PFAS-treated outdoor gear (jackets, tents, packs) — outdoor safety profile

What is this product?

Waterproof and water-resistant outdoor jackets, tents, and backpacks using durable water repellent (DWR) coatings and/or PTFE (Gore-Tex) membranes. Historically, all performance DWR coatings were long-chain PFAS (PFOS/PFOA-based C8 chemistry) — the same PFAS compounds linked to thyroid disruption, immune suppression, kidney disease, and testicular cancer. After regulatory pressure, the outdoor industry transitioned to shorter-chain C6 fluorocarbon DWR (still PFAS). Some brands are now offering non-fluorocarbon (non-PFAS) DWR alternatives, but performance at high precipitation is still debated. PTFE membranes (Gore-Tex, similar) are distinct from DWR coatings — they are the fluoropolymer membrane layer providing windproofing and breathability.

What's in it

Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.

Who's most at risk

• Children — Developing endocrine and neurological systems, higher exposure per body weight

How to use it more safely

• Use outdoors in well-ventilated environments away from food/water sources
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling, before eating or touching face
• Inspect regularly for tears or degradation that could release particles
• Keep away from direct contact with skin for extended periods when possible

Red flags — when to walk away

• Ironing or tumble-drying DWR-treated outerwear to 'reactivate' waterproofing — Heat application to fluorocarbon DWR causes PFAS volatilization. Dryer heat during garment treatment creates localized PFAS inhalation exposure. This is the instruction on most DWR-coated garment care labels.
• PFAS-treated outerwear purchased for young children — Children have higher skin surface area relative to body mass; developing endocrine and immune systems are more sensitive to PFAS disruption. Child's jacket worn daily is a continuous dermal PFAS exposure source.

Green flags — what to look for

• bluesign certified fabric with non-fluorocarbon (C0) DWR — bluesign certification covers manufacturing process safety, chemical inputs, and resource efficiency. C0 (non-fluorocarbon) DWR specification eliminates the PFAS concern from the garment surface treatment.
• Brand commitment with verification: 'PFAS-free' or 'fluorocarbon-free' DWR for full product line — Several major outdoor brands have committed to eliminating C8 and C6 PFAS DWR across their product lines by specific dates (Patagonia: all products by 2025; Arc'teryx: durable items by 2025). Brand-level commitments with verified timelines are more reliable than product-level claims.

Safer alternatives

• Wax-coated canvas gear — Natural water repellent; biodegradable; no persistent chemicals
• Silicone-treated technical fabrics — PFOA/PFOS-free water repellent; safer fluorine-free option
• Wool or wool-blend outerwear — Naturally water-resistant; no chemical treatments required

Frequently asked questions