The North Face · Running & Athletic Shoes
The North Face Men's Offtrail TR GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX contains Teflon-type coating; brand discloses nothing on PFAS alternatives.
GORE-TEX waterproof membranes traditionally use Teflon-type coating-based technology. The North Face has not publicly committed to PFAS-free alternatives for this model or disclosed water-repellent coating chemistry.
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Material
GORE-TEX membrane with nylon shell, water-repellent coating treatment
Lab data
No public lab test
What The North Face Men's Offtrail TR GORE-TEX is made of, ingredients and materials
This jacket uses a GORE-TEX membrane bonded to a nylon shell with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. GORE-TEX's waterproofing comes from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon-type coating), a Teflon-family coating that sheds microfibers during washing and wear. The nylon shell itself is a synthetic polymer; the water-repellent coating finish is typically a fluorinated compound applied during manufacturing to repel water and stains.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
Teflon-type coating microfiber shedding from GORE-TEX membrane
Washing and abrasion cause the expanded Teflon-type coating membrane to release microscopic fibers into wastewater. Long-term inhalation risk during manufacturing or heavy use is low, but environmental persistence is high.
Fluorinated water-repellent coating finish leaching
The water-repellent coating applied to the nylon shell contains fluorochemicals (likely C6 or C8 variants) that leach during laundering and body contact. Levels are typically below regulatory thresholds but cumulative across multiple garments and washing cycles.
Heat degradation of Teflon-type coating during drying or pressing
High heat (above 150°C/300°F) during tumble drying or pressing can degrade Teflon-type coating structure and nylon elasticity fibers, reducing waterproofing lifespan and potentially releasing breakdown particles.
What’s reassuring
Azo dye residue in nylon or water-repellent coating finish
No documented issues with The North Face apparel and restricted azo dyes, and nylon is not a primary vector for azo concern. Standard textile colorfastness testing applies.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon/polyester outdoor technical fabrics may use formaldehyde-based crosslinkers in dye or finish processes, but The North Face does not flag elevated formaldehyde risk in product documentation or testing reports.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not publicly committed to phasing out PFAS-containing GORE-TEX or disclosed plans for PFAS-free waterproof alternatives. The brand does not list PFAS content or fluorochemical composition on product labels or sustainability statements. No formal recall history for this model exists, but industry-wide concern about Teflon-type coating durability and leaching during laundry is well documented.
How it compares in its category
Most premium outdoor jackets (including competitors like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Salomon) rely on similar Teflon-type coating-based membranes or wax-based water-repellent coating finishes. Some brands now offer PFOA-free or fluorine-free water-repellent coating options, though they typically sacrifice some water-beading performance. This product remains in the mainstream category for PFAS exposure rather than worst-in-class.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and avoid heavy detergent to minimize Teflon-type coating shedding and fiber release. Do not use fabric softener or tumble dry on high heat, as high temperatures can degrade the GORE-TEX bond and nylon elasticity. Expect the water-repellent coating finish to diminish after 20-30 washes; re-treatment products are available. Replace when waterproofing fails noticeably or seams leak, typically 3-5 years with moderate use.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 55% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- The North Face has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More running & athletic shoes 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.