Nautical · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
Mad Water Allatoona Waterproof Submersible Duffel Bag
Skip. Waterproof duffel lacks PFAS transparency.
Mad Water's waterproof duffel has an unspecified coating treatment, likely water-repellent coating-treated. No brand disclosure on PFAS content or third-party verification available.
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Material
Coated duffel fabric, waterproof treatment 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
Mad Water Allatoona duffels use coated fabric (typically polyester or nylon base with a waterproof topcoat) to achieve submersible performance, but the brand does not publicly disclose the specific chemistry of that coating. Waterproof coatings on fabric can include polyurethane, PVC, or other polymers; without transparency, you cannot rule out older formulations or undocumented additives. The fabric itself is synthetic, which means it will not degrade naturally and may shed microfibers under stress or washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nautical (the parent brand) has not published materials certifications, ingredient disclosures, or hazard statements for this product line. There are no widely documented controversies or recalls specific to Mad Water duffels, but the silence on coating chemistry is a significant gap in transparency. No third-party testing results or certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, Bluesign) are evident in public records for this model.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof duffels are a niche category; most competitors (e.g., dry bags from Patagonia, Sea to Summit) also use synthetic coated fabrics but often disclose polymer type (e.g., 'TPU-coated nylon'). Mad Water's lack of transparency puts it behind brands that publish material safety data. For an outdoor gear item, disclosure of coating type and content is an industry standard that this product does not meet.
If you buy it
Wash the bag by hand in cool water with mild detergent; avoid machine washing, which stresses the coating and releases microfibers. Do not expose to prolonged heat (hot water, direct sunlight for weeks) as this can degrade polyurethane or PVC coatings prematurely. Inspect the seams and coating annually for tears or peeling; a compromised seal defeats the waterproof function and may allow ingestion of coating particles. Air-dry only; do not tumble dry or iron.
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.”
Coating degradation and microfiber shedding
Unspecified waterproof coating on synthetic fabric will degrade over time, especially with UV and mechanical stress; shedding microplastics into water or soil is an environmental concern and potential ingestion risk if used for food storage.
Undisclosed chemical additives in coating
Without published composition, the coating may contain plasticizers, slip agents, or other processing aids not typical of modern formulations; some older polyurethane or PVC coatings included substances now restricted (e.g., certain phthalates or flame retardants).
Formaldehyde in dye or finishing resins
Textiles often use formaldehyde-releasing resins for color fixation or water resistance; no public testing or recall data exist for this product, but the absence of certification (Oeko-Tex Standard 100) means this hazard is not ruled out.
Azo dye residues (if synthetic dyes used)
Synthetic polyester and nylon duffels typically use azo dyes; restricted azo dyes are banned in some markets but unregulated in others. No brand statement or testing record is available for Mad Water colorants.
Leaching from coating in contact with food or skin
If the bag is used to store or transport food, beverages, or worn against skin for extended periods, the waterproof coating may leach residual monomers or plasticizers, particularly if wet or warm. Risk is low for dry-goods storage but increases with moisture and heat.
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 Bags & Luggage
Watershed
Goforth Dry Duffel
Naturally textured cotton blend with proprietary waterproofing
Reputable brand with stated PFAS-free commitment.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof bags & luggage 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.