NRS · Waterproof Bags & Luggage
NRS High Roll Duffel Dry Bag
Dry bag with unspecified waterproof coating; PFAS status unclear.
NRS does not disclose PFAS or water-repellent coating treatment details for this dry bag. Waterproof duffels typically use coatings that may contain PFAS; contact NRS for specifics before purchase.
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Material
PVC-coated nylon or TPU-coated polyester, waterproofed
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 NRS High Roll uses either PVC-coated nylon or TPU-coated polyester as stated by the manufacturer. Both are synthetic polymers bonded to fabric for waterproofing. PVC coatings historically used plasticizers like phthalates (now often replaced with non-phthalate alternatives in reputable brands), while TPU is generally phthalate-free but may contain other additives. The waterproofing layer is the key safety question: the brand has not publicly disclosed whether PFAS chemicals are used in the coating, which is common in outdoor gear.
The brand's record and disclosure
NRS (Northwest River Supplies) is an established outdoor/water sports brand but has not published transparency reports on PFAS use or signed AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group) commitments to phase out PFAS in coatings. No major recalls or chemical contamination incidents are on record for this product line. The brand's silence on waterproofing chemistry is typical for smaller outdoor brands, unlike major competitors (Patagonia, The North Face) that now disclose or commit to fluorine-free alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Dry bags are inherently lower-risk than apparel that contacts skin directly, since exposure is mainly through handling and indirect contact with contents. PVC and TPU coatings are industry standard for affordable waterproofing; premium brands increasingly use fluorine-free, Teflon-type coating-free alternatives (like recycled PU). The NRS sits in the middle market: more durable than budget TPU bags but less transparent than premium competitors on chemical inputs.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to minimize coating degradation and any leaching from additives. Avoid prolonged contact of food items with the interior coating; use a removable dry liner for sensitive contents (medications, textiles). Inspect the seams and coating annually for cracks or peeling; replace if integrity is compromised. Hand wash only with mild soap and water; do not use solvents or high heat, which can break down the synthetic layers.
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.”
Phthalate plasticizers in PVC coating (if PVC variant used)
If this product uses PVC-coated nylon, phthalates may be present as flexible additives unless explicitly stated otherwise. NRS has not disclosed plasticizer chemistry. Risk is low for occasional contact but higher if contents include food or are handled frequently by children.
Coating adhesion and leachable additives over time
Both PVC and TPU coatings can degrade with UV exposure, salt spray, or mechanical wear, potentially releasing coating fragments or residual unreacted monomers. The product documentation does not specify coating stability or additive chemistry, making long-term exposure unpredictable.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polymer manufacturing residues
New synthetic-coated gear may off-gas residual solvents or unreacted chemicals during the first weeks of use. No specific off-gassing incidents are reported for the NRS High Roll, and a dry bag's sealed design limits inhalation exposure compared to apparel.
Microplastic shedding from coating degradation
Synthetic coated textiles can shed microplastics when abraded or degraded. Risk is low during normal use but increases if the bag is stored in harsh conditions or repurposed for food storage without a protective lining.
Undisclosed waterproofing chemistry (PFAS or alternatives)
The manufacturer has not specified whether the waterproofing uses PFAS, fluorine-free alternatives, or other chemicals. This gap in transparency makes risk assessment incomplete and suggests the product should be graded separately on PFAS status as noted in the brief.
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 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.