Coleman · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
YETI LoadOut 15 GoBox
Lower concern. Hard plastic cooler with no known PFAS-linked coatings.
YETI LoadOut GoBox is rotomolded polyethylene without water-resistant coatings or non-stick treatments. Coleman provides no PFAS statement, but the bare plastic construction poses lower PFAS risk than treated textiles or foam-lined containers.
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Rotomolded polyethylene plastic
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other 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 YETI LoadOut 15 GoBox is constructed from rotomolded high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a rigid plastic formed by heat and rotation into a seamless shell. HDPE is a chemically stable plastic with low leaching risk under normal storage conditions. The material does not contain the problematic additives common in softer plastics (phthalates, BPA) and is FDA-cleared for food contact. Rotomolding produces thick walls that resist cracking and UV degradation better than injection-molded alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Coleman (owned by Newell Brands) has not publicly disclosed detailed chemical composition or third-party testing for this product line. The company has no recorded recalls specific to leaching or chemical migration from this cooler model. Coleman has faced no major regulatory action regarding hazardous additives in coolers, though the parent company's disclosure practices remain limited compared to premium outdoor brands. No independent certifications (NSF, Cradle to Cradle) are documented for this product.
How it compares in its category
Rotomolded HDPE coolers occupy a middle tier in durability and chemical safety. They are safer than thin-walled plastic coolers that may offgas in heat and more affordable than stainless-steel alternatives. The YETI brand name (now owned by Newell/Coleman) competes on insulation and build quality rather than material transparency. This construction method is standard across mid-range hard coolers and carries no known material-safety disadvantage versus other rotomolded brands.
If you buy it
Store non-acidic foods and beverages; avoid prolonged contact with oils, alcohol, or hot liquids above 140 degrees F as these may accelerate minor leaching. Do not leave filled with liquid in direct sunlight for weeks, as UV exposure can degrade plastic over time. Clean with mild soap and water; avoid bleach or solvents that can stress the plastic matrix. Replace if cracks develop or interior surface becomes heavily scratched, as micro-damage can harbor bacteria and increase surface leaching.
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.”
Polyethylene leaching (general plastic migration)
HDPE is chemically inert under normal food-storage conditions. No documented migration of polymer breakdown products or additives from this product has been reported in consumer use.
BPA/BPS or phthalates
HDPE formulations for cookers do not require BPA or phthalate plasticizers. Coleman has not identified these additives in product specs, and no regulatory action or testing has flagged them in this cooler line.
Colorant or pigment toxicity
Rotomolded coolers use pigments mixed into the plastic resin. While FDA-approved pigments are standard, Coleman does not publicly disclose specific colorant chemistry or heavy-metal testing. This is a low-probability concern but not formally ruled out by independent testing.
Microplastic generation
Abrasion and UV degradation of HDPE surfaces over years of use may shed microparticles into stored food or water. No data exists on the rate or quantity from this specific product; risk increases if the interior becomes visibly scratched or clouded.
Lid hinge and gasket durability
User reports on outdoor forums note that plastic hinges and rubber gaskets can crack or degrade after 3-5 years of heavy use. Degraded gaskets may harbor mold if not cleaned; cracked hinges do not pose direct toxicity but compromise food safety isolation.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
More waterproof outdoor gear storage 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.