Yeti · Waterproof Outdoor Bags & Luggage
YETI Crossroads 27L Backpack
Waterproof backpack, likely water-repellent coating treated. PFAS status unclear from brand.
YETI does not disclose PFAS content or water-repellent coating chemistry for this backpack. Waterproof nylon packs commonly use PFAS-based treatments, but unconfirmed here.
The safe swap
Garmin
Garmin Carry Case
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Ballistic nylon with 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 Crossroads 27L uses ballistic nylon, a tightly woven polyester-nylon blend chosen for abrasion resistance and durability. It includes a waterproof coating (water-repellent coating treatment) applied to the fabric surface to shed water. Ballistic nylon itself does not leach chemicals under normal use, but the coating's chemistry is the unknown factor here. YETI has not publicly disclosed whether their water-repellent coating treatment uses PFAS-based or fluorine-free alternatives, which is the primary chemical concern for this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
YETI has built a reputation for premium outdoor gear but maintains limited public transparency on material safety, PFAS use, or chemical certifications. The company has not issued a statement committing to PFAS-free or reduced-PFAS coatings across its product lines. No formal recalls, chemical contamination incidents, or third-party certifications (e.g., Bluesign, GOTS) have been documented for this backpack. Their silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is notably different from competitors who have begun disclosing coating alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Most premium waterproof backpacks in this size and price range use similar water-repellent coating-treated nylon. Competitors like Peak Design and Patagonia have begun specifying PFAS-free or reduced-PFAS coatings, or using alternative waterproofing (welded seams, PU lamination). YETI's lack of disclosure puts it in the middle of the market transparency spectrum: better than budget brands that ignore the issue entirely, but behind leading outdoor manufacturers who now lead with chemical safety messaging. The ballistic nylon material itself is relatively safe; the risk concentration is in the coating.
If you buy it
Clean and dry the backpack after use in salt water or heavy rain to minimize any potential leaching from the coating. Avoid prolonged heat exposure (stay away from direct sunlight for extended storage and keep away from heat sources), as weathered water-repellent coating coatings can degrade. The waterproof coating will wear down over years of use; reapplication products exist but their own chemistry is often unspecified. Consider contacting YETI directly to ask about water-repellent coating chemistry and coating composition before purchase if PFAS exposure is a personal health concern.
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 (water-repellent coating) coating composition
Ballistic nylon backpacks typically use fluorinated water-repellent coating treatments, which may contain PFAS compounds. YETI has not disclosed their specific water-repellent coating chemistry, so the presence and concentration of PFAS remain unconfirmed.
Coating degradation and weathering
As water-repellent coating coatings wear over time, shed particles or degraded polymer fragments may become present on the fabric surface. The long-term fate of these particles (whether inhaled, ingested via dust, or shed into water) is not product-specific but relevant to extended use.
Synthetic polymer off-gassing
Ballistic nylon and standard polyester coatings do not typically emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde under normal storage or use. No known off-gassing incidents or complaints documented for this product category.
Dyes and colorant safety
Heavy metals and azo dyes in synthetic textiles are a known concern, but ballistic nylon used in outdoor gear is typically solution-dyed (pigment mixed into fiber) rather than surface-dyed, reducing leaching risk. No specific incidents reported for YETI products.
Microplastic shedding
Nylon textiles can shed microfibers over time, especially when abraded or washed. This is not unique to YETI but inherent to synthetic backpack materials and relevant if worn frequently or machine-washed.
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 Outdoor Bags & Luggage
Garmin
Carry Case
Neoprene or polyester with nylon hardware
Lower concern protective case, no known PFAS risk signals.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Keen
Hybrid Transport Backpack Tan Recycled Rice Paper Plastic Daypack
Recycled rice paper, plastic composite, no evident water-resistant coating
Lower concern. Plain materials, no apparent water-repellent coating treatment.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof outdoor bags & luggage 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.