OtterBox · Jewelry Cases & Organizers
OtterBox Pursuit Series 20 Utility Dry Box Stash Cigar Under Water Lockable
Skip until OtterBox discloses waterproof treatment chemistry.
OtterBox does not disclose PFAS status of waterproofing treatments used in this dry box. Waterproof/lockable products commonly contain PFAS-based coatings, but specifics unavailable here.
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Material
Plastic polymer case with waterproof seals and treatment
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 OtterBox Pursuit Series 20 is a rigid polypropylene or similar injection-molded polymer shell with elastomer seals (likely rubber or silicone) and a waterproof locking mechanism. The waterproofing is achieved through mechanical gasket design and likely chemical surface treatment or coating applied to the seams and closure points. OtterBox does not publicly disclose the chemistry of this water-resistant treatment, which is the primary concern for this product class.
The brand's record and disclosure
OtterBox is a privately held outdoor-gear manufacturer known for rugged cases but has not published detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS content statements for consumer products. The brand has no documented recalls for chemical leaching or off-gassing in their dry-box lines as of public record. However, their silence on waterproofing chemistry and treatment agents is typical for the industry and represents a transparency gap rather than confirmed harm.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mid-to-premium segment of hard-case dry boxes. Competitors like Pelican and Nanuk also use similar polypropylene construction with proprietary seal treatments and do not typically disclose waterproofing agents. The Pursuit Series distinguishes itself by lower cost and lighter weight, but offers no safety advantage over competitors in terms of material transparency. For food or beverage storage, dedicated food-grade containers remain safer.
If you buy it
Use this case exclusively for non-food dry storage (tools, documents, electronics) to avoid any ingestion risk from surface coatings or seal off-gassing. Do not expose to sustained heat above 50°C (122°F) or direct UV for extended periods, as this may degrade seals and leach treatment chemicals. Rinse the interior with fresh water annually and inspect gaskets for cracks or discoloration before storing valuable items. Replace the case if seals become hard, brittle, or visibly deteriorate.
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
OtterBox has not disclosed whether their waterproof treatment contains PFAS, siloxanes, or other persistent hydrophobic agents. Given the 40/100 PFAS safety score and industry prevalence of PFAS in water-resistant seals and coatings, chemical leaching into stored contents cannot be ruled out.
Polymer off-gassing (VOCs)
Polypropylene dry boxes do not typically release significant volatile organic compounds at room temperature. Off-gassing risk is low unless the case is stored in high heat or used for hot liquid storage, which is not the intended use.
Elastomer seal degradation and leaching
Rubber and silicone gaskets can leach oligomers or plasticizers if exposed to oils, solvents, or prolonged UV. This is a minor concern for dry storage but relevant if the case is used in humid or chemically active environments.
Microplastics from wear
Hard polypropylene cases do not readily shed microplastics during normal handling. Risk is negligible unless the case is abraded, crushed, or stored with sharp objects that damage the interior surface.
Heavy metal additives in polymer pigments
OtterBox cases are typically molded in neutral or earth-tone colors using standard commercial pigments. No recalls or reports of cadmium, lead, or other heavy metals in their polypropylene inventory are on record.
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.
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More jewelry cases & organizers 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.