REI Co-op · Waterproof Sports Bags
REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack Black XS - XL
water-repellent coating-treated gear; REI silent on PFAS chemistry.
REI Co-op backpacks typically use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) nylon, a common PFAS application. REI makes no public PFAS disclosure, limiting confidence in the finish choice.
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Material
nylon with water-repellent coating water-repellent finish
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 REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack is constructed from nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. Nylon itself is a synthetic polyamide polymer with a well-established safety profile for apparel and gear use. The water-repellent coating is the material variable of concern: water-repellent coating finishes historically used PFOA/PFOS (legacy PFAS), though many manufacturers have reformulated to shorter-chain alternatives or fluorine-free systems. REI has not publicly disclosed which water-repellent coating chemistry this pack uses, creating uncertainty about legacy versus modern formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not published a detailed PFAS policy or ingredient disclosure for its technical gear line. The brand does not appear in public databases of manufacturers committing to PFAS-free water repellency. REI has a generally strong environmental record (B Corp certification, material transparency initiatives), but this specific product line lacks third-party verification of water-repellent coating chemistry. No recalls or toxicity reports are on record for this model.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range outdoor packs use water-repellent coating-treated nylon, making this representative rather than unusual. Higher-end alternatives (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) increasingly disclose PFAS-free water-repellent coating options, though at higher cost. Budget alternatives often use untreated nylon or polyester, eliminating water-repellent coating-related hazards but sacrificing water resistance. REI Co-op positions here as a value option without the transparency premium brands now offer.
If you buy it
Store the pack away from direct heat and extreme UV to preserve the water-repellent coating finish without accelerating off-gassing. Wash with mild detergent and air-dry; avoid machine drying, which can damage nylon and may release volatile residues from the water-repellent coating. Reapply commercial water-repellent coating treatments every 1-2 years as water repellency degrades, but research product chemistry before recoating. If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, contact REI directly for water-repellent coating specification sheets before purchase.
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.”
water-repellent coating composition (PFAS-adjacent)
REI does not disclose whether this pack uses legacy PFOA/PFOS-based water-repellent coating, modern short-chain PFAS, or fluorine-free alternatives. Nylon itself is stable; the finish is the concern if worn frequently or washed hot.
Formaldehyde in synthetic textile finishes
No reports of formaldehyde-releasing resins in this model. Nylon with water-repellent coating does not typically employ formaldehyde-based cross-linkers, but independent testing would confirm absence.
Azo dyes
The black colorant used in this pack is not documented to use restricted azo dyes (benzidine-based or otherwise). REI Co-op typically adheres to standard dyeing without public hazard flags.
Antimony in polyester stabilizers
This pack is nylon, not polyester, so polyester-specific antimony catalysts are not present. Nylon polymerization does not rely on antimony compounds.
Flame retardant treatments
No evidence this outdoor pack uses added flame retardant chemistry. Nylon is moderately flame-resistant without treatment; outdoor gear typically does not require additional FR coatings unless marketed for specific hazard mitigation.
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 Sports Bags
Garmin
Carrying Case
Neoprene or polyester case, material unspecified
Unknown material raises concern; no PFAS disclosure from Garmin.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Guidewater Sling
recycled polyester with water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern; brand committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating, but verify current batch
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof sports 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.