Timberland Men's Ravine Waterproof Shell Jacket
Waterproof apparel; PFAS status unknown, typical water-repellent coating risk applies.
Timberland's Ravine jacket uses standard water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment common in waterproof outerwear, often PFAS-based. Timberland makes no PFAS disclosure for this product.
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Material
Nylon shell with water-repellent coating 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
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.
water-repellent coating microleaching and microfiber shedding
Nylon shells shed microfibers during wear and washing; degraded water-repellent coating coatings may leach residual finish chemicals into wash water. Frequency is low in normal use but accumulates with repeated laundering over years.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in textile coloring
Timberland uses conventional fabric dyeing; no specific recall or third-party testing data for azo dye content in this model is publicly available. Standard nylon jackets may contain azo dyes, which can break down to release amines under certain conditions, though dermal absorption risk in finished garments is minimal.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon shells may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins to improve crease resistance or finishing durability. No formaldehyde certification (e.g., OEKO-TEX Standard 100) is stated for this product; new jackets may off-gas formaldehyde slightly on first wear, especially if stored in sealed packaging.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No testing data or recalls indicate heavy metal contamination in Timberland shell jackets. Standard commercial dyeing can introduce trace metals, but regulated apparel manufacturers typically keep levels well below skin-contact thresholds.
Source, FDA ↗Flame retardants
Nylon itself does not require flame-retardant treatment for apparel; this product does not appear to include a flame-retardant lining. No hazard is identified unless a removable insulating layer is added.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This jacket is nylon (polyamide) shell with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the outer surface. The water-repellent coating is the waterproofing mechanism and is where PFAS chemicals are typically used in waterproof apparel, though Timberland does not publicly disclose whether their formulation contains PFAS or fluorine-free alternatives. Nylon itself is chemically stable in normal wear but the finish degrades with washing and UV exposure, potentially releasing microfibers over the jacket's lifespan.
The brand's record and disclosure
Timberland is owned by VF Corporation, which has made some sustainability commitments but remains largely silent on PFAS use in waterproof garments. The brand does not publish material certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX or BLUESIGN) for this specific product line that would indicate stricter chemical controls. No formal recalls or contamination incidents are on record for this jacket model, but transparency around water-repellent coating chemistry is absent from product documentation and corporate statements.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream waterproof shells at this price point use PFAS-based water-repellent coating coatings; Timberland's approach is typical for the market segment. Some competitors (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx) now offer products with PFC-free water-repellent coating finishes, though these often cost more or require higher maintenance. This jacket does not stand out as lower concern relative to standard waterproof nylon, nor is it notably higher concern than mass-market alternatives.
If you buy it
Wash infrequently in cool water without heavy agitation to extend the water-repellent coating life; avoid heat drying, which accelerates degradation and can release volatile compounds. Do not repeatedly machine wash on hot cycles, as this breaks down the finish faster and may leach residual chemicals into wash water. Replace the jacket once the water-repellent coating noticeably fails (water beads poorly) rather than re-treating it, since aftermarket treatments are less predictable. Store dry and away from direct sunlight to minimize UV-driven coating breakdown.
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
- Timberland has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More rain jackets 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.