Quiksilver · Ski & Snowboard Jackets
Quiksilver Forever Stretch GORE-TEX Jacket Men's
Avoid until Quiksilver discloses or verifies the PFAS status of this Gore-Tex product.
This jacket combines a Gore-Tex Teflon-family coating membrane with additional water-repellent coating treatment, both historically PFAS-based. Quiksilver makes no public disclosure on PFAS presence or removal.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
GORE-TEX membrane with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Quiksilver Forever Stretch Jacket Men's is made of, ingredients and materials
This jacket uses GORE-TEX membrane, a microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) layer bonded to outer and inner fabrics. The membrane itself is Teflon-family coating-based (Teflon-type coating), but the critical hazard is the water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the outer shell. water-repellent coating coatings on most GORE-TEX products have historically relied on long-chain PFAS or fluorinated compounds to achieve water shedding; newer alternatives with lower PFAS concern exist but are not universally adopted. Quiksilver's silence on which water-repellent coating chemistry is used in this specific product means the PFAS status is unknown.
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
GORE-TEX water-repellent coating finishes commonly contain long-chain or short-chain PFAS; Quiksilver's non-disclosure of this product's specific formulation makes avoidance prudent.
Source, ATSDR ↗Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from adhesives and coatings
GORE-TEX jackets use polyurethane or other adhesives to bond membrane to shell and lining; these may emit low levels of VOCs during initial use. Ventilation and airing the jacket before wearing it indoors reduces exposure. No brand-specific testing data available from Quiksilver.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers during washing
Polyester shell and lining will shed microfibers, especially in the first few washes. This is inherent to synthetic textiles and not specific to Quiksilver; use a microfiber filter or washing bag to minimize water pollution if this concerns you.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No specific reports of formaldehyde resin use in this model. GORE-TEX membranes and most ski jacket constructions do not rely on formaldehyde-based wrinkle resistance, but adhesives bonding layers may contain trace aldehydes; Quiksilver does not publish finish specifications.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No known recalls or test failures for cadmium, lead, or antimony in Quiksilver ski jackets. Synthetic polyester outer shells are generally low-risk for heavy metal dyes; no public evidence contradicts this for the Forever Stretch line.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Quiksilver has not published a publicly available PFAS elimination roadmap or transparency statement regarding their GORE-TEX outerwear. The brand has not disclosed whether this Forever Stretch model uses PFAS-based or PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatments. Industry peers including Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and The North Face have made varying commitments to PFAS phaseouts and product disclosure; Quiksilver's silence in this space is notable. Without third-party certification (e.g., Oeko-Tex, bluesign) or direct brand verification, assume worst-case water-repellent coating chemistry.
How it compares in its category
GORE-TEX jackets dominate the ski/snowboard market due to superior waterproofing and breathability; most competitors (The North Face, Salomon, Burton) also use GORE-TEX or similar membranes with the same water-repellent coating uncertainty. However, brands with explicit PFAS reduction commitments (Patagonia's PixelTech, Arc'teryx's proprietary treatments) and transparent testing offer more assurance. Quiksilver's lack of disclosure places it at the lower end of transparency in a category where the hazard is widespread but increasingly documented.
If you buy it
Wash infrequently and use mild detergent to extend water-repellent coating life without accelerating reapplication (reproof treatments often contain PFAS). Avoid high heat during drying; air dry or use low tumble. Do not dry clean. If the water-repellent coating breaks down (water no longer beads on the shell), you face a choice, reapplication with commercial PFAS-based reproof, or accept reduced water shedding. Store in a cool, dry place to slow fabric degradation.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Quiksilver 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 Quiksilver Forever Stretch GORE-TEX Jacket Men's?
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3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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- water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment - undisclosed chemistry
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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- 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, 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.