Merrell · Cycling Rain Jackets
Merrell Gore Tex Jacket Mens Medium Navy Performance Shell Hooded
Gore-Tex jackets typically use PFOA-free water-repellent coating, but Merrell provides no PFAS disclosure.
Gore-Tex is generally considered lower risk for PFAS post-PFOA phase-out, but Merrell does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry. Contact brand for specifics on fluorocarbon treatments if PFAS concern is critical.
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Material
Gore-Tex polyester shell with water-repellent coating finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Merrell Gore Tex Jacket Mens Medium Navy is made of, ingredients and materials
This jacket uses Gore-Tex laminated to a polyester shell with a water-repellent (water-repellent coating) finish. Gore-Tex itself is Teflon-type coating-based microporous membrane bonded to fabric layers, which does not off-gas Teflon-type coating fumes under normal wear conditions. The water-repellent coating finish is the primary PFAS concern, while modern water-repellent coating coatings often avoid legacy PFOA, Merrell does not publicly disclose which water-repellent coating chemistry is used on this model, leaving uncertainty about whether newer PFAS alternatives (still per- or polyfluorinated) are present.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
PFAS
Merrell does not disclose water-repellent coating supplier or composition. Gore-Tex itself does not require PFAS, but the water-repellent coating applied to the polyester shell may contain per- or polyfluorinated compounds. Without explicit PFAS-free certification, presence cannot be ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony trioxide is a common catalyst in polyester manufacturing and can remain in finished fibers at low residual levels. Industry-wide data shows traces in most polyester garments; Merrell does not test or disclose antimony content. Dermal absorption through intact garment is negligible, but some concern exists for heavily worn items and sensitive individuals.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
Gore-Tex laminates can delaminate over time if exposed to heat, abrasion, or improper washing. As the Teflon-type coating microporous layer separates, microfibers may shed during washing. This is a recognized issue across Gore-Tex products, not unique to Merrell, but care protocols can slow degradation significantly.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester-only garments rarely involve formaldehyde resins (unlike cotton blends treated with wrinkle resistance). No public recalls or warnings specific to Merrell Gore-Tex jackets for formaldehyde. Off-gassing risk is minimal with synthetic-only construction.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in navy colorant
Navy polyester can be dyed with azo or non-azo routes; Merrell applies no public color safety standard. No documented azo dye incidents or recalls for Merrell jackets. Risk is low if the dye is properly fixed, but brand does not confirm azo-free or REACH-compliant dyes.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell (owned by Wolverine Worldwide) has not published specific PFAS reduction commitments or transparency reports for individual product lines as of public record. The brand does not disclose water-repellent coating supplier identity or chemistry on product tags or websites. This silence differs from competitors like Patagonia and Arc'teryx, which explicitly state PFAS-free or PFC-free status for some jackets. Merrell has faced no major PFAS-specific recalls, but lack of disclosure suggests lower priority on this issue.
How it compares in its category
Gore-Tex jackets from any brand carry inherent PFAS uncertainty unless the maker specifies PFAS-free water-repellent coating. Merrell's silence places it below brands offering PFOA-free or fluorocarbon-free alternatives (Patagonia, Rab, some Arc'teryx lines). However, Gore-Tex remains a performance standard; non-Teflon-type coating waterproof options often sacrifice breathability or durability. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, requesting explicit water-repellent coating chemistry or choosing Paragon or ePE-membrane jackets would be lower-PFAS alternatives.
If you buy it
Wash the jacket regularly (every 10-15 wears) in cool or warm water with mild detergent to remove water-repellent coating from outer layer and skin contact; hot water can degrade Gore-Tex lamination. Avoid dry cleaning, which may use PFAS-laden solvents. Do not iron or place near direct heat sources above 60 degrees Celsius. Expect water-repellent coating effectiveness to fade after 2-3 years of regular use; when water no longer beads on the shell, consider reapplying PFAS-free water-repellent coating (if available locally) or retiring the jacket. Proper care extends usable life and reduces need for premature replacement.
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
- Merrell has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.