The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Bags
The North Face Women's Borealis Luxe Backpack
Backpack likely treated with water-repellent coating, PFAS risk unconfirmed. Skip if PFAS-sensitive.
The Borealis Luxe uses nylon with water-repellent treatment typical of outdoor packs. The North Face discloses nothing about PFAS use or avoidance in their finish.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon with water-repellent coating (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 Luxe is constructed from nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the exterior. Nylon itself is a synthetic polymer with no inherent toxicity risk at normal use temperatures. However, water-repellent coating coatings are the primary vector for PFAS chemicals in textiles; The North Face does not publicly specify whether they use PFAS-free or PFAS-based formulations on this model.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face (owned by VF Corporation) has not published a comprehensive PFAS elimination timeline or disclosure of which products use PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatments. The brand does not list certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, or similar) on the Borealis Luxe. No established recalls or formaldehyde resin hazards have been documented for this backpack line.
How it compares in its category
Most performance backpacks in this price and function tier use water-repellent coating treatments without transparent chemical disclosure. Competitors like Arc'teryx and Patagonia similarly do not guarantee PFAS-free labeling on all models. Uncoated or wax-treated nylon alternatives exist but sacrifice water repellency and durability.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources; nylon degrades under sustained temperatures above 80°C but normal use poses no risk. Wash with mild detergent if needed; harsh chemicals or bleach may degrade the water-repellent coating faster. Expect water-repellent coating effectiveness to diminish after 2-3 years of regular use; replacement is a wear item, not a safety issue. If PFAS exposure is a health concern for your household, contact The North Face directly to request water-repellent coating chemistry disclosure before 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 chemical identity (unconfirmed PFAS or alternative)
The backpack carries an unknown water-repellent coating finish; manufacturer does not publicly confirm use of PFAS-free formulations. Dermal contact risk is low, but inhalation or leaching during wet conditions is not quantified.
Formaldehyde resins in textile finishing
No recalls or reports of formaldehyde-resin hazards in The North Face Borealis line. Nylon textiles typically do not require formaldehyde-based durable-press treatments, unlike cotton.
Azo dyes and heavy metal pigments
No documented azo dye or heavy metal contamination in The North Face products. The brand does not disclose full dye chemistry, but no safety incidents have been reported for this model.
Antimony in polyester components
This backpack is nylon, not polyester. Zippers, webbing, and hardware may contain trace metals, but these are not hazardous at normal contact levels in a wearable item.
water-repellent coating degradation and nanoparticle release
As water-repellent coating finishes wear over years of use, microscopic coating fragments may shed. Long-term inhalation risk from backpack-derived nanoparticles is not established in literature, but not ruled out either.
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.