REI Co-op · Waterproof Winter Gloves
Rei Co-op Men's Powderbound Gloves
PFAS risk unclear; waterproof gloves often use PFAS-based water-repellent coating, but REI won't say.
REI's Powderbound Gloves feature synthetic insulation with likely water-repellent coating-treated shell, typical of waterproof outdoor gear. REI discloses no material details, coating composition, or PFAS avoidance strategy.
The better-graded swap
Patagonia
Better Sweater Gloves Patagonia Women's
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
Synthetic insulation; likely polyester shell with water-repellent coating finish
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Rei Co-op Men's Powderbound Gloves is made of, ingredients and materials
Powderbound gloves use synthetic insulation (typically polyester or acrylic blend) under a polyester shell fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. The water-repellent coating is the main safety concern, waterproof gloves commonly use fluorocarbon-based coatings (PFAS compounds) to achieve water resistance, though some brands now use fluorine-free alternatives. REI does not publicly specify which water-repellent coating chemistry they use in this model, making the true composition opaque to consumers.
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
Most polyester shell gloves in this category use PFAS-based water repellent finishes. REI's refusal to specify the water-repellent coating chemistry prevents confirmation, but industry norm for winter gloves at this price point is fluorocarbon-based, not fluorine-free.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastics
Synthetic insulation and shell material can shed microscopic fibers, especially with abrasion or washing. While gloves shed less than larger apparel, repeated use and laundering over seasons may contribute microfiber release to wastewater.
Source, EPA ↗Contact dermatitis from dyes or finishes
Synthetic gloves with water-repellent coating and dye treatments can rarely cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially if not rinsed thoroughly before first wear or if water-repellent coating degradation products accumulate.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or public testing results for REI Powderbound gloves for azo dyes or heavy metal pigments. REI does not list chemical certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex) for this product, so third-party verification of dye safety is unavailable.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public testing or recall data for formaldehyde in REI Powderbound insulation. Synthetic polyester batting typically uses lower-formaldehyde binders than some older acrylic blends, but REI does not disclose binder chemistry.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has made sustainability commitments but does not routinely disclose chemical composition of gloves or water-repellent coating treatments on product pages. The company has not published a restricted substance list or formal PFAS phase-out timeline for winter apparel. This silence is notable given that competitors like Patagonia and The North Face have begun disclosing fluorocarbon content or switching to fluorine-free water-repellent coating in some lines.
How it compares in its category
Winter glove water-repellent coating treatments are nearly universal in this price and performance tier. REI's Powderbound line sits in the mid-market segment where PFAS-based water-repellent coating is still standard; premium brands (Arc'teryx, Rab) increasingly offer fluorine-free water-repellent coating options at higher cost. Budget gloves often use weaker water-resistance coatings that degrade faster, requiring more frequent replacement and potentially more cumulative exposure.
If you buy it
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap; avoid hot water or machine washing, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and any associated chemicals. Do not dry-clean or expose to extreme heat. Replace when water beading noticeably diminishes (typically 2-3 seasons of winter use). Store dry in a cool place; do not leave damp in a warm bag, as this can accelerate coating breakdown and microfiber shedding.
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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Rei Co-op Men's Powderbound Gloves?
- Polyester fleece (recycled)
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Yulex (synthetic rubber), neoprene-free alternative
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Allergic contact dermatitis (rubber/guayule sensitivity)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Polyester fleece (Synchilla®); no water-repellent treatment disclosed
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Microplastics
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.