Rab · Waterproof Winter Gloves
Rab Khroma Tour GTX Gloves
High PFAS risk from Gore-Tex waterproofing; skip if you're PFAS-conscious.
The Khroma Tour GTX uses Gore-Tex, a Teflon-type coating-based Teflon-family coating membrane central to its structure. Gore-Tex inherently contains PFAS, and Rab makes no PFAS-free claims or offers public verification.
The better-graded swap
Patagonia
Patagonia R4 Yulex Regulator Three Finger Mitts
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
Gore-Tex (Teflon-type coating-based membrane) laminate with nylon shell
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Rab Khroma Tour GTX Gloves is made of, ingredients and materials
Rab Khroma Tour GTX uses a Gore-Tex membrane (polytetrafluoroethylene/Teflon-type coating-based) laminated to a nylon outer shell. Gore-Tex is engineered for waterproofing via microscopic Teflon-type coating pores that block liquid water while allowing vapor transmission. The nylon shell itself is a synthetic polymer susceptible to wear and abrasion; the laminated construction means the Teflon-type coating layer is sealed internally and does not shed fibers under normal handling, but the membrane remains a source of PFAS compounds throughout the product lifecycle.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon shells are typically dyed and finished with formaldehyde-based resins to improve color fastness and water repellency. No specific data exists for Rab's dye suppliers or resin choices; industry practice suggests residual formaldehyde may be present but is generally outgassed during manufacture and first wear.
Source, ATSDR ↗Laminate adhesive leachables
Gore-Tex laminates use polyurethane or epoxy adhesives to bond the Teflon-type coating membrane to the nylon shell. These adhesives can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or uncrosslinked oligomers, particularly in the first weeks post-manufacture and if exposed to moisture or heat; off-gassing typically dissipates with airing.
Nylon microfiber shedding from outer shell
Repeated friction and abrasion during use can cause the nylon outer layer to shed microscopic fibers, especially at cuff seams and thumb creases. While fibers remain in the glove interior or fall into the environment rather than being ingested, prolonged glove friction against skin may cause localized irritation in sensitive individuals.
Seam tape and waterproof thread compounds
Taped seams in Gore-Tex gloves use thermoplastic polyurethane or PVC-based tapes sealed with heat. These can release phthalate-type plasticizers or solvent residues; no specific testing of Rab gloves is on record, but leaching risk is low under typical use conditions (external seams, infrequent contact with skin).
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes
No public records indicate use of azo dyes in Rab products or industry trend toward them in premium outdoor gloves. Modern nylon dyes typically avoid banned azo compounds, but confirmation requires access to Rab's supply chain documentation.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Rab is a UK-based outdoor brand with no publicly available comprehensive PFAS disclosure or commitment to PFAS-free alternatives. The company has not published material safety data sheets or third-party testing results for this glove line. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to the Khroma Tour GTX are on record. Rab does not market PFAS-avoidant product lines and has not pledged a phase-out timeline, in contrast to some competitors exploring water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) alternatives to PFAS.
How it compares in its category
Winter gloves with Gore-Tex membranes are standard in premium outdoor markets and occupy the mid-to-high performance tier. Alternatives include gloves using older polyurethane laminates (less breathable, lower PFAS load), synthetic water-repellent coating coatings on plain nylon (reduced waterproofing durability), or wool-based designs (no synthetic membranes but reduced dexterity and water resistance). The Khroma Tour GTX is competitively positioned for mountaineering and winter sports where Gore-Tex breathability and durability are valued; the PFAS trade-off is implicit in that choice.
If you buy it
Wear and care should maximize lifespan to amortize PFAS exposure. Avoid machine washing at high temperatures, which can stress laminate seams and accelerate degradation; hand wash or use the gentle cycle if needed. Dry flat away from direct heat (e.g., radiators, hair dryers), as heat can weaken adhesive bonding between the nylon and Gore-Tex layers. Inspect seams and cuff edges annually for separation or thinning; replace when waterproofing fails noticeably (water beading disappears) or lamination begins to delaminate, typically after 3-5 years of regular use.
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
- Rab has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.