Should you wear your outdoor gear until it wears out?

Dress for the Elements 

As a nature enthusiast, I find my zen, equilibrium, and thrill in kayaking, hiking, and skiing. Since relocating to the Pacific Northwest eons ago, I stumbled upon the key to epic outdoor escapades: sporting the right gear. And let's be real, waterproof or water-resistant gear tops the charts!

Hats off to the brilliant chemists who cracked the code on keeping us dry with gear that shields us against nature's whimsies. But, best available science points to evidence that widely-used waterproof coatings used worldwide are unhealthy for us and our planet. Many use a class of chemicals referred to as forever chemicals, PFAS or PFOS. 

The Problem with DWR Water Repellant Coatings used in Outdoor Gear

They use forever chemicals. And they are infiltrating our lives – from bloodstreams and mama's milk to water bodies, soils, skies, and critters. 

According to the EPA, "current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to: reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women; developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes; increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers; reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response; interference with the body’s natural hormones; and increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity." 

Wow! That's quite a list of villainous health effects!

What happens to forever chemicals over the life of a garment? 

Well, a 2020 study at the Vrije University of Amsterdam suggested that "forever chemicals" in GoreTex/DWR-treated outdoor garb are culprits in environmental woes and human exposure, thanks to increased PFAS emissions during wear. 

The study proved that exposing DWR-treated gear to its intended weather conditions skyrockets harmful chemical levels by 20-fold, releasing new compounds over time.

Yes! This provided a light bulb moment for me and I hope it does for you. Ditch the old gear instead of squeezing every drop out of it till it gives up the ghost and switch to new, healthier alternatives, because they are available now!

How do we know the alternatives are safe? 

Many eco-healthy-focused outdoor gear brands opt out of DWR or Gore-Tex mojo for waterproofing, choosing silicone, hydrocarbon, or fluorocarbon alternatives. Fear not, you can stay dry without causing mayhem to humans or the planet!

We can thank our lucky stars! Advocacy groups have done the heavy lifting to help us pinpoint planet-friendly outdoor gear. Plus, many states are cracking down on sales of forever chemical products beginning in 2025. For now, snag eco-healthier outdoor gear online if you can't find it in your local outdoor store. Check out my recommended product picks below.

Outdoor Gear Brands That Do Not Use ANY DWR or GoreTex (forever-chemical based waterproofing that is detrimental to the environment, humans and wildlife)

These are brands that my family uses and loves. Now that I know forever chemical contamination increases with normal wear over time, I'll be ditching all of our outdoor gear that contains GoreTex or DWR coatings and switching to these brands:  

Both Patagonia and Arc'teryx both pledged to stop using PFAS waterproof coatings by 2025. Just a note that many outdoor wear manufacturers claim that alternative coatings are not yet available, but that is just not true. I'm sure they have their bottom-line reasons for not making a switch, but healthier, well-performing alternative coatings do exist. 

* Product List Source: GreenPolicyScience.org

Watch for future deep dive articles on these categories. I love helping people, so reach out if you have questions before I publish a Ditch & Switch article on the product you're looking to switch. 

Forever chemicals are pervasive and we can't do anything about the chemical build-up that's already occurred, but whenever possible we can do our best to purchase new products that are free of forever chemicals. 

Other product categories that often contain forever chemicals: adhesives, sealants, carpets, carpet cleaning products, car seats, cosmetics, fire-fighting foam, food packaging, furnishings and non-stick cookware. Check out my low-tox products page to find eco-healthy alternative recommendations for many of the items mentioned in the above list.