Men's Rain Defender Insulated Jacket vs Men's Whistler Peak Waterproof Shell Jacket: which is safer?

Columbia Men's Whistler Peak Waterproof Shell Jacket is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Carhartt

Men's Rain Defender Insulated Jacket

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 2/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Nylon shell, polyester lining, water-repellent coating

Confidence

45%

PossibleAntimony in polyester

Reportedwater-repellent coating shedding and inhalation

PossibleNylon fiber degradation under UV and heat

Why this grade

Our pick

Columbia

Men's Whistler Peak Waterproof Shell Jacket

PFAS grade

F 20/100

Overall grade

F 12/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Polyester shell with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating

Confidence

35%

Possiblewater-repellent coating chemistry (fluorochemical content)

PossibleMicroplastic shedding during wear and washing

Why this grade

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More waterproof outdoor accessories: see the full ranking