Nanuk · Waterproof Camera & Lens Cases
NANUK 935 Waterproof Hard Case with Wheels
Waterproof hard case; coating chemistry not disclosed, PFAS risk unclear.
Nanuk 935 uses waterproof treatment on polypropylene but does not disclose coating composition. Unknown whether water-repellent coating chemicals include PFAS; no third-party testing publicly available.
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
Polypropylene with waterproof coating (composition 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
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 is injection-molded polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic chosen for impact resistance, lightweight durability, and cost-effectiveness in hard cases. The waterproof coating composition is not publicly disclosed by Nanuk, which is the primary concern; waterproof coatings on polypropylene often rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or polyurethane-based polymers, though without lab analysis or transparency you cannot confirm which. Polypropylene itself is considered food-contact safe by FDA when unfilled, but additives (colorants, UV stabilizers, flame retardants) are sometimes present in commercial formulations and are not itemized in Nanuk's product literature.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nanuk does not publicly disclose material safety data, PFAS status, or heavy metal content for the 935 model. The brand has no established certifications (ISO 14001, Bluesign, etc.) or published safety/transparency statements visible in standard sources. No recalls or major safety controversies are on record for this specific model. Their silence on waterproof-coating chemistry is typical of consumer hard-case manufacturers but leaves end-users without reassurance on persistent chemical exposure.
How it compares in its category
Hard cases span polypropylene, ABS, and thermoformed polyethylene; Nanuk's PP + undisclosed coating sits mid-tier for transparency. Competitors like Pelican (partial disclosure) and Storm Case (less detailed) also withhold full coating chemistry, so this is industry-standard opacity rather than a Nanuk-specific gap. The 935's wheeled, robust design and price point are competitive; the safety trade-off is the lack of coating composition clarity, which would matter most if contents are food, pharmaceuticals, or sensitive electronics.
If you buy it
Store the case in well-ventilated areas for the first 1-2 weeks to allow any volatile off-gas from the waterproof coating to disperse; new plastic odor is normal but indicates residual monomers. Do not expose the interior to sustained heat above 60C (140F) or prolonged sunlight, as polypropylene can soften and the coating may degrade. Inspect seals and hinges annually; if the coating cracks or peels, discontinue use for food or pharmaceuticals and consider replacement. Keep contents dry; standing water inside can promote microbial growth in seals regardless of PP inertness.
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.”
Waterproof coating composition unknown
The undisclosed coating is the primary concern; it may contain PFAS, polyurethane oligomers, or other substances not listed by the brand. Without transparency or third-party testing, users cannot assess leaching risk into contents over time.
Polypropylene additive leaching (colorants, stabilizers, flame retardants)
PP resin itself is stable; however, commercial-grade injection-molded cases often contain UV absorbers, colorants, and anti-static agents. Nanuk does not itemize these, so presence and migration potential are unverified. Risk is low for non-food storage but unquantified for sensitive items.
Coating degradation and particulate shedding
If the waterproof layer is thin or poorly bonded, mechanical wear, UV exposure, or temperature cycling can cause flaking or micro-coating particles to release into the case interior. No data available on Nanuk 935 durability over 5+ years of use.
Off-gassing from new case (volatile organic compounds)
New plastic cases commonly emit volatile monomers and processing aids; the 935 will likely have a chemical odor when first unpacked. This typically fades within days in ventilated environments and poses minimal inhalation risk for inanimate contents, but can affect smell-sensitive items like food or textiles.
Seal and gasket material composition
The waterproof seals (elastomers or foam gaskets) are not described; composition unknown. Standard gasket materials (neoprene, EPDM, silicone) are generally stable, but without disclosure, leaching or degradation pathways cannot be verified.
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.