REI · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister
Lower concern. Bare plastic storage container unlikely to contain PFAS.
REI's bear canister is molded polyethylene plastic with no stated coatings or treatments. No PFAS-related disclosures found, but inherent material composition poses lower chemical risk than treated fabrics or nonstick cookware.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polyethylene plastic construction
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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 Traverse Modular Bear Canister is constructed from polyethylene (PE) plastic, a widely used food-storage polymer chosen for its durability, impact resistance, and inertness with food. Polyethylene does not contain BPA or phthalates by design, and does not leach additives at the room temperatures typical of dry-food storage. The modular design means no adhesives, coatings, or glazes are involved, eliminating routes for lead, cadmium, or formaldehyde resin contamination.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op publishes sustainability reports and supplier standards but does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or certification for this specific product line. No recalls, safety warnings, or third-party safety certifications (such as FDA food-contact approval documentation) are on record for the Traverse canisters. REI's silence on PFAS is consistent with their product category (bear canisters are not marketed as food-contact vessels for hot liquids or prolonged contact).
How it compares in its category
Bear canisters are niche outdoor storage items, not cookware or daily food containers. The Traverse competes with similar polyethylene designs (e.g., Bearikade, Garcia Machine canisters), all of which rely on passive plastic structure rather than coatings or linings. REI's version has no reported safety disadvantages relative to competitors, though independent testing data for chemical leaching is sparse across the entire category.
If you buy it
Store only dry foods, nuts, and non-perishable items; do not fill with hot liquids or place in direct sunlight for extended periods, as polyethylene can soften above 70, 80°C. Inspect the lid seal and threads before each trip for cracks or wear; replace the canister if the plastic becomes brittle, cloudy, or develops visible damage. Hand wash with mild soap and air dry; avoid prolonged contact with oils or solvents that can degrade polyethylene over years of use.
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.”
Microplastics from degradation
Polyethylene can become brittle in UV light or crack under impact; shed particles are unlikely to enter food if the canister is inspected regularly, but visible wear is a sign to replace it.
BPA / phthalates
Polyethylene does not contain these compounds by chemistry; no manufacturing process or additive list on record suggests their presence.
Leaching at food contact
Polyethylene is chemically inert at room temperature and pH ranges of stored dry foods; no established mechanism or published evidence of leaching from PE food canisters.
Mold or bacterial growth inside
Improper drying or prolonged moisture retention inside the canister can support mold; always air-dry completely after washing and store only dry foods to prevent this risk.
Thermal stress and warping
Polyethylene softens above 70°C; prolonged exposure to heat (e.g., in a car trunk in summer or near a campfire) may warp the lid or seal, compromising bear-proofing integrity.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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 Outdoor Gear Storage
REI
Humangear Stax
polypropylene plastic
Lower concern. Polypropylene stacking containers lack PFAS triggers.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
More waterproof outdoor gear storage 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.