PUMATECH rainCELL Men's Rain Jacket
Waterproof jacket with unspecified coating, PFAS risk unclear
Puma's rainCELL uses water-repellent coating but provides no disclosure on PFAS content or chemistries. High uncertainty without independent testing or brand transparency.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyester with rainCELL waterproof/breathable coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What PUMATECH rainCELL Men's Rain Jacket is made of, ingredients and materials
The rainCELL jacket is polyester with a proprietary waterproof and breathable coating applied to the fabric. Polyester itself is stable in normal use, but the coating formulation is not publicly specified by Puma, making it impossible to confirm whether it relies on PFAS-based durable water repellents (water-repellent coating) or newer alternatives. The coating's durability and whether it sheds microparticles under normal wear are also undocumented.
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.
Azo dyes and color fastness
Polyester rain jackets are typically dyed with azo dyes, some of which can break down into aromatic amines under high heat or acidic/alkaline conditions. No specific recall or test data on this Puma model is on record, but the risk is inherent to polyester outerwear.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
The rainCELL coating will degrade over time and with laundering. Whether degradation releases microplastic particles into wash water or the environment is not documented for this product; Puma has not published particle shedding data for this jacket.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Some polyester finishes and dyes use formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance or color fixation. Puma does not disclose whether rainCELL fabrics include such treatments; off-gassing risk is generally low once cured, but new jackets may retain residual odor.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester fibers
Antimony is used as a catalyst in polyester production and can remain in the fiber at low levels. Migration into skin during wear is considered minimal, but it is a recognized trace contaminant in synthetic textiles with no brand-specific safety data for Puma's rainCELL.
Unspecified waterproof coating chemicals
The rainCELL coating is proprietary and unverified. While PFAS is the primary concern (graded separately), the coating may contain other persistent synthetic compounds or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not disclosed to consumers.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Puma has not made public commitments to PFAS-free waterproof coatings or published transparency reports on water-repellent coating chemistry in rainwear. The company has faced criticism for limited chemical disclosure in athletic apparel, though it is not flagged for major chemical recalls in outerwear. Without third-party certification (such as bluesign or Cradle to Cradle) on this specific SKU, buyers have no independent verification of coating safety.
How it compares in its category
Most commercial rain jackets rely on some form of water repellent coating; many major brands still use PFAS-based water-repellent coating despite growing alternatives. Puma's rainCELL is mid-tier in this respect, not explicitly certified as PFAS-free (unlike some outdoor brands offering PFC-free options), but also not an outlier. Competitors like Patagonia and Arc'teryx offer PFAS-free certified rainwear at higher price points; budget brands often offer no chemical disclosure at all.
If you buy it
Avoid machine washing in hot water or high heat drying, as this can degrade the coating and potentially release coating particles. Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, or use gentle machine cycles. Replace or re-treat the jacket if the water-repellent finish noticeably diminishes (water no longer beads on fabric). Store in a dry place; prolonged moisture exposure can compromise the coating and create conditions for mold growth on the interior.
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
- Puma has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to PUMATECH rainCELL Men's Rain Jacket?
- polyester shell with water-repellent coating finish
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Azo dyes and color fastness
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating water treatment
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- PFAS
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Nylon with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating finish
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- water-repellent coating chemistry opacity (fluorinated vs. non-fluorinated)
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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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.