Under Armour · Waterproof Sports Bags
Under Armour Hustle Sport 6.0 Backpack
Backpack likely has water-repellent coating; brand silent on PFAS content.
Under Armour does not publicly disclose PFAS use in this backpack. Water-resistant backpacks typically use water-repellent coating treatments that may contain PFAS, but specific formulation is unknown. Request manufacturer details for certainty.
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Material
nylon/polyester blend with water-resistant 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
This backpack uses a nylon and polyester blend, both synthetic polymers that are durable and lightweight. The water-resistant finish (water-repellent coating) that makes this pack rain-shedding is almost certainly based on fluorinated compounds (PFAS or legacy fluorocarbons). The nylon itself is stable and does not off-gas significantly at room temperature, but the coating is the primary chemical concern for this product class.
The brand's record and disclosure
Under Armour has not publicly disclosed its PFAS usage or phase-out commitments as of available records. The brand does not offer transparency about the specific water-repellent coating chemistry in its gear. This silence is typical among athletic apparel makers but leaves consumers without clarity on fluorine content or migration risk. No established recalls or documented health incidents specific to Under Armour backpacks are on record.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream backpacks in this price and performance tier use similar nylon/polyester + water-repellent coating-coating construction, so Under Armour is not an outlier. Some premium brands (e.g., Patagonia) now offer fluorine-free water-repellent coating alternatives, while budget brands often use the same fluorinated coatings. This product sits in the middle: good durability and water resistance, but without commitment to PFAS avoidance.
If you buy it
Avoid washing or dry-cleaning excessively, as agitation and heat can degrade the water-repellent coating and potentially increase particle/residue shedding. Do not expose to high heat (dishwasher, dryer). Spot-clean with cool water and mild soap. If the water-resistant finish noticeably degrades (water no longer beads on fabric), consider replacement rather than attempting to re-coat at home. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend coating life.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
Water-resistant finish on nylon/polyester backpacks typically relies on PFAS or legacy fluorocarbon chemistry. Under Armour has not disclosed the specific compound; fluorine-based coatings are industry standard in this category and can migrate into skin or sweat under contact, especially if coating degrades.
Azo dyes
No specific evidence of restricted azo dyes in Under Armour Hustle backpacks. Polyester and nylon fabrics can be dyed with azo compounds, but brands operating in North America and Europe typically comply with dye restrictions. No recalls or documented issues on record for this product.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester yarn may use antimony trioxide as a catalyst during manufacturing. Antimony is a heavy metal; levels in finished fabric are generally low but can vary by supplier. Under Armour does not disclose antimony limits for this product. Migration risk is minimal during normal backpack use.
Formaldehyde in resins or finishing treatments
No formaldehyde-based resin finishes are typical for water-resistant nylon/polyester blends in modern backpack production. Industry has largely phased out formaldehyde-reliant treatments in this category. No documented formaldehyde concerns for Under Armour Hustle backpacks.
Coating degradation and shedding particles
water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor gear can degrade over time and washing, potentially shedding microparticles that may contain fluorine residues. This is a documented concern for technical backpacks and outdoor textiles. Minimizing washing and heat exposure slows degradation and reduces shedding 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 Sports Bags
Garmin
Carrying Case
Neoprene or polyester case, material unspecified
Unknown material raises concern; no PFAS disclosure from Garmin.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Guidewater Sling
recycled polyester with water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern; brand committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating, but verify current batch
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof sports 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.