The North Face · Ski & Snowboard Jackets
The North Face Men's Summit Verbier GTX Jacket
High PFAS risk likely, no brand transparency on water-repellent coating chemistry.
Gore-Tex waterproof jackets typically use PFC-based water-repellent coating treatments, a common PFAS source. The North Face provides no public disclosure of their PFAS elimination or testing for this model.
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Material
Gore-Tex membrane with water-repellent coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Gore-Tex membrane itself is inert, but polyurethane/polyester outer layer receives fluorinated water-repellent coating finish. North Face silence on chemistry means C8 PFOA or C6 alternatives are both plausible; degradation during wear and washing mobilizes residues.
Source: ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored components
Verbier is available in multiple colors (black, red, yellow variants). Nylon shell and lining may use disperse or acid dyes; high-hazard azo dyes are restricted under EU REACH but not fully prohibited globally. No specific testing on record for this product.
Antimony in polyester lining/insulation
If insulation or lining contains polyester (common in North Face alpine jackets), antimony trioxide may be used as polymerization catalyst. Levels are typically below regulatory concern in normal wear, but no brand transparency on antimony content available.
Membrane/adhesive off-gassing during first wear
Gore-Tex laminates use solvent-based or moisture-cured polyurethane adhesives. New jackets may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for 24-48 hours; air-dry before extended wear to minimize inhalation. This is transient and not toxic at typical exposure levels.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public record of formaldehyde finish in Gore-Tex laminates or nylon base. Gore-Tex manufacturing is heavily regulated for volatile emissions, and The North Face does not list formaldehyde-related complaints for this model.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Summit Verbier uses Gore-Tex 3-layer membrane bonded to outer nylon shell, with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the face fabric. Gore-Tex itself is Teflon-type coating-based microporous film, which does not off-gas under normal wear. The critical hazard is the water-repellent coating finish: The North Face has not disclosed whether it uses legacy C8 PFOA, newer C6 variants, or non-fluorinated alternatives. This coating degrades with washing and UV exposure, requiring reapplication, which reintroduces water-repellent coating chemicals with each treatment.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face (VF Corporation subsidiary) has no published commitment to PFOA phase-out or transparent water-repellent coating chemistry disclosure for consumer products, despite widespread industry migration toward fluorine-free options. The brand uses Gore-Tex across its premium line without publicly specifying water-repellent coating chemistry. No major recalls or formal regulatory findings on this specific jacket model are on record. This silence is notable given competitor brands (e.g., Arc'teryx, Rab) now publicly specify PFOA-free or fluorine-free alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Premium alpine hardshells split into two groups: fluorinated-water-repellent coating (The North Face, Patagonia core line, many established brands) and emerging fluorine-free options (Fjallraven, some Arc'teryx models, specialty brands). The Verbier occupies the traditional, high-PFAS-risk segment. Competitor jackets with equivalent breathability and durability but fluorine-free water-repellent coating (e.g., Patagonia Triolet, Arc'teryx Beta) command similar or lower price points, making PFAS avoidance feasible in this category.
If you buy it
Minimize skin contact when wet (water-repellent coating is most bioavailable when saturated). Avoid machine washing or use minimal-detergent cold cycles; hot water accelerates water-repellent coating breakdown. Do not dry-clean or tumble-dry (heat degrades Gore-Tex backing). Plan for 4-7 years before recoating becomes necessary, at which point you reintroduce chemical load; evaluate fluorine-free recoating products (e.g., Granger's, Fibrapel) as alternative to factory service. Store dry to extend coating life.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- The North Face has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Ski & Snowboard Jackets
Patagonia
Women's Untracked Jacket
recycled polyester with water-repellent coating treatment
PFAS
Limited concern
Microplastics
Moderate concern
Coating degradation and leaching
Limited concern
Lightweight jacket with water-repellent coating finish.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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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.