REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
REI Co-op Trailgate Gear Bin Green 140 L
Lower PFAS concern for bare plastic storage container.
This polypropylene gear bin has no reported water-resistant or antimicrobial coatings. REI Co-op says nothing about PFAS, and bare plastic storage carries lower risk than treated textiles.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
UV degradation and additive leaching
Outdoor storage bins rely on UV stabilizers and antioxidant additives to prevent embrittlement. Over 5-10 years of outdoor exposure, these additives may slowly migrate into contents, though migration rates for stabilizers are generally low and toxicity risk is considered minimal by regulatory bodies.
Microplastics
Hinges, seams, and lid contact points on PP bins can shed microplastics with repeated opening/closing and friction, especially if contents are coarse or abrasive. This is a physical degradation concern rather than chemical leaching, and is more relevant if the bin is used to store food.
Source, EPA ↗Odor and volatile organic compounds from manufacturing
New plastic bins often have a mild chemical odor from residual processing aids and mold release agents. This typically dissipates within days to weeks of airing out and poses no documented health risk, but sensitive individuals may notice it on opening.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
BPA & bisphenols
Polypropylene does not contain BPA or phthalate plasticizers by formulation. This hazard applies to polycarbonate and vinyl plastics, not PP. REI's choice of material avoids this class of concern.
Source, FDA ↗Dyes and colorants stability
The green color indicates use of inorganic pigments or approved plastic dyes. No heavy metal contamination or azo dye hazards have been reported for REI Co-op storage bins. Colorfastness under UV is a durability issue, not a direct toxicology concern.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a polypropylene (PP) injection-molded storage container, a plastic material not typically associated with PFAS in food-contact applications. Polypropylene is rigid, chemically stable, and does not leach BPA, BPS, or phthalates under normal storage conditions. The 140-liter capacity and green color indicate a durable outdoor/gear storage design; PP resists UV degradation better than some plastics when stabilizers are used, though the exact additive package is not disclosed by REI.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op does not publicly disclose detailed material safety certifications or chemical composition for this gear bin. The brand has no known recalls or controversies specific to this product line. REI Co-op's general approach to sustainability emphasizes durability and recyclability (PP is recyclable #5) rather than detailed toxicology transparency, which is typical for outdoor retailers.
How it compares in its category
Large rigid storage bins are typically polypropylene, polyethylene, or polycarbonate. PP is preferred because it avoids the BPA issues associated with polycarbonate and offers better chemical resistance than LDPE. This REI bin is comparable to Rubbermaid and other outdoor storage containers in material choice and lacks the coating-based hazards (Teflon-type coating, lead-glazed ceramics) that affect cookware or textiles.
If you buy it
Store only dry goods, garage items, or outdoor gear; avoid prolonged contact with strong solvents, oils, or acidic liquids that can degrade plastic. Keep the bin out of direct sunlight for extended periods to minimize UV stress and potential additive breakdown. Inspect seals and hinges periodically for cracks. PP is heat-stable to roughly 140°C, so do not store near heat sources or in direct sun in hot climates, as thermal stress may cause microcracking over years.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- REI Co-op has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof outdoor gear storage bags 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.