The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Bags & Luggage
The North Face Borealis Trail Backpack
water-repellent coating backpack, PFAS treatment unconfirmed. Safer uncoated alternatives exist.
The North Face does not disclose PFAS status for this backpack. Most outdoor water-repellent coating treatments historically used fluorinated chemicals, though some brands now use fluorine-free alternatives. No lab data or third-party verification available.
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 with water-repellent coating (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
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 Borealis Trail uses nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. Nylon itself is a stable synthetic polymer with no established leaching hazard under normal backpack use. However, water-repellent coating coatings historically relied on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to repel water; The North Face has not publicly disclosed whether this specific model uses PFAS-based or PFAS-free water repellency, creating uncertainty about long-term chemical exposure.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not made comprehensive public commitments to PFAS phase-out in backpack lines, though the parent company VF Corporation has pledged future reductions in apparel. The brand does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product pages or care labels for most backpacks. This silence on a known chemical concern represents a transparency gap relative to competitors like Patagonia, which explicitly label PFAS-free or fluorine-free alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Nylon hiking backpacks are standard; the Borealis is mid-range for durability and price. Many premium outdoor brands now offer PFAS-free water-repellent coating options (polyether-based coatings) or no water-repellent coating treatment at all. Uncoated nylon alternatives exist but offer less rain resistance; PFAS-free coated options from competitors provide equivalent water protection without the chemical uncertainty.
If you buy it
Inspect the exterior coating regularly for peeling, cracking, or loss of water beading; once the water-repellent coating layer degrades, replace the backpack rather than attempting re-coating at home, which may expose you to additional chemicals. Avoid machine washing; hand-clean with mild soap and air-dry to preserve the coating. Store in a cool, dry place away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight, which can accelerate coating breakdown. If water repellency fails mid-lifecycle, consider whether a PFAS-free alternative meets your needs for the next purchase.
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
The water-repellent coating layer will degrade with use and washing, potentially releasing microparticles of the coating material. Without confirmation of whether the coating is PFAS-based, users cannot assess long-term exposure risk or safe disposal.
Nylon microfiber shedding from exterior abrasion
Repeated friction of the nylon exterior against skin or other materials can generate microfibers. This is a general nylon textile hazard; the water-repellent coating may slightly reduce shedding, but does not eliminate it.
Chemical leaching during wet-weather use
If the water-repellent coating contains fluorinated compounds, contact with skin during rain, sweat, or extended wear could theoretically result in dermal exposure. The degree of risk depends on coating integrity and chemical type, neither of which is disclosed.
Formaldehyde resins in dye-setting and finishing
No recalls or testing reports specific to formaldehyde in The North Face Borealis. Industrial nylon backpacks may retain trace formaldehyde from manufacturing; standard washing reduces residue. No evidence of concern at product level.
Heavy metal pigments in printed labels or logos
Screen-printed branding on backpacks may contain cadmium or lead in older inks, but The North Face uses modern industrial printing standards. No known incidents reported for this product line.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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.