Pelican · Waterproof Gear Storage Bags
TX50 Adventure Case
Protective case with unconfirmed waterproof treatment; PFAS details unclear.
Pelican TX50 is a hard protective case using polypropylene. Waterproof functionality suggests possible water-repellent coating, but brand discloses no PFAS information.
The safe swap
Pelican
Pelican 1595 Air Travel Case
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 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 TX50 is injection-molded polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic chosen for rigidity, impact resistance, and chemical inertness. Polypropylene itself does not leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals under normal storage conditions. The unspecified waterproof coating is the unknown element; most hard-case protective coatings are either polyurethane-based or proprietary water-repellent treatments applied post-manufacture. Neither type typically off-gases significantly at room temperature, but coating durability and any potential micro-particle shedding with age remain uncharacterized for this specific product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pelican is known for manufacturing durable, long-lifecycle protective cases used in military, aerospace, and commercial sectors. The brand does not publicly disclose waterproof coating chemistry or publish independent safety certifications for the TX50 line. Pelican has not faced major recalls or public health controversies tied to material toxicity, though their silence on PFAS and coating composition reflects an industry-wide lack of transparency rather than a red flag specific to this model.
How it compares in its category
Hard protective cases in this class typically use polypropylene, ABS, or polyurethane bodies with similar uncharacterized coatings. The TX50 is mid-market; competitors like Nanuk and Storm Case offer similar material profiles and equally opaque coating disclosure. Relative to fabric or soft-shell cases, hard polypropylene cases present lower volatile off-gassing and microplastic shedding risk, making them a safer choice for prolonged contact with sensitive items (electronics, documents, food).
If you buy it
Use the case as designed for storage and transport; avoid heating, direct sunlight for extended periods, or prolonged contact with the interior lining and coating if you have chemical sensitivities. The polypropylene shell is stable and food-safe for short-term food storage if needed, though the waterproof coating is uncharacterized and should not contact food. Inspect regularly for coating wear, peeling, or discoloration; if visible degradation occurs, consider replacement or limit use with sensitive contents. Clean with mild soap and water only; avoid solvents or abrasive materials that could degrade the coating.
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 type)
The coating type is not disclosed by Pelican. Polyurethane or proprietary formulations used in similar cases rarely off-gas at room temperature, but without ingredient transparency, chemical identity and long-term degradation by-products remain unverified.
Microplastic shedding from coating
Hard-case coatings can degrade with mechanical stress or UV exposure over years of use. Microscopic particles from the waterproof layer could theoretically shed into contents, particularly if the case is used to store food or items in close contact with skin.
Polypropylene core material stability
Polypropylene is chemically inert and does not leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals under normal storage or transport conditions. No reports of toxicological issues from PP cases in this product class.
Off-gassing or VOC emissions
Polypropylene and typical post-applied waterproof coatings do not off-gas volatile organic compounds at room temperature. Any odor on opening a new case reflects residual manufacturing solvents, which typically dissipate within days.
Mold or bacterial growth in sealed case
If the case is sealed for extended periods with moisture trapped inside, the dark interior environment can support microbial growth. This is a use-related hazard, not a material hazard; proper drainage and ventilation before sealing prevent it.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 55% 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 Gear Storage Bags
Pelican
1595 Air Travel Case
Polypropylene shell, polyurethane foam, stainless steel hardware
Lower concern. Polypropylene case with no water-repellent treatment evident.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof gear storage bags 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.