Head · Ski & Snowboard Jackets
KORE Men's Jacket
Skip until Head discloses water-repellent coating chemistry. Traditional waterproof jackets commonly contain PFAS.
Head's KORE Men's Jacket uses a water-resistant outer layer with unspecified water-repellent coating treatment. Head provides no public disclosure of whether PFAS-based or fluorine-free chemistry was used.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Synthetic outer shell with water-repellent coating treatment (type unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What KORE Men's Jacket is made of, ingredients and materials
The KORE jacket uses a synthetic outer shell with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, but Head has not disclosed whether this water-repellent coating contains PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") or fluorine-free alternatives. water-repellent coating treatments are standard on ski jackets to shed water and snow, but many brands still rely on PFAS-based chemistry because fluorine-free alternatives are newer and less durable in extreme weather. Without confirmation of the specific water-repellent coating formulation, this jacket carries the typical risk profile of traditional waterproof outerwear.
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
Water-repellent coating treatments on synthetic ski jackets typically contain PFAS (C6 or C8 variants) unless explicitly marketed otherwise. Head has provided no public disclosure, and traditional waterproofing in this product category commonly uses fluorinated chemistry.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester
Polyester shells may contain trace antimony as a catalyst residue from manufacturing. Head does not disclose antimony content for the KORE. Dermal migration is minimal in normal use, but risk increases if jacket is worn in high heat or against bare skin for extended periods.
water-repellent coating degradation and re-application
As water-repellent coating breaks down over 1-2 years of use, water beading diminishes and wearer may re-apply commercial water-repellent coating sprays (often PFAS-based), multiplying cumulative exposure. Head provides no guidance on eco-friendly re-treatment options.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No reports of formaldehyde in Head's KORE line. Synthetic polyester shells generally carry lower formaldehyde risk than cotton-blend jackets, though wrinkle-resistant or flame-retardant finishes could introduce this hazard if applied; no evidence of such treatment here.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes and color fastness
No documented issues with azo dyes in Head's ski apparel. Synthetic jackets with dark or bright colors do carry theoretical risk if dyes are not EU-compliant, but Head operates under EU and North American import standards that limit this exposure.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Head does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry for its apparel lines, nor has the brand committed to PFAS phase-out timelines comparable to outdoor leaders like Patagonia or Arc'teryx. Head's parent company (Countercultural Capital) focuses on sports equipment, and chemical transparency is not a stated priority for their textile divisions. No major recalls or safety incidents have been documented for this specific jacket, but the lack of transparency is notable given growing regulatory attention to PFAS in textiles.
How it compares in its category
Among mainstream ski jackets, the KORE is mid-range in price and performance spec. Competitors like Salomon, Atomic, and even some Helly Hansen models now offer fluorine-free water-repellent coating or disclose PFAS use explicitly; Head lags in this transparency. Higher-end brands (Arc'teryx, Mountain Hardwear) market PFAS-free alternatives at premium prices, while budget brands often remain silent on chemistry altogether, putting Head's KORE in an ambiguous middle ground.
If you buy it
Minimize skin contact with the outer shell, especially when new, as off-gassing of water-repellent coating chemicals can occur in the first few washes. Wash separately using cold water and mild detergent, avoiding hot water which may accelerate water-repellent coating degradation or leaching. Never dry-clean (solvents interact unpredictably with fluorinated coatings) and store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, contact Head directly to request water-repellent coating composition before purchase; silence from a brand is itself useful information for decision-making.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Head has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Ski & Snowboard Jackets
Allbirds
Jackets & Coats Allbirds Full Zip Wool Blend Puffer Jacket Women Size Small
- Wool blend with synthetic fill (likely polyester)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating composition
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Allbirds
Jackets & Coats Allbirds Men's Trino Puffer Jacket Full Zip Wool Blend Forest Green Coat Size Sm
- wool blend (natural fiber dominant)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment - undisclosed chemistry
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Allbirds
NWT Womens Medium Green Natural Run Mid Layer 1/4 Zip Jacket
- Merino wool blend (natural fiber)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and synthetic dye residue
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More ski & snowboard 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.