Burton Men's Ballast GORE-TEX 2L Pants
Avoid if concerned about PFAS; Teflon-type coating membrane carries risk and Burton discloses nothing.
Burton's use of GORE-TEX 2L means a Teflon-type coating-based membrane core, a Teflon-family coating historically tied to PFAS. Burton provides no public statement on PFAS content or risk.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
GORE-TEX 2L membrane laminate (polytetrafluoroethylene-based)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Burton Men's Ballast GORE-TEX 2L Pants is made of, ingredients and materials
Burton's Ballast uses a GORE-TEX 2L laminate, a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon-type coating) microporous membrane bonded to outer and inner fabric layers. Teflon-type coating membrane technology is industry-standard for breathable waterproofing and performs well in snow conditions. The 2L construction (membrane plus face fabric only, no inner backer) reduces weight and cost but offers less abrasion resistance than 3L designs. The critical concern is Teflon-type coating thermal decomposition if the garment is exposed to high heat during care or accidental exposure.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Teflon-type coating thermal decomposition (fume risk)
GORE-TEX 2L contains Teflon-type coating; improper care (hot tumble drying, ironing, dry cleaning) can release fluorinated fumes. Risk is avoidable with proper cold-wash protocols but requires user knowledge.
Coating or membrane degradation over time
GORE-TEX membranes can degrade after 3-5 years of heavy use or UV exposure, reducing water resistance; this is not a chemical hazard but affects product integrity and may lead to moisture intrusion.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public safety alerts or test results on file for Burton snow pants. Synthetic nylon/polyester outer and inner fabrics may contain formaldehyde-release finishes, but Burton provides no disclosure.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored fabrics
Ballast is typically offered in neutral colors (black, grey); azo dye use is standard in outdoor apparel but no specific hazard reported for this product line.
Heavy metals
No test data published for Burton Ballast. Antimony (polymerization catalyst in polyester) is typically at lower concern trace levels in textiles but Burton discloses no testing.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Burton does not publish detailed PFAS composition data or commit to PFAS phase-out timelines on their website or product documentation. The company has not faced major publicized recalls or safety controversies specific to snow-pant chemical content. Burton holds no known third-party certifications (like bluesign or OEKO-TEX) for this line that would independently verify chemical restrictions. Transparency on PFAS in GORE-TEX membranes remains absent from their communications.
How it compares in its category
GORE-TEX 2L is a mid-tier waterproofing standard; competitors use 3L membranes, polyurethane coatings, or Teflon-type coating alternatives (some with lower PFAS profiles, though data is sparse across the industry). Burton's choice of GORE-TEX reflects prioritization of breathability and durability over PFAS minimization. Most snow pants in this price range carry similar or worse PFAS unknowns. Non-PFAS membrane options (e.g., polyether urethane) exist but are less common in premium-grade snow wear.
If you buy it
Wash in cold water with gentle detergent; avoid dry cleaning and heat-drying, which risk Teflon-type coating fume release. Do not iron or expose to open flame or sustained heat above 140°C (280°F). Replace seam tape if seams begin leaking; degradation typically occurs after 3-5 seasons of heavy use. Air-dry flat or on a hanger away from direct heat. Store in a dry place to prevent mold growth in the microporous membrane, which can reduce breathability.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Burton has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Burton Men's Ballast GORE-TEX 2L Pants?
- nylon blend with water-repellent coating water-repellent treatment
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- water-repellent coating chemistry (unspecified)
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Nylon blend with water-repellent coating treatment (likely fluorocarbon-based)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- PFAS
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Polyester shell with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish; insulated lining
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment composition
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore snow pants 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.