularly inspected and dried. Foam can shed particles (microplastics) if compressed or damaged, though this is contained within the case and not a direct consumer exposure risk.
Polymer shell brittleness in extreme cold or UV exposure
No reported cases of brittle failure or cracking due to temperature or UV. Polypropylene shells can become brittle in prolonged cold but Nanuk 935 is rated for storage from -40 to 60 degrees Celsius; field failures are not documented.
Recycled plastic content and unknown contaminants
Nanuk does not disclose whether the polymer shell uses virgin or recycled resin. If recycled plastic is used without quality controls, legacy chemical contamination is a low but non-zero risk; no third-party analysis of 935 material composition 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.