Columbia Men's Glenbrook Bend Rain Jacket
Rain jackets typically use PFAS-based water-repellent coating, Columbia does not disclose chemistry.
The Glenbrook Bend is a standard synthetic rain jacket with a water-repellent coating, but Columbia provides no public information about whether their water-repellent coating treatment contains PFAS. Most mainstream rain jackets historically use fluorinated water repellents.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyester shell with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
water-repellent coating chemistry (fluorochemical unknown)
The water-repellent coating finish is likely PFAS-based but unconfirmed by Columbia. PFAS compounds used in water-repellent textiles are not classified as acutely toxic under normal wear, but evidence of bioaccumulation and environmental persistence is established; repeated washing may release trace amounts into wastewater.
Degradation and microplastic shedding
Repeated washing and wear will gradually degrade the polyester shell and water-repellent coating layer. Shed microfibers from polyester garments enter waterways; the fluorinated water-repellent coating may increase the environmental persistence of these particles, though human ingestion risk from wearing the jacket is negligible.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-based finishing agents (common in wrinkle-resistant or permanent-press polyester) are documented for this jacket. Modern polyester rain shells typically do not undergo heavy formaldehyde resin treatment, though some dyeing processes may involve trace formaldehyde donors; no specific report for the Glenbrook Bend.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No recalls or safety warnings related to dye toxicity or heavy metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic) in the Glenbrook Bend colorways are on public record. Columbia is subject to standard textile safety regulations (Oeko-Tex, CE marking) in major markets, which restrict these hazards; no evidence suggests non-compliance.
Source: FDA ↗Antimony in polyester fiber
Polyester production sometimes involves antimony oxide catalysts; residual antimony in finished fibers is typically minimal and below regulated thresholds in compliant textiles. No specific testing or warnings exist for the Glenbrook Bend, and regulatory oversight in Columbia's manufacturing supply chain suggests low risk at normal wear levels.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Glenbrook Bend uses a polyester shell with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. water-repellent coating coatings repel water by creating a hydrophobic layer; historically, most commercial water-repellent coating finishes have used PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") because fluorochemicals excel at water resistance. Polyester itself is stable and poses minimal hazard under normal use, but the water-repellent coating chemistry is the critical unknown here. Columbia has not publicly disclosed whether this jacket uses traditional PFAS-based water-repellent coating, newer fluorine-free alternatives, or a hybrid formulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Columbia Sportswear has not published transparency reports on PFAS use in their rain gear or commitment to phase-out timelines. The brand does not advertise PFAS-free or fluorine-free certifications for this product line. Some competing brands (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) have announced PFAS reduction initiatives or third-party verified safer water-repellent coating options; Columbia's silence suggests either ongoing use of conventional chemistry or lack of public commitment to disclosure. No recalls or safety violations are on record for this specific model.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream rain jackets at this price point and performance tier use conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating, making the Glenbrook Bend typical for the category. Premium brands increasingly offer PFAS-free alternatives (often at higher cost or with slightly reduced longevity). Entry-level jackets may use cheaper wax or silicone-based water resistance, which requires more frequent reapplication. If PFAS exposure is a concern for your household, this product offers no documented advantage over its peers and may warrant comparison shopping with brands that explicitly certify fluorine-free water-repellent coating.
If you buy it
Wash the jacket separately from other clothing on the first use to minimize any loose coating residue transfer. Avoid tumble drying on high heat; air dry or use low heat, as excessive temperature can degrade the water-repellent coating layer prematurely. Do not iron the jacket. Reapply water-repellent coating annually or after heavy use; when you do, choose a reapplication product and verify its chemistry if PFAS avoidance matters to you. If worn frequently against bare skin, consider wearing a base layer to reduce direct contact with the exterior coating.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Columbia has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More rain jackets 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.