Q36.5 · Waterproof Winter Gloves
Q36.5 Anfibio Winter Rain Gloves
Pass unless Fjallraven discloses water-repellent coating chemistry; waterproof gloves frequently use PFAS coatings.
These Q36.5 gloves are marketed as waterproof but Fjallraven provides no water-repellent coating treatment chemistry disclosure. Winter rain gloves typically rely on fluorocarbon-based water repellents, often PFAS.
The better-graded swap
Patagonia
Patagonia Synchilla Gloves
90/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Fabric with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment, composition unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Q36.5 Anfibio Winter Rain Gloves is made of, ingredients and materials
Q36.5 Anfibio gloves use a fabric shell with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment applied to the outer surface. water-repellent coating coatings are typically either fluorinated (PFAS-based, persistent in environment and body) or fluorine-free alternatives. Fjallraven does not publicly specify which chemistry is used on this model. The glove lining and palm grip material are not detailed in available product specs, which limits full hazard assessment.
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.
PFAS
If fluorine-free water-repellent coating is used, residual solvents or silicone-based polymers may off-gas minimally in early wear; skin contact risk is low. If fluorinated PFAS is used (status unknown), accumulation in bloodstream is documented with long-term glove contact and hand-mouth transfer, though glove use is lower-risk than cookware or textiles in direct contact with food or skin.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microparticle release
Repeated washing, flexing, and UV exposure cause water-repellent coating coatings to fragment over 2-3 seasons. Microparticles from degraded fluorinated or silicone-based coatings can be inhaled or ingested via hand transfer; this is a documented but low-magnitude risk for intermittent glove wearers. Regular replacement mitigates this hazard.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Fjallraven does not publicly disclose formaldehyde-release testing for this model. Standard outdoor fabrics and linings can contain formaldehyde as a wrinkle-resist or anti-microbial agent, but gloves present low dermal exposure due to limited skin contact area and typical brief wear duration in cold outdoor conditions.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes and colorants
No specific testing or incidents reported for Q36.5 Anfibio. Outdoor brands typically use synthetic dyes; if the glove fabric is black or dark-dyed, azo dye presence is possible but carcinogenic amines are mainly a concern in direct skin contact textiles (underwear, children's wear) and not a priority hazard for winter gloves worn over base layers.
Bacterial or fungal growth in insulation or lining
No recalls or complaints on record. Winter gloves retain moisture and sweat, creating conditions for microbial growth if worn continuously or stored wet; this is a hygiene issue rather than a manufacturing defect, managed by drying gloves after use and washing seasonally.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Fjallraven is a Swedish outdoor brand with a sustainability-focused marketing posture, but maintains silence on water-repellent coating chemistry in most product lines. The company has not published a formal PFAS phase-out commitment or supply-chain audit data. No recalls or safety violations are on record for this specific model. This gap between brand values and chemical transparency is typical of mid-premium outdoor gear makers, but creates uncertainty for consumers seeking PFAS-free alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof winter gloves almost universally rely on water-repellent coating treatments; true PFAS-free options exist but remain niche (e.g., wax-based or silicone coatings, typically with shorter water-repellent life). Q36.5 Anfibio sits in the mainstream category and likely performs better in durability and water shedding than fluorine-free competitors at a similar price point. Brand reputation and construction quality are higher than budget alternatives, but so is the PFAS uncertainty.
If you buy it
Before purchase, contact Fjallraven customer service to request water-repellent coating chemistry confirmation; if they confirm fluorine-free status, proceed with confidence. After purchase, wash gloves separately from other clothing and avoid throwing away casually, as PFAS (if present) persist in landfills and leachate. Do not expose to direct flame or extreme heat (above 60C / 140F), as this can degrade the coating and release particles. Replace when water-repellent coating visibly beads water less effectively, typically every 2-3 seasons with normal use.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Q36.5 has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Q36.5 Anfibio Winter Rain Gloves?
- Polyester fleece (recycled)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Yulex (synthetic rubber), neoprene-free alternative
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Allergic contact dermatitis (rubber/guayule sensitivity)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Polyester fleece (Synchilla®); no water-repellent treatment disclosed
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Microplastics
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More waterproof winter gloves 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.