Thule · Waterproof Outdoor Luggage
Thule GoPack Duffel Set
Waterproof duffel likely treated; Thule silent on PFAS chemistry.
Thule duffels typically use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings that may contain PFAS. Brand discloses nothing about PFAS content or safer alternatives.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyester duffel 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 GoPack Duffel is constructed from polyester fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the surface. Polyester itself is chemically stable and does not leach monomers into food or skin under normal use. The water-repellent coating finish is the variable: older formulations commonly used long-chain PFAS (like PFOA), though many brands have shifted to shorter-chain or fluorine-free alternatives. Thule has not publicly disclosed which chemistry they use, making the specific water-repellent coating risk profile unclear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Thule is a well-established outdoor-goods manufacturer but maintains limited public transparency on chemical composition and PFAS use. The company has not issued a formal PFAS phase-out commitment or published restricted substance lists comparable to industry leaders (e.g., Patagonia, The North Face). No major recalls or chemical controversies linked to Thule textiles are on record, but the silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is notable given consumer scrutiny of waterproof coatings.
How it compares in its category
Polyester duffels are standard in the travel and outdoor category; the GoPack is mid-range in durability claims. Competitors vary widely: some use certified fluorine-free water-repellent coating (e.g., Patagonia), others use disclosed PFAS formulations, and budget alternatives often omit water-repellent coating entirely. Thule's refusal to disclose places it below transparent competitors but above brands with known legacy PFAS or undisclosed treatments.
If you buy it
Use the duffel for its intended purpose (gear storage, travel) without exposing it to prolonged heat or washing in hot water, which could theoretically stress any coating. Avoid machine washing; wipe clean with water and mild soap as needed. The duffel should last 5-10 years with normal care. If you have concerns about water-repellent coating chemistry, contact Thule customer service directly to request specific product documentation on the coating formulation 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 leachables (non-PFAS)
Polyurethane and silicone-based water-repellent coating alternatives are used in some modern formulations; risk of leaching is minimal during normal use but increases if coating is abraded or washed frequently. No reports specific to Thule GoPack.
Azo dyes in polyester fabric
Polyester duffels may contain azo dyes; these are regulated in EU textiles but use is not prohibited. No recalls or reports of restricted azo dyes in Thule products are on record. Low risk under normal handling.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester is sometimes produced using antimony catalysts, which can leach in trace amounts if the material is degraded. Risk is negligible for a duffel used at room temperature without contact with food or skin for extended periods.
VOC off-gassing from coatings or glues
New duffels may emit odors from water-repellent coating resins, adhesives, or fabric finishes. Odor typically dissipates within days to weeks with airing. No specific off-gassing reports for the GoPack; ventilate when new.
Seam integrity and microfiber shedding
With heavy use, polyester fibers can shed from abrasion or seam failure. Risk of microplastic release is low during normal duffel use (not washing machine exposure) but increases over product lifetime. No brand-specific data available.
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.
More waterproof outdoor 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.