Arc'teryx · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
Arc'teryx Men's Therme Jacket in GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX uses PFAS. Arc'teryx discloses nothing about alternatives.
GORE-TEX waterproof membranes historically rely on PFOA or GenX-based PFAS chemistry. Arc'teryx has not publicly disclosed PFAS-free construction or third-party testing for this jacket line.
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Material
GORE-TEX membrane, polyester face fabric
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Therme uses a polyester face fabric bonded to a GORE-TEX membrane, a microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) laminate. GORE-TEX's water-repellency depends on hydrophobic coatings and the Teflon-type coating structure itself, both of which historically relied on legacy PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, and related compounds). The polyester shell provides structure and abrasion resistance. Neither polyester nor Teflon-type coating alone offgasses volatile organic compounds at normal wear temperatures, but the chemical finishing layers used in waterproof membranes warrant scrutiny.
The brand's record and disclosure
Arc'teryx is owned by Salewa/Descente and does not publicly disclose PFAS phase-out timelines, alternative membrane use, or test data for this jacket. The brand has not published a chemical management policy or committed to PFAS elimination on record. Arc'teryx maintains general sustainability claims but remains silent on fluorochemical use in specific products. This opacity is standard in the technical outerwear industry but leaves consumers without confirmation of whether newer low-PFAS or PFAS-free membrane versions exist.
How it compares in its category
Most premium waterproof jackets (The North Face, Columbia, Patagonia) use either GORE-TEX or similar ePTFE membranes, all of which have historically involved PFAS. Patagonia began labeling PFAS content and exploring alternatives (H2No, proprietary coatings) on select lines, setting a disclosure standard Arc'teryx has not matched. PFAS-free waterproof alternatives (wax-coated cotton, polyurethane laminates, oleophobic polymers) exist but are rarer in this performance tier and often sacrifice breathability or durability. Arc'teryx's silence places it in the middle of the industry default rather than leading.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water with mild detergent; hot water and agitation can degrade the membrane and potentially mobilize fluorochemicals. Avoid machine drying and direct heat; hang dry to preserve coating longevity and reduce chemical volatilization. Reapply water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments sparingly and only when beading fails, as aftermarket treatments often introduce additional fluorochemicals. Plan to wear this jacket for 10+ years to justify PFAS exposure from a lifecycle perspective; shorter ownership windows increase the chemical cost-to-use ratio.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fluorochemicals in membrane and water-repellent coating coatings (PFAS-class)
GORE-TEX ePTFE membranes have documented fluorochemical content historically including PFOA and related compounds. Arc'teryx does not disclose whether this jacket uses legacy or newer PFAS-minimized formulations, nor does it confirm water-repellent coating chemistry.
Formaldehyde resins in polyester finishing
Polyester face fabrics may contain trace formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance or shape retention. Arc'teryx does not publish chemical restrictions for base fabrics; levels are typically below harmful threshold in finished products but off-gassing in storage is minor risk.
Azo dyes in polyester dyeing
Polyester jackets may be dyed with azo dyes, some of which metabolize to carcinogenic amines. Premium brands like Arc'teryx often use restricted azo dyes, but no public certification (OEKO-TEX, BLUESIGN) is listed for this product, so assurance is absent.
water-repellent coating reapplication chemical exposure
User-applied water-repellent treatments (common maintenance) often contain PFAS or siloxane-based compounds. Repeated applications increase cumulative exposure and environmental release; this is a usage-dependent hazard.
Thermal stability of Teflon-type coating at high heat
Teflon-type coating itself is thermally stable below 260 degrees Celsius; normal wear, laundering, and storage pose no fume risk. However, direct heat exposure (dryer, iron, campfire proximity) could theoretically degrade the membrane and associated coatings.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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More waterproof outdoor accessories grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.