Yeti · Waterproof Gear Storage Bags
YETI Camino 35 Carryall Tote Bag
Canvas tote with water-repellent coating treatment; PFAS status unclear from brand.
YETI's Camino tote uses durable canvas with water-resistant finish, likely water-repellent coating-treated. Brand discloses no PFAS information; coating chemistry unknown.
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Material
Canvas/cotton blend 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 Camino 35 uses a canvas or cotton-blend fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. water-repellent coating coatings are the primary chemical concern in textiles of this type, as some formulations historically contained PFAS compounds, though modern treatments may use non-PFAS alternatives. The base canvas itself is generally low-risk for additives compared to synthetic fabrics, but the specific water-repellent coating chemistry here is not disclosed by YETI.
The brand's record and disclosure
YETI has not publicly committed to PFAS-free materials or disclosed its water-repellent coating suppliers and chemistry. The brand is known for premium outdoor product quality but remains silent on fluorinated water-repellent treatments across its textile line. No independent recalls or safety controversies specific to Camino bags are on record. This silence makes it difficult to assess whether the water-repellent coating uses legacy PFAS or newer alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Canvas totes with water-repellent treatment occupy a middle ground: more durable than uncoated cotton, but heavier chemical processing than plain canvas. Competitors vary widely; some brands explicitly use PFAS-free wax or paraffin coatings, while others disclose PFAS or remain opaque. YETI's lack of transparency is a weakness relative to brands that specify non-fluorinated water-repellent coating chemistry. The Camino 35 is positioned as a premium product, which should invite higher disclosure standards.
If you buy it
Store away from direct heat sources and do not machine-wash in hot water, as heat can degrade synthetic coatings. Air-dry only and reapply water-repellent coating periodically if water beading diminishes; use a compatible non-PFAS refresh product if possible to avoid reintroducing fluorinated compounds. Spot-clean with mild soap and water for most stains. If PFAS exposure is a concern for your household, contact YETI directly to request water-repellent coating formulation details 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 chemistry (fluorinated vs non-fluorinated)
Canvas water-repellent coating finishes commonly use PFAS compounds for water and oil repellency. YETI has not disclosed whether the Camino 35 uses legacy PFAS-based or newer non-PFAS alternatives, leaving the actual risk profile unclear.
Formaldehyde resins in sizing or finishing
Canvas may contain small amounts of formaldehyde-based sizing agents used in weaving. No specific reports for YETI canvas products, and amounts in finished goods are typically low, but off-gassing from new textiles is possible during initial use.
Azo dyes or heavy metals in colorants
The Camino 35 is primarily natural or off-white canvas; if dyes are used, restricted azo dyes are not likely, and no safety incidents are documented for YETI's dyed textiles. Standard commercial dyes meet most regulatory limits.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
As water-repellent coating coatings age or wash, they can flake or release particles, particularly if repeatedly reapplied or exposed to abrasion. This is a handling concern rather than a chemical hazard but relevant to long-term product durability and maintenance.
Allergen contact from handling (low-risk)
Canvas and cotton blends are generally hypoallergenic. No documented allergen issues specific to YETI totes; risk is minimal compared to synthetic blends.
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.
More waterproof 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.