Waterproof Technologies · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
RTIC Ultra-Dry Duffle Pack
Unknown waterproof treatment raises concern; request material specs.
Waterproof duffle bags typically use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but brand does not disclose treatment method or materials. No independent testing or PFAS claims available.
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Material
Unspecified fabric with water-repellent coating waterproof 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 RTIC Ultra-Dry Duffle Pack uses an unspecified fabric substrate with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. water-repellent coating treatments historically relied on PFAS compounds (perfluorocarbons), though some newer formulations use non-fluorinated alternatives. Without material disclosure from RTIC, the coating chemistry cannot be confirmed, making chemical exposure risk assessment incomplete. The fabric base itself is not specified beyond waterproofing claims, so typical textile hazards (dyes, resins, finishes) cannot be ruled in or out.
The brand's record and disclosure
RTIC (Waterproof Technologies) has not published public material safety data sheets, ingredient disclosures, or PFAS-avoidance commitments for this product line. No third-party certifications (Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, GOTS) are evident in available product documentation. The brand's silence on water-repellent chemistry is notable given widespread industry awareness of PFAS concerns in outdoor gear since the mid-2010s. No recalls or safety incidents specific to this model are on public record.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof duffle packs occupy a middle tier of consumer gear; comparable brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx, some REI Co-op lines) increasingly disclose PFAS-free or responsibly sourced water-repellent coating treatments. RTIC's lack of transparency is below the current disclosure standard for premium outdoor brands, though not unusual for value-tier manufacturers. The product's waterproof durability likely depends on coating integrity, which is less documented than competitors' multi-year performance claims.
If you buy it
Request detailed material composition and water-repellent coating treatment information from RTIC customer service before purchase if PFAS exposure concerns you. Avoid machine washing or high-heat drying, which can degrade coatings and potentially release volatile compounds. Store in a cool, dry place and inspect the coating annually for peeling, cracking, or delamination that would trigger replacement. Hand-wash with mild soap if needed; commercial detergents can strip water-repellent coating properties and may contain surfactants that interact unpredictably with unknown coating chemistry.
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 degradation and leachables
Unspecified water-repellent coating chemistry means unknown stability under heat, UV, or wear. Coating breakdown over time could release incompletely characterized compounds into contact with stored items, particularly food or textiles.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing resins in fabric finish
Fabric base composition not disclosed. If it contains cellulose or cotton with resin finishes (common in water-resistant textiles), formaldehyde-based cross-linkers are possible but unconfirmed in available information.
Azo dyes in fabric coloring
Product color and dye source not specified. Textile dyes in industrial outdoor gear may include banned or restricted azo compounds, though no incidents are documented for this brand or model.
VOC off-gassing from coating or adhesives
water-repellent coating coatings and fabric lamination adhesives can off-gas volatile organic compounds, particularly when new or stored in warm conditions. Unspecified formulation means emissions profile is unknown; ventilation during initial use recommended.
Bacterial or mold growth in wet storage
Waterproof packs can trap moisture if not fully dried after use. No antimicrobial treatment is disclosed, so risk depends on user maintenance rather than product chemistry.
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.