Salomon · Waterproof Outdoor Bags & Luggage
Salomon XT 10 Backpack
water-repellent coating backpack, Salomon silent on PFAS in treatments.
Salomon XT 10 uses durable waterproof fabric typical of outdoor packs. Brand discloses no PFAS information; water-repellent coating coatings often contain PFAS, but treatment specifics unknown.
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Material
Nylon, polyester, water-repellent coating-treated fabric
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
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 XT 10 uses nylon and polyester as its base fabrics, both petroleum-derived synthetics that are stable under normal conditions. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment is applied topically to shed water; most outdoor water-repellent coating finishes historically relied on PFAS-based chemistry, though some brands have shifted to fluorine-free alternatives. Salomon has not disclosed which type is used here, leaving uncertainty about the chemical composition of the water-resistant layer.
The brand's record and disclosure
Salomon is primarily known for footwear and sports equipment but maintains limited public transparency about chemical inputs in textiles and coatings. The brand has not issued statements on PFAS phase-out timelines or alternatives used in water-repellent coating treatments across its backpack line. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to Salomon backpacks have been established in public records, though absence of disclosure is itself a transparency gap.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor backpacks of this size and material composition are common; most carry the same water-repellent coating uncertainty unless the manufacturer explicitly markets PFAS-free or fluorine-free treatments. Higher-end brands (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx) increasingly disclose PFAS status or use certified fluorine-free water-repellent coating. Budget to mid-range packs like this one typically remain silent, placing the XT 10 in a standard but non-transparent segment.
If you buy it
Wash periodically with cool water and mild detergent to reduce any accumulated residue on the water-repellent coating layer; avoid harsh scrubbing or high heat. Do not machine-dry or expose to high temperatures, which can degrade both nylon/polyester and any coating. Store dry in a cool place; the water-repellent coating will gradually wear and can be reapplied with third-party treatments if desired. Check seams and zippers for wear every 1-2 years; these are failure points before the fabric itself.
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 degradation and unknown chemical composition
Salomon does not disclose whether the water-repellent coating treatment contains legacy PFAS, fluorine-free alternatives, or other chemistry. As water-repellent coating wears over time, shed particles may migrate into contact with skin or contents; without known formulation, residual chemical exposure cannot be ruled out.
Azo dyes in polyester/nylon fabrics
Salomon backpacks are not documented as having azo dye safety issues in public records. However, no third-party testing or manufacturer certification of azo-free dyes is publicly available for this model; this is standard non-disclosure for the category.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic textiles
Nylon and polyester fibers shed small particles during normal wear, washing, and friction. While not a direct health hazard to the wearer, washing the pack releases microplastics into waterways; no brand-specific mitigation is documented.
Heavy metals in dyes or thread
No recalls or documented contamination with lead, cadmium, or other metals in Salomon backpacks have been reported. Salomon does not publish heavy metal testing data, so this remains an unverified assumption of compliance.
Contact dermatitis or irritation from formulations
New synthetic backpacks can harbor residual dyes, finishes, or chemical auxiliaries from manufacturing. Some users report mild skin irritation from unwashed gear; a cold water rinse before first use may reduce exposure.
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.
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⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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More waterproof outdoor bags & luggage 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.