REI Co-op Rain Jacket
Medium-high risk. Water-repellent finish likely contains PFAS; brand transparency absent.
Waterproof outdoor jackets require water-repellent coating coatings, a category where PFAS chemistries have been the standard without public statements.
The safe swap
Levi's
Levi's 501 Jeans
80/100 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.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
Vague safety claims only
Uses vague terms like eco-friendly without confirming no PFAS.
PFAS
Water-repellent rain jackets almost universally use fluorinated water-repellent coating finishes unless explicitly marketed otherwise. REI Co-op provides no disclosure of fluorochemical identity or PFAS alternatives, indicating standard long-chain PFAS chemistry is probable.
Source: ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in polyester dyeing
Polyester rain jackets typically use disperse dyes, which can include azo dyes. REI Co-op does not publish chemical dye restrictions or certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign). Risk depends on undisclosed supplier practices.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester and nylon garments may use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or fabric finishing. REI Co-op does not specify formaldehyde-free finishes in available product documentation.
Source: ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
All water-repellent coating-coated jackets shed fluorinated microparticles during laundering and wear. REI Co-op jackets are not exempt; washing frequency directly increases environmental and household exposure over the garment's lifetime.
What’s reassuring
Antimony in polyester material
Polyester production can involve antimony as a catalyst. No recalls or specific hazard reports exist for REI Co-op rain jackets; this is a category-wide low-level concern not specific to this brand.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
REI Co-op rain jackets typically use polyester or nylon shells with polyurethane (PU) or polyester laminate backing for waterproofing. The water-repellent finish is almost certainly a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating, which in this product category commonly relies on long-chain PFAS (perfluorinated compounds) to achieve the beading effect that keeps rain out. The exact fluorochemical family is not disclosed in available REI documentation, making specific risk assessment difficult.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not publicly committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating finishes or transparent chemical disclosure for apparel. The company does not list specific fluorochemical restrictions in its sustainability or sourcing standards that are publicly available. REI has made some sustainability statements around packaging and supply chain audits, but these do not address PFAS alternatives or phase-out commitments typical of premium outdoor brands like Patagonia or Arc'teryx.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream outdoor rain jackets rely on PFAS-based water-repellent coating finishes; REI Co-op jackets are typical in this regard. Premium competitors increasingly offer PFAS-free alternatives using non-fluorinated water repellents, though these may have shorter durability. REI Co-op sits in the mid-market segment where PFAS-based finishes remain the industry standard for cost and performance balance.
If you buy it
Wash separately from other clothing to minimize PFAS shedding into general laundry and waterways. Avoid heat-drying; air-dry only, as heat can accelerate coating degradation and shedding. Do not machine-wash excessively; hand-wash or gentle cycle extends water-repellent coating life and reduces chemical leaching. Replace when water no longer beads noticeably, typically 2-5 years depending on use; do not attempt re-treatment with aftermarket water-repellent coating products unless confirmed PFAS-free.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 100% 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.
Safer alternatives in Clothing
Levi's
501 Jeans
Azo dyes in indigo coloring
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic finishing agents
Moderate concern
Pesticide residue
Limited concern
Low risk. Denim lacks typical PFAS use cases or specialty coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Rain Jacket
PFAS
High concern
Teflon-type coating (Teflon) and fume inhalation risk
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic coating or fabric
Moderate concern
Medium risk. Patagonia's water-repellent technology may use PFAS; limited public disclosure.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Nike
Dri-FIT Apparel
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microfiber shedding during laundering
High concern
Antimony in polyester
Limited concern
Degradation of water-repellent coating and release of breakdown products
Moderate concern
Medium-high risk. Dri-FIT moisture management typically involves PFAS treatments.
⚠Risky category by default
More clothing 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.