Salomon · Waterproof Outdoor Bags
Salomon Trailblazer 20
Backpack likely treated; Salomon discloses nothing on PFAS.
Salomon Trailblazer 20 is a polyester hiking pack typically treated for water resistance. Brand offers no public PFAS disclosure, water-repellent coating agents unspecified.
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Material
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 Trailblazer 20 is constructed primarily from polyester fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. Polyester itself is stable and does not leach BPA or phthalates under normal conditions. However, the water-repellent coating, standard on outdoor packs, is typically fluorocarbon-based (linked to PFAS), though Salomon does not publicly disclose the chemistry or whether it uses PFAS-free alternatives. Polyester fibers can shed microplastics under mechanical stress, friction, or washing, though backpack shedding is minimal compared to apparel worn directly against skin.
The brand's record and disclosure
Salomon (owned by Amer Sports) has not published detailed PFAS policies or water-repellent coating treatment disclosures for most of its product line. The brand does not appear on lists of outdoor manufacturers with transparent PFAS phase-out commitments (unlike some competitors). No major safety recalls or hazard disclosures specific to Trailblazer fabric or coatings are on public record. Salomon's general sustainability messaging exists but does not address fluorocarbon treatments or chemical transparency at the product level.
How it compares in its category
Twenty-liter daypacks in the outdoor segment typically use polyester with water-repellent coating; this is standard practice. Some competitors (e.g., Patagonia, The North Face) have begun labeling water-repellent coating as PFAS-free or fluorocarbon-based, whereas Salomon remains silent. The Trailblazer is mid-market and does not stand out for chemical disclosure or premium non-fluorinated alternatives. Price and durability are comparable to peers; chemical transparency is below leading outdoor brands.
If you buy it
Wash the pack regularly (every 3-6 months with normal use) in cool water with mild detergent to reduce potential water-repellent coating off-gassing and surface contamination. Avoid dry-cleaning, heat drying, and prolonged high-temperature storage. Do not place it near food storage or infants during the first few weeks of ownership (initial off-gassing risk from coatings is low for packs, but caution is warranted). Replace or retire the pack if the water-repellent coating visibly degrades, flakes, or the fabric begins to tear; this reduces microplastic shedding and coating particle exposure.
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 (water-repellent coating) coatings (likely PFAS-based)
Outdoor packs almost universally use fluorocarbon water-repellent coating treatments. Salomon discloses nothing; no testing data is public. Off-gassing or dermal contact risk during use is very low, but environmental persistence of PFAS from washing/disposal is a concern.
Azo dyes in polyester
No specific recalls or test failures for Salomon Trailblazer dyes are on record. Polyester dyeing for outdoor gear typically uses regulated, non-carcinogenic azo dyes, but brand transparency is absent; this cannot be verified without testing.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester production sometimes involves antimony catalysts, which can remain in trace amounts in finished fiber. Salomon does not disclose catalyst use. Dermal contact or migration into food/water from a backpack is not a documented route of exposure.
Formaldehyde resins in finishes
Wrinkle-resistant or durable finishes on technical fabrics may contain formaldehyde releasers. The Trailblazer's finish list is not public. Initial off-gassing from new synthetic outdoor packs is typically minimal but increases with washing or humidity.
Microplastic shedding from polyester
Polyester backpacks shed microplastics during washing and abrasion. For a pack worn externally and washed occasionally (not worn next to skin), shedding risk to the user is low; environmental shedding during laundry is the primary concern.
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 Bags
Granite Gear
Wrought Iron Food Pack
nylon fabric pack, likely uncoated or minimally treated
Food pack likely lower concern; confirm no water-repellent coating with brand.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof outdoor 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.