"PFAS-free" on outdoor gear means the manufacturer states that no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (the "forever chemicals" long used to make fabrics, ropes and waxes shed water) were intentionally added to the product. It's a manufacturer claim, so the way to check it is to find the claim on the maker's own product page or documentation, not just a reseller's listing. This guide explains what PFAS are, how "PFAS-free", "fluoro-free" and "C0 DWR" differ, why the label matters more every year, and how Mountain Ready checks the claims on the gear we sell.
What Are PFAS, and Why Were They in Outdoor Gear?
PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals that resist water, oil and stains. In outdoor gear they showed up in durable water repellent (DWR) finishes on jackets, gloves and sleeping bags, in some rope treatments, and in high-performance fluorinated ski waxes that help skis glide in wet snow. They're called "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly in the environment, which is why regulators are now phasing them out of consumer products.
PFAS-Free vs Fluoro-Free vs C0 DWR: What's the Difference?
- PFAS-free: the maker states no PFAS were intentionally added. This is the broadest claim.
- Fluoro-free: common in ski waxes. It means no fluorinated compounds, which is how wax makers describe their non-PFAS lines.
- C0 DWR: a water-repellent finish with zero fluorinated carbon chains. Older finishes were called C8 or C6, after the length of their fluorinated chains.
All three point in the same direction. The exact wording tells you which part of the product the maker is talking about.
Which States Restrict PFAS in Outdoor Gear?
A growing number of U.S. states restrict PFAS in consumer products:
- New York and California began restricting PFAS in apparel in 2025.
- Minnesota banned intentionally added PFAS in ski wax as of January 1, 2025.
- Maine and Colorado ban PFAS in ski wax from 2026.
- New York, Colorado and Maine also set later deadlines specifically for outdoor apparel designed for severe wet conditions.
Rules and dates differ by state and some have been amended, so check the official source for your state.
How Do You Check a PFAS-Free Claim?
- Find the maker's own statement. Look on the brand's product page, spec sheet or sustainability page. A reseller's description may be copied from an old catalog.
- Match the exact model. Brands often change finishes between product years, so a claim about this year's model may not cover last year's.
- Read the wording. "PFAS-free", "fluoro-free" and "C0" are specific. "Eco" or "green" on their own are not.
- Ask the retailer. A good retailer should be able to point you to the source.
We do this ourselves. In October 2026 we corrected several ski wax listings on our store where supplier-provided copy wrongly described fluoro-free waxes as fluorinated. Each listing now matches the manufacturer's own description.
Examples of Gear the Makers State Is PFAS-Free or Fluoro-Free
- Edelweiss climbing ropes: the Pitchlight 9.5 mm and Spirit ARC 8.8 mm, which Edelweiss states are PFAS-free.
- Peregrine sleeping bags: the Saker and Anatum, with a water-repellent finish Peregrine states is PFAS-free.
- Outdoor Designs gloves, beanies and gaiters: the Fuji, PowerOn and Diablo Tec lines, which Outdoor Designs states are PFAS-free. Diablo Tec uses a C0 DWR.
- Swix fluoro-free waxes: the HS series (HS6 Blue, HS8 Red, HS10 Yellow), which replaced Swix's older fluorinated LF line, and the PS series.
Does PFAS-Free Gear Perform as Well?
Modern PFAS-free finishes are water-resistant. They typically need more frequent re-treatment than the old fluorinated finishes, and they're more sensitive to oil and dirt, so keep them clean. Fluoro-free ski waxes are formulated for specific snow temperatures, so match the wax to the conditions. Follow each maker's care instructions to get the most from the finish.
What Do the State Rules Mean for Outdoor Apparel?
Beyond the ski wax bans, several states have specific rules for clothing:
- Washington restricts PFAS in apparel and accessories from January 1, 2027. Extreme-use apparel, recreation gear and ski wax face reporting requirements rather than a restriction (Washington Department of Ecology).
- Maine bans PFAS in textile articles from 2026, but gives outerwear designed for severe wet conditions until 2029 unless it carries a "Made with PFAS chemicals" disclosure.
- New York banned intentionally added PFAS in apparel in 2025, with severe-wet-conditions outerwear following in 2028.
For shoppers, the result is simple: more and more outdoor gear is going PFAS-free by default, and older stock with fluorinated finishes is being phased out.
How Do You Care for PFAS-Free Water-Repellent Gear?
PFAS-free finishes work best when they're clean. Dirt and body oils make any water-repellent finish "wet out" sooner. General care tips:
- Wash gear according to the maker's care label, using a cleaner made for technical fabrics.
- Re-apply a water repellent when water stops beading. Choose a PFAS-free product if you want to keep the garment PFAS-free.
- Some finishes are reactivated by low heat in a dryer. Only do this if the care label allows it.
- For down sleeping bags, follow the maker's washing guidance carefully. Washing the wrong way damages down.
Does PFAS-Free Matter for Preparedness Gear?
For most preparedness kits, the practical point is longevity and care, not performance on day one. Gear stored for years in a bug-out bag should be cleaned and re-proofed as part of your annual kit check, whatever finish it has. If you're replacing old waterproofs, gloves or sleeping bags anyway, choosing PFAS-free options from makers who state it clearly is an easy upgrade.
Common Questions
Are PFAS-free jackets waterproof?
The membrane decides whether a jacket is waterproof. The finish decides how well rain beads off the outside. A PFAS-free jacket can be fully waterproof. Check the maker's own rating.
Do PFAS-free ski waxes work as well?
Fluoro-free waxes like Swix's HS series are made for specific temperature ranges. Choose the one that matches the snow temperature, and follow Swix's application guidance.
Is "PFAS-free" the same as "waterproof"?
No. PFAS-free describes what's in the finish, not how water-resistant the product is. A PFAS-free jacket can still be water-resistant. Check the maker's own rating for performance.
Why did ski wax get regulated first?
Fluorinated waxes rub off onto snow and end up in meltwater, and several states named ski wax specifically in their laws, which is why fluoro-free waxes like Swix HS replaced the old fluorinated lines.
Where can I read Mountain Ready's announcement?
See our press release: Mountain Ready spotlights PFAS-free outdoor gear and checks the claims behind the label.
