Waterproof Technologies · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
Drytech Gear Bag
Skip until brand discloses waterproof treatment composition.
Drytech Gear Bag uses undisclosed waterproofing likely to contain Teflon-family coating or PFAS. Brand makes no transparency claims about coating ingredients.
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Material
Unknown waterproof coating on gear bag
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 Drytech Gear Bag relies on an undisclosed waterproof coating as its core functional feature, but Waterproof Technologies has not published the chemical composition of this treatment. Waterproof coatings on textiles and gear commonly use either PFAS-based Teflon-family coating (which repel water and oils very effectively) or non-fluorinated alternatives like polyurethane or silicone-based systems. Without transparency, you cannot determine whether the coating poses inhalation risks during use, off-gassing during storage, or leaching if the bag contacts food or prolonged skin contact occurs. The substrate material under the coating is also unstated, making it impossible to assess compatibility or degradation pathways.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waterproof Technologies maintains silence on the specific chemistry of its waterproof treatments, which is a significant red flag in an industry where PFAS use is widespread and increasingly scrutinized. No public certifications (such as OEKO-TEX, bluesign, or GOTS) are documented for this product, and the brand has not committed to PFAS-free manufacturing or published any ingredient lists. This lack of engagement suggests either reliance on legacy PFAS formulations or indifference to consumer right-to-know standards that competitors are beginning to adopt.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof gear bags typically fall into two camps: those using PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings, which perform longer but carry health and environmental concerns, and those using polyurethane or wax-based alternatives, which are more transparent but may require reapplication. Premium brands like Patagonia and Arc'teryx now disclose their coating chemistry and increasingly offer PFAS-free options; Waterproof Technologies' silence puts it below market transparency standards. Budget-oriented and mid-tier brands often avoid disclosure, which correlates with PFAS reliance.
If you buy it
Do not store food or potable water in the bag or allow it prolonged contact with skin without a protective layer, as leaching from an unknown coating is a plausible pathway if the coating degrades or flexes repeatedly. Avoid heating or washing the bag in hot water, which may accelerate off-gassing or coating breakdown and release particles. Store in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, and inspect the coating annually for cracking or peeling; once visible degradation occurs, the bag's utility and safety profile both decline. Request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or detailed ingredient disclosure from the manufacturer before purchase; silence is itself a safety signal.
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.”
Waterproof coating off-gassing and volatilization
Unknown fluorinated or non-fluorinated polymers on this bag may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or Teflon-type coating-related fumes, especially if stored in warm environments or placed near heat. No testing or SDS is available to rule this out.
Coating leaching into contact materials (food, skin, water)
Waterproof coatings can shed monomers, plasticizers, or reaction byproducts if flexed, wet, or degraded. Without composition disclosure, you cannot assess whether the coating would leach into food, drinking water, or onto skin if the bag is used as a multipurpose container.
Inhalation exposure during unpacking and initial use
New waterproof gear commonly releases volatile compounds upon opening. Users with respiratory sensitivity (asthma, chemical sensitivity) may experience irritation, but severity depends entirely on coating chemistry, which is undisclosed here.
Coating degradation over product lifespan
Waterproof coatings on gear bags are known to crack, peel, and flake with UV exposure and mechanical stress. Once compromised, the underlying substrate may absorb water and degrade, potentially exposing users to fiber shedding or mold growth if the interior becomes damp.
Substrate material contamination (unknown base fabric or plastic)
The base material of the bag (polyester, nylon, canvas, or hybrid) is not specified. Polyester and nylon can harbor synthetic dyes (including azo dyes) or antimony catalysts if not screened; a waterproof coating may trap or mobilize these contaminants.
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.