The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Bags
The North Face Borealis Backpack
water-repellent coating-coated backpack, PFAS risk likely, no disclosure from brand
The Borealis uses water-repellent coating nylon typical of outdoor backpacks, which commonly contain PFAS. North Face provides no public PFAS information or certification for this model.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
nylon with water-repellent coating finish
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 Borealis is constructed from nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. water-repellent coating coatings are typically fluorochemical-based (PFAS compounds) to achieve water beading without sealing pores, though newer non-fluorinated alternatives exist. Nylon itself is stable and inert in normal use, but the functional finish is where chemical exposure risk concentrates. The pack also contains polyester webbing and plastic hardware (likely acetal or polyamide), which do not pose established toxicity concerns under normal conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not publicly committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating chemistry or disclosed which fluorochemical formulations it uses in its backpacks. The brand has faced broader scrutiny over chemical transparency in outdoor gear but has not published ingredient lists or third-party testing for specific products. No recalls related to chemical leaching or coating safety on this model are on record. The lack of voluntary disclosure contrasts with some competitors (e.g., Patagonia) that have moved toward PFAS alternatives in select product lines.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream outdoor backpacks use fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings; The North Face Borealis is typical for this market segment and price point. Brands explicitly using PFAS-free water repellents (wax, silicone, or newer fluorine-free polymers) remain limited and often command premium pricing. The Borealis is comparable in material durability and water resistance to similarly positioned packs from Arc'teryx, Deuter, and Osprey, though those brands also rarely disclose water-repellent coating chemistry. Ultralight and budget alternatives may use uncoated or minimally treated nylon, which eliminates water-repellent coating-chemical risk but sacrifices water resistance.
If you buy it
Avoid machine washing or high-heat drying, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially release particles. Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent if needed; air dry completely before storage. Re-apply commercial water-repellent coating treatments (spray or wash-in, ideally non-fluorinated) every 1-2 years if water beading noticeably diminishes. Store in a dry, well-ventilated space away from direct heat or sunlight to slow polymer degradation. Plan for a 5-7 year replacement cycle before nylon fatigue (seam splitting, fraying) necessitates retiring the pack.
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) fluorochemicals
Nylon backpacks with water-repellent coating finishes typically contain PFAS compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid precursors or modern alternatives like GenX). No independent testing of this specific Borealis model is public; The North Face does not disclose formulation. Skin contact risk is low during normal use, but concerns remain for manufacturing workers and environmental persistence if the pack is discarded.
Nylon fiber shedding and microfibers
Nylon backpacks shed microfibers during wear and abrasion, especially at seams and stress points. This is not a chemical hazard but an ingestion/inhalation route concern if fibers are aerosolized or transferred to food/water. Risk is minimal for a dry-use backpack unless heavily abraded or stored in humid conditions promoting degradation.
Polyester webbing and fasteners
Webbing straps are typically polyester, and hardware (buckles, zippers) are acetal or polyamide. No documented leaching or off-gassing concerns for these materials in outdoor backpack use. Polyester does not release phthalates or BPA under normal handling.
Colorfast dyes in nylon
The Borealis is dyed using industry-standard acid or disperse dyes for nylon, which are not known to contain azo compounds or heavy metal mordants in established formulations. No recalls or testing failures are on record for this product line. Risk of dye migration to skin is negligible unless the pack is submerged in water for extended periods.
Adhesive and seam sealant off-gassing
Seams and stress areas may use solvent-based or polyurethane adhesives that can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new. Exposure is typically limited to the first few weeks of use in well-ventilated conditions. Airing the pack outdoors before first extended use will minimize inhalation risk.
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.