Waterproof Technologies · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Breakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof Submersible Backpack
Unknown waterproofing method; no PFAS transparency from brand.
This submersible backpack uses unspecified waterproofing treatment. Brand provides no disclosure about PFAS content or safer alternatives, creating moderate concern for water-repellent coating-treated textiles.
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Material
Unspecified waterproof fabric/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
This backpack uses an unspecified waterproof fabric coating, likely a polyurethane laminate or polymer membrane bonded to a synthetic base textile. The actual waterproofing agent is not disclosed by Breakwater Supply, which is the primary safety concern: waterproof coatings on outdoor gear commonly rely on PFAS (perfluorinated compounds) or other fluorochemical finishes to repel water, but the brand has published no material safety data or composition details. Without knowing whether the coating is PFAS-based, PFC-free, or something else entirely, you cannot assess the leaching and off-gassing risk posed by this product during use, washing, or eventual disposal.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waterproof Technologies (maker of the Breakwater Supply Fogland line) has no publicly available material transparency, safety certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign), or PFAS policy statements on record. The brand does not disclose waterproofing chemistry, fabric composition percentages, or third-party test results. This silence is not atypical for smaller outdoor gear manufacturers, but it is a red flag when the core function of the product, waterproofing, depends on chemical coatings whose safety profile depends entirely on formulation.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof submersible backpacks in this tier typically use either PFAS-heavy polyurethane laminates (legacy standard, cheap, durable but persistent in the environment) or newer PFC-free polyether-based or thermoplastic polyurethane coatings (marketed as eco-friendly but more variable in durability and longevity). Premium brands (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx) disclose their waterproofing method and PFAS status; mid-tier brands often use water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments that may or may not contain PFAS. Breakwater Supply provides neither specification, putting it in a category of unknown risk relative to its price point.
If you buy it
Inspect the backpack before extended submersion to confirm seam sealing and coating integrity; do not heat-dry it (heat can degrade polymer coatings and increase off-gassing), and air-dry only. Wash only with plain water or mild soap; avoid harsh detergents and solvents, which can compromise water repellency and leach coating components. If the coating begins to flake, peel, or show visible wear after 1-2 years of heavy use, replacement is advisable as degraded coatings may shed microparticles and lose their waterproofing function. Contact Breakwater Supply directly to request material safety data if the backpack will be used frequently or stored in warm, humid conditions.
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.”
Fluorochemical leaching from waterproof coating
The coating composition is not disclosed; if PFAS-based (common in polyurethane waterproof laminates), contact with skin, sweat, or washwater could leach trace fluorochemicals. The unspecified nature of the coating means this hazard cannot be ruled out or quantified.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from synthetic laminate
Polyurethane laminates and polymer-coated textiles commonly release low levels of VOCs during manufacture and the first weeks of use, particularly in warm or humid storage. No test data or ventilation guidance is provided by the brand.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
Waterproof coatings on textiles degrade over time, especially under UV exposure, heat, and repeated flexing. As the coating flakes, it may shed microparticles; no durability standards or expected service life are specified for this product.
Azo dyes or heavy metals in base textile
The base fabric material is not described as to fiber type or dye class. Synthetic polyester fabrics can contain azo dyes (some of which are restricted under OEKO-TEX standards) or antimony catalysts if not screened; no certification or dye safety information is available for this backpack.
Adhesive toxicity if laminate delaminates
If the waterproof coating separates from the base textile, the adhesive layer underneath may leach unreacted monomers or plasticizers. No adhesive specification is provided, so composition and safety profile are unknown.
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 gear storage 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.