Extended ski touring in a steady snow is a great way to test the performance of PFAS-free DWR.
PFAS-free jackets are no longer a niche category. In 2026, they represent the direction the outdoor industry is actively moving—driven by environmental regulations, brand commitments, and major material innovations like GORE-TEX ePE. This guide pulls together our hands-on feedback, brand research, and field testing to help you choose the best PFAS-free rain jackets and PFAS-free ski jackets—without sacrificing waterproofing, breathability, or durability.
Our favorite PFAS-free rain jackets
| Model | Read our review | Price | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Beta AR (men's / women's) | Review | $650 | 100D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
| Arc'teryx Beta SL (men's / women's) | Review | $500 | 40D/70D GORE-TEX ePE 3L |
| Mammut Treeline HS (men's / women's) | $359 | 75D GORE-TEX ePE 2L | |
| Outdoor Research Foray / Aspire 3L (men's / women's) | $260 | 40D AscentShell Dry 3L | |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (men's / women's) | Review | $179 | 50D ECONYL® |
| REI XeroCloud 3L (mens / women's) | $189 | 40D HydroWall™ 3L |
Our favorite PFAS-free ski/snowboard jackets
| Model | Our review | Price | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Incendia (women's) | Review | $900 | 80D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
| Arc'teryx Rush (men's / women's) | Review | $800 | 80D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
| Mammut Haldigrat (men's / women's) | $625 | 40D DRY Expedition 3L | |
| Patagonia Powder Town (men's / women's) | Review | $349 | 150D H2No® 2L |
| Patagonia Stormstride (men's / women's) | Review | $499 | 40D Pertex® Shield 3L |
| Stio Figment (men's / women's) | $529 | 150D PeakProof® 3L | |
| Stio Objective Pro (men's / women's) | $799 | 70D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
What are PFAS and why should I care?
PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and often called “forever chemicals”—are a large family of synthetic chemicals used for decades to make fabrics water-, stain-, and oil-resistant. These compounds are extremely persistent in the environment and in human bodies, where they can accumulate over time, and a growing body of research has linked them to adverse health effects including hormone disruption, reproductive issues, developmental delays, and certain cancers due to their ability to persist and potentially interfere with biological systems. Skin contact with PFAS-treated clothing—especially when worn next to skin while sweating or when the fabric gets wet—raises particular concern because moisture and friction may enhance chemical transfer and increase exposure beyond what occurs from incidental contact alone. In response to these risks, regulatory action is ramping up: in the United States, states such as New York and California have banned the sale of apparel with intentionally added PFAS starting in 2025, with exemptions for extreme outdoor gear phasing out by 2028, and additional state bans rolling out in places like Vermont, Rhode Island, and Colorado; at the same time, France has passed a national ban on PFAS in clothing and textiles taking effect in 2026, with broader European Union initiatives under consideration to restrict non-essential PFAS uses more widely. Perhaps even more impactful in the U.S. is the fact that REI has mandated that PFAS be eliminated from all apparel by Fall 2026.
What Does “PFAS-Free” Mean in Jackets?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have historically been used in:
- Waterproof membranes (the barrier that blocks rain and snow)
- Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coatings (the finish that makes water bead off the face fabric)
Today, a truly PFAS-free jacket typically means:
- A PFAS-free membrane (for example, GORE-TEX ePE)
- A non-fluorinated DWR
- Clear language such as “made without intentionally added PFAS”
Important: Some jackets are PFAS-free only in the DWR, not the membrane. In this article we include only jackets where both fabrics and coatings are PFAS-free.
What brands are making PFAS-free jackets?
All outdoor brands are moving to eliminate PFAS from their product lines, because they have to by law. That said, some of our favorite outdoor brands have been notably more proactive in this movement as well as in their innovation to make PFAS-free gear without a sacrifice to performance.
Patagonia - No brand started earlier in their quest to eliminate forever chemicals than Patagonia. They also have been open about the dangers of chemicals and the environmental harm of manufacturing outdoor gear. On their product pages they provide specific PFAS information for fabrics, membranes, and coatings, making it easy to find PFAS-free gear. They also use their H2No® waterproof standard against their PFAS-free gear to provide confidence in the performance. You can read about their H2No waterproof performance standard here.
Arc'teryx - Replaced their DWR with an updated FC0 DWR (meaning PFAS-free) starting in Fall of 2021. They were also an early adopter of the PFAS-free GoreTex ePE membrane. For fall 2025 they partnered with GoreTex on the new ePE Pro fabric, which is a massive improvement in PFAS-free waterproof performance and durability. Here is some great info on their use of Gore-Tex PRO ePE.
Stio - Stio is another brand that has been quick to eliminate forever chemicals from their products, while making sure that jackets and pants still provide the bomber protection Stio is known for. They introduced their PFAS-free DWR in 2020. They have also updated key products like the Objective Pro ski shell to Gore-Tex PRO ePE. They subject all shells to their PeakProof performance standard, and in our field testing we're always impressed with Stio's waterproof performance. You can read their statement about eliminating PFAS from their products here.
Mammut - Mammut has always been environmentally forward and publish an annual responsibility report that you can always find on their website. They committed to being 100% PFAS-free by 2025 and we're interested to see if this was accomplished when their latest report is published. Their most recent in-house developed membranes are PFAS-free and they implemented PFAS-free DWR in 2021. Here is a great article from them on everything you need to know about DWR.
Performance Reality: Do PFAS-Free Jackets Work?
Short answer: Yes—with caveats.
Fabric technology is progressing quickly. Just a few seasons ago we saw a fairly large decrease in waterproof performance with PFAS-free gear. More recently, the performance has gotten better but durability still lacked. Going into 2026 we've seen improvements across the board, with notable leaps in performance in waterproof membranes across the GoreTex ePE line. In our testing, we still see fabrics treated with DWR made without intentionally added PFAS wet out faster and need their DWR refreshed more often, but those are small tradeoffs compared to eliminating dangerous chemicals. The newest PFAS-free jackets are bomber waterproof and reapplying DWR is as simple as throwing your gear in the washing machine.
Here is a great 2-in-1 PFAS-free technical wash and DWR refresh from Grangers, which is suitable for use on GORE-TEX and other waterproof fabrics.
Best PFAS-Free Rain Jackets
Rain jackets are where PFAS-free performance has matured the fastest. These shells are ideal for hiking, travel, daily wear, and shoulder-season storms.
| Model | Read our review | Price | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Beta AR (men's / women's) | Review | $650 | 100D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
| Arc'teryx Beta SL (men's / women's) | Review | $500 | 40D/70D GORE-TEX ePE 3L |
| Mammut Treeline HS (men's / women's) | $359 | 75D GORE-TEX ePE 2L | |
| Outdoor Research Foray / Aspire 3L (men's / women's) | $260 | 40D AscentShell Dry 3L | |
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (men's / women's) | Review | $179 | 50D ECONYL® |
| REI XeroCloud 3L (mens / women's) | $189 | 40D HydroWall™ 3L |
Arc'teryx Beta Series (SL & AR)
Read our comparison of the Arc'teryx Beta vs. Beta AR vs. Beta SL
Here is our first look at the 2025 update GORE-TEX PRO ePE Arc'teryx Beta AR
Rocking the Beta SL at 14,199'. It was a great choice for packing light on this backpacking trip, which saw only one period of heavy rain. The SL provided protection and the pit zips were appreciated while wearing a frame pack.
Best for: Premium performance, all-around versatility
- Beta SL – Lightweight, packable, and built with GORE-TEX ePE
- Beta AR – More durable, alpine-ready, and using GORE-TEX PRO ePE
Outdoor Crunch take: The Beta AR remains one of the best “do-everything” shells we’ve tested and it was the first jacket to be launched with GORE-TEX PRO ePE. It delivers elite storm protection without fluorinated chemistry. The Beta SL is made with the standard ePE membrane and trades some durability for weight savings, making it better for fast-and-light use.
Mammut Treeline HS
Featuring 2L GORE-TEX ePE and a PFAS-free DWR.
Best for: Hiking, Backpacking, and everyday use.
Outdoor Crunch take: We like Mammut jackets because the brand's alpine heritage shows through in their attention to detail. This jacket ranks high in both waterproof protection and breathability. In addition to the GORE-TEX ePE membrane the Treeline features zippered underarm vents. While the hand pockets may be blocked by the hip belt on your backpack, it makes the jacket more versatile as an everyday rain jacket in the same way that makes the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L one of our favorites.
Outdoor Research Foray / Aspire 3L
These jackets use PFAS-free Direct.Dry DWR and feature OR’s signature TorsoFlo side zips.
Best for: Venting and all-day comfort
Outdoor Crunch take: For high-output hiking and variable weather, the Foray and Aspire remain top picks. Venting matters more with PFAS-free DWR, and OR executes this better than almost anyone.
Patagonia Torrenshell 3L
It's hard to hold a candle in the cold November rain, but the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L kept me dry on a 90+ minute slow hike.
Best for: Clear PFAS-free claims + excellent value
OutdoorCrunch take:The Torrentshell 3L continues to be one of the most honest rain jackets on the market. It’s not the lightest or most breathable, but it’s durable, affordable, and extremely transparent about materials—something we consistently value.
REI XeroCloud 3L
We include the XeroCloud 3L over the less expensive REI Rainier jacket because it it more waterproof and breathable than the budget option. It has REI's PFAS-free HydroWall™ waterproof, windproof and highly breathable shell fabric.
Best for: Backpacking and hiking.
Outdoor Crunch take: The REI XeroCloud is the most technical offering from the retailer's name brand. At 13.4 oz / 380 g it is a lightweight option that is easy to shove in your pack, using the left pocket as a stuff sack. The jacket has zippered underarm vents to dump heat. The 40D lightweight fabric on this jacket is not as durable against abrasion and snags than burlier options from Mammut and Arc'teryx.
Best PFAS-Free Ski & Snowboard Jackets
Freeride, touring, or apré, top outdoor brands now offer a wide selection of high-performance PFAS-free jackets specifically designed for your on-snow activities.
| Model | Our review | Price | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Incendia (women's) | Review | $900 | 80D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
| Arc'teryx Rush (men's / women's) | Review | $800 | 80D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
| Mammut Haldigrat (men's / women's) | $625 | 40D DRY Expedition 3L | |
| Patagonia Powder Town (men's / women's) | Review | $349 | 150D H2No® 2L |
| Patagonia Stormstride (men's / women's) | Review | $499 | 40D Pertex® Shield 3L |
| Stio Figment (men's / women's) | $529 | 150D PeakProof® 3L | |
| Stio Objective Pro (men's / women's) | $799 | 70D GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3L |
Arc'teryx Incendia
The Incendia is a freeride and resort-focused jacket and one of the only dedicated women's models on the market with GORE-TEX PRO ePE.
Best for: Freeride and resort snowboarding and skiing.
Outdoor Crunch take: This jacket offers maximum protection for big storm days. The stowable hood results in a high collar that is pretty still. We like it for hiding your face on cold days, but if you want something more casual we suggest the Arc'teryx Sentinel as a great alternative.
Arc'teryx Rush
Leveraging their design partnership with WL Gore, Arc'teryx was the first to launch a shell with the new GORE-TEX ePE PRO, which offers the most durability and protection of any PFAS-free breathable membrane currently available.
See our full review of the Arc'teryx Rush jacket and bib here.
Best for: Backcountry and touring.
Outdoor Crunch take: We've tested and relied on the Rush for countless days in the skin track and in the backcountry. It is really lightweight, but still provides all-day protection. If you are more focused on lift-access freeride, or do most of your backcountry with a snowmobile then you should instead consider the Arc'teryx Sabre. If you do a mix of resort and touring, then the Rush is one of the best options from any brand.
Mammut Haldigrat
Mammut has developed a proprietary line of PFAS-free, waterproof, and breathable fabrics they call DRYTech. Many of them, like the DRY Expedition used in the Haldigrat are also 100% recycled. See the details of DRYExpedition here.
Best for: Freeride and backcountry touring
Outdoor Crunch take: We've been super impressed with every Mammut jacket we've tested, from the more resort focused Stoney jacket and pants, to the do-it-all Haldigrat. This jacket is interesting because it has a relaxed freeride fit (it has a very long torso) but is highly breathable for more active use. Our favorite detail are the elastic cuffs under the shell, to lock out cold and snow.
Patagonia Powder Town
Patagonia has the clearest language around products made without forever chemicals. The Powder Town and insulated Powder Town feature "Fabric, membrane and DWR finishes made without intentionally added PFAS." These jackets are also tested to Patagonias H2No standard of waterproof performance. Check out the details of the H2No testing here.
I've done a lot of resort skiing and backcountry laps in my standard Powder Town jacket and bibs.
Best for: Freeride and resort snowboarding and skiing.
Outdoor Crunch take: The Powder Town series offers solid performance and huge value. The other notable callout is that the fabric doesn't crinkly like GORE-TEX and it feels much softer. This series has a regular fit which isn't our favorite, but is great if you don't like a fitted cut.
Patagonia Stormstride
A touring-specific shell made to Patagonia's H2No standard. The Stormstride is made for high output activities.
Best for: Uphill efforts and backcountry touring.
Outdoor Crunch take: I've been using the Stormstride for two winters and it has become my go-to for daily touring and power-hour uphill efforts on snow. The two standout features of this jacket (and pants) are the excellent cut that isn't to baggy and the softness of the shell fabric. This jacket is amazingly comfortable and breathes incredibly well. The H2No rating on the Stormstride provides sufficient protection in wet snow, but it isn't as burley as GORE-TEX PRO ePE for day-long protection in really wet environments.
Stio Figment
A relaxed freeride fit with plenty of pockets, the Figment is all about steep lines and big style.
Best for: Deep days at the resort and freeride anywhere.
Outdoor Crunch take: The 150D 3L Peakproof® fabric and PFAS-free DWR provide protection in even the harshest winter weather. This is one of our favorite freeride jackets. Excellent pockets, zippers, and cuffs. Fabric is super durable.
Stio Objective Pro
The Objective Pro is Stio's top of the line backcountry kit. It features GORE-TEX PRO ePE and a PFAS-free DWR to provide bomber protection while still being lightweight and highly breathable.
Best for: Big backcountry tours, but can hang on resort days.
Outdoor Crunch take: Like all Stio gear, the Objective Pro is made for real mountain conditions. Everything from the GORE-TEX PRO ePE fabric, to the pockets and zippers have been improved through experience in the backcountry.
Why GORE-TEX ePE Is a Game-Changer for PFAS-Free Waterproof Performance
GORE-TEX ePE marks a major milestone in the outdoor industry’s shift away from forever chemicals in technical waterproof apparel. Traditional GORE-TEX membranes have historically been made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which is a PFAS compound. In contrast, the expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane that Gore introduced in its next-generation products is made without intentionally added PFAS, making it a foundational step toward truly PFAS-free waterproof gear.
GORE-TEX ePE vs GORE-TEX PRO ePE — Quick Takeaways
Why GORE-TEX ePE Matters (At a Glance)
- PFAS-free membrane: Made from expanded polyethylene instead of fluorinated PTFE
- Major industry shift: Replaces legacy “forever chemical” membranes without sacrificing waterproofing
- Lighter material: Lower mass per square meter than traditional membranes
- Breathable & waterproof: Maintains GORE-TEX’s core microporous performance
- Lower environmental impact: Reduced material use and lower carbon footprint per laminate
- Regulation-ready: Designed to comply with current and upcoming PFAS bans in the U.S. and Europe
Why GORE-TEX PRO ePE Is Different
- Same PFAS-free membrane chemistry as standard ePE
- Built for extreme use: Skiing, mountaineering, backcountry travel
- Three-layer construction only: Durable face fabric + ePE membrane + tough backer
- Higher abrasion resistance than standard ePE shells
- Professional-grade testing standards for prolonged exposure and harsh conditions
- Direct replacement for legacy GORE-TEX PRO without PFAS
Check out our other content on jackets:
Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets
Start here:
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