Jack Wolfskin · Waterproof Winter Gloves
Jack Wolfskin Men's Refl Winter Gloves
Pass unless Jack Wolfskin discloses water-repellent coating chemistry; winter gloves typically use PFAS-based water repellents.
Jack Wolfskin doesn't disclose the water-repellent coating chemistry on these winter gloves. Winter sports apparel routinely relies on PFAS-based Teflon-family coating treatments, and the brand offers no PFAS-free claim.
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
Synthetic textile with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What Jack Wolfskin Men's Refl Winter Gloves is made of, ingredients and materials
Jack Wolfskin Refl Winter Gloves use synthetic textiles (likely polyester or polyamide blends) treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating to shed moisture. water-repellent coating treatments on winter gloves are almost universally PFAS-based in the market, though Jack Wolfskin has not publicly disclosed the chemistry of their formulation. The synthetic shell itself poses minimal chemical risk, but the water-repellent coating treatment is the primary concern for both environmental persistence and potential dermal/inhalation exposure during use and washing.
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
Winter glove water-repellent coating treatments are typically Teflon-family coating-based (PFAS-containing); Jack Wolfskin's silence on water-repellent coating chemistry strongly suggests PFAS use, though not confirmed by independent test.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Synthetic polyester or polyamide textiles may contain formaldehyde resins used in shrink-proofing and wrinkle resistance; levels in finished gloves are typically low but not ruled out without material disclosure.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored textiles
Synthetic gloves with color (Refl line includes reflective/colored elements) may use azo dyes; restrictive substances lists (ZDHC, Bluesign) are not published by Jack Wolfskin for this product.
Microplastic shedding from degraded coating
As water-repellent coating coatings degrade over use and washing, microfibers and coating particles can shed; no product-specific testing exists, but this is a known pathway for synthetic glove wear.
Skin irritation from water-repellent coating residue
Unwashed or heavily coated gloves may cause mild irritation or contact sensitization in users with reactive skin; pre-washing and air-drying reduce this risk significantly.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Jack Wolfskin, owned by Pinewood Investments, has no published PFAS policy or commitment to phasing out PFAS-based treatments that is publicly documented. The brand does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product labels or sustainability pages. Unlike competitors such as Patagonia or some Arc'teryx lines that explicitly state PFAS-free or PFAS-reduced water repellents, Jack Wolfskin remains silent on this issue, which is typical of mid-market outdoor brands but prevents informed choice.
How it compares in its category
Most winter gloves under USD 100 use PFAS-based water-repellent coating; Jack Wolfskin is in the standard tier. A small subset of premium brands (Fjallraven, some Patagonia models) offer PFAS-free or reduced-PFAS alternatives at similar or higher price points. Jack Wolfskin's Refl line does not differentiate itself in chemical safety, positioning it as a conventional option with standard exposure risk rather than a leader in lower-concern formulations.
If you buy it
Wash gloves in cold water before first skin contact to remove loose water-repellent coating finish and reduce potential inhalation during wear. Avoid machine drying on heat, as elevated temperature may increase PFAS volatilization; air dry instead. Replace every 1-2 seasons or when water-repellent coating visibly degrades (water no longer beads on fabric), as degraded coatings may shed microparticles. Store in a cool, dry place and do not machine wash frequently; hand wash when soiled.
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
- Jack Wolfskin has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Waterproof Winter Gloves
Patagonia
Better Sweater Gloves Patagonia Women's
- Polyester fleece (recycled)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Patagonia
R4 Yulex Regulator Three Finger Mitts
- 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. See all of them.
Patagonia
Synchilla Gloves
- 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. See all of them.
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.