Decathlon · Cycling Rain Jackets
Forclaz Men's 3-In-1 Waterproof Travel Jacket Travel 500
Waterproof apparel with unspecified water-repellent coating, higher PFAS risk.
Decathlon does not disclose water-repellent coating treatment chemistry for this jacket. Waterproof outdoor jackets typically use PFAS-based finishes, but brand silence prevents confirmation.
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Material
Polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating treatment, unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Unspecified water-repellent coating treatment on polyester implies probable use of conventional fluorinated compounds, given Decathlon's silence on alternatives. Migration to skin or sweat possible during wear, particularly in high-moisture environments.
Source: ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester apparel often uses formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance and shape retention. No test data or certification (OEKO-TEX) provided by Decathlon for this product; off-gassing risk is elevated in first weeks of wear.
Source: ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in synthetic colorants
Cheap polyester jackets frequently use azo dyes that can break down into carcinogenic amines under UV or biological stress. Decathlon does not disclose dye chemistry; risk correlates with dark colors and unknown supplier standards.
Adhesive off-gassing from 3-in-1 construction
Multiple fabric layers bonded with polyurethane or PVC-based adhesives; removable lining assembly adds seam count. VOC release is common in first wear cycles, especially under warm or humid conditions.
Coating degradation and microfiber shedding
Polyester with worn water-repellent coating coatings shed microfibers during laundering and wear; the coating itself may also flake. No durability guarantees provided; typical multi-season lifespan is 2-3 years before performance loss.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This jacket is polyester with a water-repellent (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the fabric surface. Polyester itself is stable, but the water-repellent coating chemistry is undisclosed by Decathlon, which is the core concern. water-repellent coating treatments historically rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to create water-shedding properties; without manufacturer transparency on whether this product uses fluorine-free alternatives, the coating is a potential hazard source. The 3-in-1 construction (removable lining) means multiple seams and adhesives are present, introducing secondary leaching risks.
The brand's record and disclosure
Decathlon does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating treatment chemistry for this product or provide third-party testing results for PFAS content. The brand has not committed to phasing out PFAS in waterproof apparel, nor does it list certifications like bluesign or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for this model. This silence is significant because major competitors (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) now explicitly state PFAS-free status or publish treatment methods; Decathlon's lack of transparency suggests either conventional fluorinated water-repellent coating or incomplete supply-chain oversight.
How it compares in its category
Budget waterproof jackets in this price range typically use fluorinated water-repellent coating; premium brands increasingly switch to fluorine-free alternatives (e.g., wax, polyurethane, polyether-based coatings). Decathlon's Forclaz line occupies the mid-budget segment, where PFAS-containing water-repellent coating is still common industry practice. Without testing data, this jacket cannot be assumed safer than typical polyester waterproofs, and it lags behind brands offering certified PFAS-free options at similar or only slightly higher cost.
If you buy it
Minimize direct skin contact during initial wear and first few washes to reduce potential leaching of coating residues. Wash separately in cold water; avoid heat drying, which can accelerate coating breakdown and off-gassing. Check the outer fabric and seams annually for delamination or cracking; once the water-repellent coating degrades, water absorption increases and the product loses function. Store dry in a cool place away from direct sunlight to extend coating life and reduce thermal decomposition of treatment chemicals.
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
- Decathlon has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Cycling Rain Jackets
Mens Balance Made In Usa Cycling Jacket Windbreaker Water Resistant
Synthetic fabric with water-resistant water-repellent coating, unspecified
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fabric
Limited concern
Skip until New Balance discloses water-repellent coating treatment details.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More cycling 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.