The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Bags & Luggage
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack
Travel pack likely treated for water resistance; PFAS risk unknown.
The North Face does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry for this pack. Most outdoor travel bags use water-repellent coating finishes that may contain PFAS, but confirmation requires brand transparency or lab testing.
The safe swap
Garmin
Garmin Carry Case
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
nylon ripstop with 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
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 Base Camp Voyager uses nylon ripstop fabric, a tightly woven polyamide that resists tearing and abrasion. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish is applied to the outer surface to shed moisture; this coating is the primary chemical concern, as many commercial water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on PFAS compounds. Nylon itself is chemically stable and does not leach under normal conditions. The pack's construction includes plastic hardware, webbing, and foam padding whose composition is not publicly detailed by The North Face.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not published detailed material safety data sheets or water-repellent coating sourcing commitments for individual products. The company has not publicly committed to phasing out PFAS in all textile treatments, despite growing industry pressure. No formal certifications (such as Bluesign or GOTS) are advertised for this pack model, limiting third-party verification. The brand's overall apparel line includes recycled materials in some lines, but transparency on chemical inputs remains limited.
How it compares in its category
Travel packs in this price range (typically $150-250) commonly use nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating treatment. Competitors like Osprey and Patagonia have begun disclosing PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives, while The North Face has not made similar public commitments for this product line. Many midrange travel packs avoid detailed chemical disclosure; this Base Camp model is average for the category in transparency. Ultralight alternatives made from untreated nylon exist but offer less weather protection.
If you buy it
Wash before extended skin contact to remove any loose particles or residues from manufacturing. Avoid prolonged storage in direct sunlight, as UV exposure can degrade the water-repellent coating and nylon fabric over years. Do not machine wash with hot water or dry clean; use cool water and air dry to preserve the water-repellent treatment. Replace the pack if the fabric develops holes, delamination, or visible corrosion of plastic components; nylon is durable but not indefinitely repairable.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating (water repellent finish)
The North Face has not disclosed whether this pack's water-repellent coating treatment is PFAS-based or PFAS-free. Nylon ripstop packs commonly receive fluorinated water-repellent finishes; no public statement confirms PFAS-free alternatives for this specific model.
Plastic hardware leachables (buckles, zippers, frame)
The pack includes plastic hardware and metal zippers; specific polymer types and colorants are not disclosed. Standard-grade plastics in backpack hardware typically do not leach BPA or phthalates under normal use, but material composition is unspecified.
Foam padding composition and off-gassing
The pack includes foam padding in the shoulder straps and back panel; the foam type (polyurethane, polyethylene, EVA) is not disclosed. If polyurethane, long-term storage in high heat could theoretically release VOCs, though exposure during normal use is minimal.
Dye or pigment contamination in nylon fabric
No azo dye or heavy metal contamination has been reported for The North Face nylon products. The brand uses established fabric suppliers but does not publish colorant testing or certifications for individual packs.
Microfiber shedding from repeated washing or wear
Nylon ripstop sheds microfibers when washed or abraded, especially if the water-repellent coating degrades. This is a known issue with synthetic outdoor gear; washing infrequently and using gentle cycles minimizes release.
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 & Luggage
Garmin
Carry Case
Neoprene or polyester with nylon hardware
Lower concern protective case, no known PFAS risk signals.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Keen
Hybrid Transport Backpack Tan Recycled Rice Paper Plastic Daypack
Recycled rice paper, plastic composite, no evident water-resistant coating
Lower concern. Plain materials, no apparent water-repellent coating treatment.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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.