REI Co-op · Camping Tents & Tarps
REI Co-op Campwell 6 Tent
Avoid until REI discloses its water-repellent coating chemistry; tents typically use PFAS-based treatments.
Polyester tent with water-repellent coating treatment, a category historically dependent on PFAS fluorochemicals. REI has not disclosed whether this model uses PFAS-free or PFAS-based coating chemistry.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyester fabric with water-repellent coating water-repellent coating
Lab data
No public lab test
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What REI Co-op Campwell 6 Tent is made of, ingredients and materials
The Campwell 6 uses polyester fabric, a synthetic polymer that itself is chemically stable and does not leach concerning monomers into water or food. The critical unknown is the water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the polyester. Historically, tent manufacturers have relied on PFAS-based fluorocarbon treatments (like PFOA or GenX alternatives) because they are extremely effective at water shedding. REI has not publicly disclosed whether the Campwell 6 uses PFAS or newer non-fluorinated water-repellent coating technologies.
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
REI has not disclosed water-repellent coating chemistry. Polyester tents nearly universally rely on PFAS-based fluorocarbon treatments; non-fluorinated alternatives are still rare in this price segment. PFAS can leach into groundwater if the tent is disposed improperly and may persist in the environment indefinitely.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester fabric used in outdoor gear may contain trace formaldehyde from manufacturing resins or anti-wrinkle treatments. REI does not advertise formaldehyde-free certifications for this model. Exposure is primarily during factory production and storage; consumer exposure via off-gassing is generally low in ventilated outdoor use.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored polyester fabric
The Campwell 6 is available in multiple colors. Polyester textiles may use azo dyes, some of which can break down into carcinogenic aromatic amines under certain conditions (heat, sweat, UV). REI does not certify Oeko-Tex or similar dye standards for this product.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) from fabric and adhesive off-gassing
New polyester tents may off-gas VOCs (solvents, adhesive residues) when first unpacked and during initial use, especially if stored in warm conditions. Smell typically diminishes within days to weeks with airing. No long-term health hazard is documented, but individuals with chemical sensitivity may notice odor.
Mold and bacterial growth if stored wet or poorly ventilated
Polyester itself does not promote mold growth, but moisture trapped in seams and folds creates habitat for fungi and bacteria. This is a use-and-storage issue rather than a material defect. Proper drying and ventilation prevent it entirely.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not published a public chemicals disclosure policy or PFAS commitment as of available records. The brand has not announced transition away from PFAS-based water-repellent coating in their tent lines, nor have they confirmed use of PFAS-free alternatives. This silence is typical of the outdoor gear industry, where water-repellent coating chemistry remains proprietary and opaque. Buyers seeking certainty should contact REI directly or choose brands like Nemo Equipment or Big Agnes that have begun transparency efforts.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream tent brands (Coleman, Ozark Trail, REI Co-op, Kelty) use standard PFAS-based water-repellent coating because it is cost-effective and proven durable. Premium brands and some newer entrants (Hyperlite, Zpacks) increasingly use non-fluorinated or PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatments, though they cost more and may require more frequent reapplication. The Campwell 6 is positioned as a mid-range family tent, which suggests conventional water-repellent coating chemistry but does not confirm it. Without disclosure, you cannot distinguish it from competitors on this basis alone.
If you buy it
Store the tent dry and well-ventilated to prevent mold; do not store in a sealed plastic bag for extended periods. Clean it with mild soap and water only; avoid solvents that could degrade the water-repellent coating. The water-repellent coating will naturally diminish over years of use and weathering; you can restore it with commercial water-repellent coating sprays or washes, though reapplication also introduces chemical exposure. Before purchase, email REI customer service asking specifically whether the Campwell 6 water-repellent coating is PFAS-free; their answer (or non-answer) will guide your decision.
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
- REI Co-op has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More camping tents & tarps 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.