New bans on PFAS push outdoor and apparel brands to innovate beyond toxic waterproofing—ushering in a cleaner, high-performance future

Read Style

Outdoor Gear Breaking the Forever Cycle

New bans on PFAS push outdoor and apparel brands to innovate beyond toxic waterproofing—ushering in a cleaner, high-performance future

Katharine Erwin

21 April 2025

As of 1 January 2025, New York State officially banned the sale of new—or previously unused—apparel containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). California has implemented a similar restriction. Whether or not you recognize the acronym, PFAS are almost certainly already in your bloodstream—studies suggest a 98–99% likelihood. These molecules, composed of carbon-fluorine chains, are notoriously resistant to degradation, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” They’re almost everywhere: in water sources, household items, and if you spend time outdoors, likely embedded in your gear. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health issues, including hormone disruption, immune system suppression, liver damage and increased risk of certain cancers.

For decades, many chemical companies have known the health and environmental risks tied to PFAS, and the public now beginning to catch up. To make matters worse, most PFAS compounds are fossil fuel derivatives, deepening the link between toxic production cycles and extractive industries that pull us further from a cleaner future.

Still, regulations like those in New York and California are sparking meaningful change. Brands have responded—not reluctantly, but with innovation—driving new technologies and materials forward. The results benefit everyone: consumers, the environment and the brands themselves. In fact, some companies began this transition well before regulations caught up.

“We started looking into durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes made without PFAS in 2015,” says Matt Dwyer, VP of Global Product Footprint at Patagonia. “But our attention to the chemistries started even earlier.” In 2013, after research exposed the harm caused by byproducts of long-chain fluorocarbons (C8), Patagonia began shifting toward shorter-chain versions (C6). Yet follow-up studies revealed that C6 compounds carried similar risks. “We decided the responsible path was to remove PFAS entirely,” Dwyer continues. “Our goal became finding alternatives that wouldn’t compromise performance—or become regrettable substitutions.”

GORE-TEX, arguably the most recognizable name in waterproof membranes, also knew it had to pivot. “Recognizing PFAS’ harmful effects made the issue impossible to ignore,” says Mike Adams, Marketing Leader for GORE-TEX Fabrics. “We had to act urgently—but wisely. From an environmental standpoint, the most responsible thing we can do is make gear that performs, lasts and doesn’t end up in landfills.” It took the brand a decade to test hundreds of materials before developing the ePE membrane, a PFAS-free solution that still delivers the performance GORE-TEX Pro fans expect.

With regulations now in place and brands meeting the moment with breakthrough innovation, we’ve gathered some of the best PFAS-free gear of the season—designed to keep you dry without the environmental hangover.

Arc’teryx Psiphon Hoody

From one of the most technically advanced climbing brands, the Psiphon Hoody is built for alpine conditions. It features hybrid fabric mapping: PFAS-free Fortius™ DW 2.0 reinforces high-abrasion zones with weather resistance and durability, while Aequora AirPerm™ fabric offers breathability and stretch elsewhere. Soft, recycled and ready for high exposure routes, it’s a climbing shell without compromises.

Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders

Fly fishing may be Patagonia’s most niche obsession—and one of Founder, Yvon Chouinard’s quiet favorites. Their Swiftcurrent Waders are reengineered without intentionally added PFAS, now lighter, tougher, and more refined. They feature handwarmer pockets, low-bulk anatomical booties, a gusseted crotch and a streamlined silhouette, proving performance doesn’t require toxic coatings.

Outerknown Boundless Puffer

From Kelly Slater’s sustainability-forward label, the Boundless Puffer combines PFAS-free weather protection with upcycled design—its outer fabric is made from recycled fishing nets and filled with 120g recycled polyester insulation sourced from plastic bottles. The curved quilting and relaxed fit keep things stylish and warm, while hearty snaps and insulated pockets seal the deal.

66°North Drangar Jacket

From Reykjavík’s own 66°North, where winter weather lingers into spring, the Drangar Jacket is a unisex insulated puffer made entirely from recycled inputs. The 640-fill Thermore® Ecodown insulation keeps things toasty, while PFAS-free WINDSTOPPER® by GORE-TEX® LABS panels add wind resistance where it matters most. Minimal, modern and engineered for Arctic-level conditions.

Fjällräven Keb Trousers

The Keb Trousers are a modern classic—praised for comfort, function and long-wear durability. Made with a mix of recycled stretch polyester and Fjällräven’s legendary G-1000 fabric (a polyester-cotton blend finished with biodegradable Greenland Wax), they’re completely free of PFAS. Articulated knees, vent zips, big pockets and space for kneepads make these pants ready for any terrain.

Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX

Beloved by runners and street stylists alike, the Salomon XT-6 now features the new PFAS-free ePE membrane from GORE-TEX. It’s part of Salomon’s move to make their entire footwear line PFC-free by the end of 2025. Lightweight, supportive and water-resistant without the harmful legacy, the XT-6 is built for technical terrain or daily urban missions.