Volcom · Ski & Snowboard Jackets
Volcom Longo Gore-Tex Jacket Men's
Gore-Tex jackets typically use PFAS-based water-repellent coating; Volcom has not disclosed alternatives.
Gore-Tex fabric inherently relies on Teflon-family coating for waterproofing. Volcom makes no PFAS disclosure for this product. Higher concern without independent verification of water-repellent coating treatment composition.
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Material
Gore-Tex membrane with water-repellent coating-treated outer layer
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.
Flame retardants
Gore-Tex shells and linings typically contain polyester, which may retain trace antimony from polymerization catalysts. Levels in finished garments are generally below regulatory concern for casual wear, but migration is theoretically possible if jacket is damaged or heavily worn. No specific testing of the Longo for antimony is publicly available.
Source: EPA ↗VOC off-gassing (membranes, adhesives, dyes)
Gore-Tex lamination uses adhesives and the polyester shell undergoes solvent-based finishing. New jackets may release low levels of volatile organic compounds (solvents, dyes) for the first few washes. Airing garment outdoors before first wear and washing before extended skin contact reduces exposure. This is typical of all new technical apparel, not specific to Volcom.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Modern technical outdoor jackets rarely use formaldehyde-releasing dyes or wrinkle-resist finishes; Gore-Tex production does not typically employ these. No reports of formaldehyde hazard in Volcom Longo or similar Gore-Tex jackets exist in public records.
Source: ATSDR ↗Azo dyes (carcinogenic/mutagenic potential)
Volcom's outer shell and lining use synthetic dyes; no restricted azo dyes have been reported in testing of this brand's jackets. Azo dye hazard is more common in low-cost fast fashion than in technical outerwear with established supply chains.
Flame retardants
Technical outdoor jackets are not typically treated with added flame retardants unless marketed as FR-specific. The Volcom Longo carries no FR claims and no evidence of deliberate flame retardant application is on record.
Source: EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Volcom Longo uses a Gore-Tex laminated membrane bonded to an outer fabric shell, with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) topcoat. Gore-Tex itself is expanded Teflon-type coating (polytetrafluoroethylene), which does not off-gas in normal wear; the membrane is enclosed and not in direct skin contact. The outer water-repellent coating treatment is where PFAS chemicals are typically applied to achieve water-shedding performance without compromising breathability. This construction is industry standard for premium technical jackets.
The brand's record and disclosure
Volcom, owned by Authentic Brands Group, has not publicly disclosed whether this jacket uses PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives or made commitments to phase out PFAS in their outerwear lines. The brand has not published environmental or chemical disclosure policies comparable to competitors like Patagonia or Arc'teryx. No specific safety recalls or chemical testing failures are on record for this model. Absence of disclosure does not indicate hazard, but reflects limited transparency relative to peers.
How it compares in its category
Most Gore-Tex jackets at this price point (budget-to-mid range) use conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating; truly PFAS-free waterproof membranes (polyurethane, some newer fluorine-free treatments) typically cost more or sacrifice durability. The Longo occupies a standard position: functional, proven durability, but not a category leader in chemical transparency. If PFAS exposure is a primary concern, brands like Fjallraven (Greenland series) or some Arc'teryx models offer documented PFAS-free options at similar or higher price points.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with mild detergent; hot water and harsh chemicals can strip water-repellent coating and expose the underlying laminate prematurely. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach. Air dry away from direct heat; machine drying above low temperature voids the membrane's performance and can damage adhesive layers. Re-apply water-repellent coating coat every 2-3 years of regular wear using commercial products or professional services; this maintains water-shedding without requiring chemical replacement of the shell itself. Monitor seams and collar for delamination; once visible, the jacket's waterproofing is compromised.
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
- Volcom 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.