PFAS score
The North Face · Backpacks
The North Face Recon Backpack
Lower concern than legacy water-repellent coating packs, but The North Face has not disclosed PFAS phase-out, proceed with caution.
The Recon Backpack uses water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating typical of outdoor packs, a category historically associated with PFAS. The North Face does not publicly disclose its PFAS policy or confirm use of PFAS-free alternatives for this model.
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Material
nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating water-resistant 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
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
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 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.