Salomon · Waterproof Outdoor Gear
Salomon Aerotrek 50 Backpack
water-repellent coating outdoor packs often use PFAS; Salomon silent on chemistry.
Salomon Aerotrek 50 is a technical backpack likely treated with water-repellent coating for durability. The brand does not disclose PFAS content or treatment methods.
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Material
nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating water-repellent 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
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 50 uses a nylon and polyester blend fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the exterior. This water-repellent coating layer is the primary concern: outdoor gear manufacturers commonly apply fluorinated coatings (PFAS-based) or occasionally non-fluorinated alternatives, but Salomon has not published which chemistry they use for this model. The base nylon/polyester blend itself is chemically stable and does not pose known leaching risks under normal conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Salomon, owned by Amer Sports, has not issued public statements about PFAS use in their apparel or gear lines. The brand does not list water-repellent coating chemistry on product tags or websites. No recalls or safety controversies specific to this pack have been documented. Salomon's silence on chemical inputs makes independent verification of the water-repellent coating formulation impossible.
How it compares in its category
Mid-to-premium outdoor backpacks in this segment typically use water-repellent coating coatings; most brands (including Arc'teryx, Osprey, Patagonia) are gradually shifting to PFAS-free alternatives but have not fully transitioned inventory. Salomon's lack of transparency is less responsible than brands explicitly committing to fluorine-free water-repellent coating, but not unusual for the market. Buyers prioritizing water-repellent coating chemistry should seek brands with published coatings or third-party certifications.
If you buy it
Wash the pack in cool water with mild soap; avoid heat drying or direct sunlight for extended periods, as high heat can degrade synthetic coatings. water-repellent coating coatings wear over time and may require periodic reapplication (consumer-grade products available). Check seams and zippers regularly for degradation. Store in a cool, dry place away from solvents or strong cleaners that may strip the coating faster.
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 chemistry (non-PFAS assessment)
The exterior water-repellent coating treatment chemistry is not disclosed by Salomon. While nylon/polyester base material poses minimal hazard, the applied coating may contain PFAS or alternative fluorinated compounds; absence of public documentation prevents confirmation of safer non-fluorinated alternatives.
Azo dyes in polyester/nylon fabric
No specific recalls or testing data document azo dye use in Salomon Aerotrek 50. Nylon and polyester are standard for outdoor packs; if present, restricted azo dyes are controlled under EU and major markets' regulations, but Salomon does not publish dye chemistry.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony oxide is a common polyester catalyst; trace residual amounts in finished fabric are generally considered low-risk under normal contact. No specific hazard data exists for this product, and migration to skin from an external backpack is negligible.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishes
Salomon does not list formaldehyde-based finishing treatments on product documentation. Outdoor technical fabrics often skip these treatments; no evidence suggests their use in this pack, but composition is not publicly verified.
Coating degradation and shedding
water-repellent coating coatings naturally degrade with washing and wear over 1-3 years. This is a functional rather than safety issue, but degradation can expose underlying nylon/polyester to water absorption and potential mold growth if not dried quickly after use.
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.