REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
REI Co-op Trailgate Gear Cube Green 15 L
water-repellent coating treatment likely present; PFAS use unknown. Contact REI for specifics.
This gear cube uses durable nylon with water-repellent finish typical of outdoor gear. REI doesn't publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry, so treatment may contain PFAS or fluorine-free alternatives.
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Material
nylon/polyester fabric with water-repellent coating water-repellent treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
What REI Co-op Trailgate Gear Cube Green 15 L is made of, ingredients and materials
The Trailgate Gear Cube is constructed from nylon and polyester fabric treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor textiles are typically applied to resist moisture without requiring waterproof membranes, but the specific chemistry (fluorocarbon-based PFAS vs. fluorocarbon-free alternatives) is not disclosed by REI. The nylon/polyester blend itself is stable and does not pose inherent chemical leaching risks during normal use, but the water-repellent coating treatment is the variable component.
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 does not disclose whether this gear cube uses fluorocarbon-based (PFAS) or fluorocarbon-free water-repellent coating. Historical practice in outdoor retail suggests PFAS is likely, but no test data or recall exists for this product. Request specifics from REI before purchase if PFAS exposure is a concern.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastics
Nylon and polyester gear cubes may shed microfibers during use and washing, contributing to microplastic pollution. This is a systemic issue with synthetic textiles, not specific to REI, and is difficult to eliminate without switching to natural fibers.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon and polyester fabric typically do not require formaldehyde-based resins for finishing. No evidence or reports of formaldehyde contamination in REI Co-op gear cubes. Standard risk for this material class is very low.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes
The green colorant in this product is not specified, and REI does not disclose dye chemistry. Azo dye use in outdoor gear is uncommon but not ruled out. No recalls or safety reports for this product suggest no established issue.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony is a catalytic residue sometimes present in polyester production. Levels in consumer textiles are typically very low and pose no known risk during normal handling or storage. No reports specific to REI products.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not publicly committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatments across its gear lines, nor does it disclose the chemistry of water-repellent finishes on product pages or labels. The brand does not appear in major transparency databases for PFAS phase-out commitments. REI's silence on this issue is not unusual for outdoor retailers, but contrasts with leading competitors (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) who have begun identifying fluorocarbon-free alternatives. No safety recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
Gear cubes and packing organizers are lower-risk products compared to waterproof jackets or rain pants because fabric-to-skin contact is indirect and temporary. Most competitors in this category use similar nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating finishes, making this product typical rather than exceptional. If PFAS-free water-repellent coating is a priority, you would need to contact REI directly or seek brands explicitly marketing fluorocarbon-free water repellency.
If you buy it
Store the cube in a dry location away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight, as this may degrade the water-repellent coating over time. Do not machine wash or tumble dry; hand wash gently with mild soap and air dry to preserve the water-repellent treatment. Contact REI's customer service directly and ask whether this product uses PFAS-based or PFAS-free water-repellent coating; document their response for your records. Replacement is warranted only if the water-repellent coating visibly fails (water no longer beads) or if the fabric develops tears.
What we don’t know
- 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.
Better-graded alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage Bags
REI Co-op
Trailgate Gear Bin Green 140 L
- Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
- UV degradation and additive leaching
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Marmot
Tool Box
- Nylon, polyester, cotton blend; details unspecified
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyester and nylon manufacturing
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Patagonia
Disperser Roll Top Pack 40L
- Recycled polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- PFAS
4 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
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.