Salomon · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Salomon Aerotrek 30 Backpack
Backpack uses water-repellent coating, PFAS status undisclosed by Salomon.
Aerotrek 30 employs water-repellent coating treatment typical in outdoor packs. Salomon does not publicly disclose PFAS chemistry or alternatives used.
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Material
Nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating 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
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 Aerotrek 30 uses nylon and polyester fabrics with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. water-repellent coating treatments historically rely on PFAS compounds to achieve water shedding, though some manufacturers now use PFAS-free alternatives; Salomon has not publicly disclosed which type this model uses. Nylon and polyester themselves are stable polymers with low leaching risk under normal use, but the applied coating is the variable concern here.
The brand's record and disclosure
Salomon (owned by Amer Sports) has not publicly committed to PFAS elimination or transparency in gear coatings, unlike some outdoor brands that have signed pledges or adopted PFAS-free water-repellent coating. The company does not typically disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product pages or safety documentation. This silence is not unusual in the outdoor gear sector, but it means you cannot verify the coating type before purchase. Salomon does meet basic safety standards and does not carry known major recalls for textile hazards.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-range backpacks use water-repellent coating coatings of undisclosed chemistry; premium competitors (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx) increasingly state PFAS-free status or use bio-based water-repellent coating. Budget packs often skip water-repellent coating altogether, accepting water absorption. The Aerotrek 30 sits in the mainstream category where water-repellent coating secrecy is routine but not justified. Functionally, it is well-reviewed for durability and weather resistance; the hazard profile reflects industry norms rather than Salomon's uniquely weak practice.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged heat exposure (stay away from direct sun storage in hot vehicles, dryers, or near heaters) to minimize any coating degradation or release. Wash only with cool water and mild soap if needed; heavy scrubbing may degrade water-repellent coating faster. Reapply water-repellent coating treatments carefully if the pack stops shedding water, using PFAS-free products if available. The backpack's synthetic fabrics are durable and low-toxicity under normal handling; the main concern is the coating, which degrades naturally over 3-5 years of heavy 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.”
water-repellent coating composition (PFAS undisclosed)
Salomon does not publicly state whether the Aerotrek 30 uses legacy PFAS-based or newer PFAS-free water-repellent coating. Standard industry practice for mid-tier brands involves fluorinated compounds, making PFAS likely but not confirmed.
Formaldehyde resins in textile finishing
No recalls or reports specific to Salomon backpacks; nylon and polyester do not require formaldehyde-based dyes or finishes as a rule. Standard testing shows this is a low risk for synthetic outdoor gear.
Azo dyes in polyester
Salomon uses restricted azo dyes in line with REACH and other standards, with no documented violations. Risk is minimal for labeled products from established manufacturers.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony is a catalyst in polyester synthesis but is typically absent in finished goods; no known issues reported for Salomon textiles.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding over time
As water-repellent coating coatings break down with age and washing, microscopic polymer particles may shed into water and air. This is a general hazard for all treated synthetics, not unique to this model, but relevant during heavy use or after 3-5 years.
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 Outdoor Gear
Patagonia
Refugio Day Pack 26L
recycled nylon with non-fluorinated water-repellent coating treatment
Lower PFAS concern. Patagonia claims non-fluorinated water-repellent coating on this pack.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof outdoor gear 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.