Swissgear · Backpacks
SWISSGEAR Stride ScanSmart Laptop Backpack
Unknown water-repellent coating treatment. Swissgear provides no PFAS disclosure.
This backpack uses standard polyester/nylon with unspecified water-repellent coating. Swissgear does not disclose PFAS use or avoidance, and no third-party testing data is publicly available.
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Material
polyester/nylon with water-repellent coating water-resistant 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 Stride ScanSmart uses polyester and nylon as primary fabrics, both synthetic polymers that are chemically stable during normal use. The critical unknown is the water-repellent coating (durable water-resistant) coating applied to achieve water shedding. water-repellent coating treatments have historically relied on PFAS-based chemistry, though some brands now offer fluorine-free alternatives. Swissgear's silence on which treatment they use means the PFAS exposure pathway through this backpack cannot be ruled out.
The brand's record and disclosure
Swissgear (owned by Wenger, a Swiss company now part of Victorinox) has not published PFAS transparency statements or certifications (OEKO-TEX, Bluesign+, or similar) that would rule out PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments. No major recalls or safety controversies have been publicly documented for this model. The lack of voluntary disclosure suggests either use of conventional PFAS chemistry or indifference to consumer transparency on this issue.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream laptop backpack brands (Peak Design, Tom Bihn, even some Osprey models) either disclose their water treatment or carry third-party certifications avoiding PFAS. Swissgear's silence on this point places it in a lower transparency tier than leading competitors. For a product in the USD 100-200 range, this disclosure gap is a competitive disadvantage relative to brands that have committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives.
If you buy it
Treat the water-repellent coating as temporary and finite; it will degrade after 2-3 years of regular use or after repeated washing, which is normal. Do not machine wash frequently in hot water, as this can accelerate water-repellent coating breakdown and potentially increase leaching of any coating residues. If water resistance becomes critical for your use, consider reapplying a fluorine-free water-repellent coating treatment (available commercially) rather than replacing the pack. Inspect seams and zippers regularly for wear, as these are durability failure points, not coating hazards.
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.”
Azo dyes in polyester
Polyester in this backpack may contain azo dyes, which can release banned aromatic amines under certain conditions. No specific testing or recalls for Swissgear Stride on this hazard has been documented; typical polyester goods in this price range are not routinely flagged for azo contamination.
Flame retardants in synthetic textiles
Polyester and nylon are inherently flame-resistant due to their chemistry and do not typically require additive flame retardants. No evidence of added brominated or phosphorus-based flame retardants in this product has been identified.
Formaldehyde in synthetic fabric coatings
water-repellent coating coatings and fabric treatments may incorporate formaldehyde-based resins as cross-linkers or hardeners. Swissgear's lack of testing or certification data means this cannot be ruled out, though modern coatings in developed-market backpacks increasingly avoid this.
Heavy metals in dyes or metal hardware
Zippers and buckles on this model are standard zinc-alloy hardware; no cadmium or lead contamination has been reported. Polyester dyes are not known to concentrate heavy metals in this product class.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester production sometimes uses antimony trioxide as a catalyst; residual antimony in fiber is typically below regulatory concern. No specific testing of Swissgear backpack fibers for antimony has been published; this remains a minor, widespread industry issue rather than a brand-specific hazard.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 40% 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 Backpacks
Everlane
Canvas Backpack
Canvas (cotton blend)
Lower-concern canvas option; no PFAS trigger signals, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Everlane
The Canvas Backpack - Black OS
Canvas cotton blend
Lower PFAS concern for uncoated canvas backpack; no water-repellent coating treatment typical of this product line.
⚠Risky category by default
Able Carry
Thirteen Daybag
Ballistic nylon, canvas, woven textile
Lower PFAS concern; typical durable pack without inherent PFAS triggers, but brand doesn't disclose water-repellent coating treatment details.
⚠Risky category by default
More backpacks 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.