Helly Hansen · Waterproof Sports Gear
Helly Hansen Men's HH QD Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts likely treated with water-repellent coating; Helly Hansen silent on PFAS.
HH QD Cargo Shorts are typical performance shorts with water-repellent finish, standard for outdoor wear. Helly Hansen does not publicly disclose PFAS-free status or treatment chemicals, raising moderate concern.
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Material
nylon/polyester with water-repellent coating water treatment
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
These shorts are constructed from nylon and polyester blended fabric, both synthetic polymers that do not themselves leach hazardous chemicals under normal wear. However, the shorts carry a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, a surface treatment applied to prevent water absorption. water-repellent coating finishes historically used PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals"), though some manufacturers have shifted to non-fluorine alternatives in recent years. Helly Hansen has not publicly disclosed whether this specific product uses fluorinated or non-fluorinated water-repellent coating, making the actual composition unclear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Helly Hansen is a Norwegian workwear and outdoor clothing company with no major public recalls or safety controversies on record for apparel. However, the brand has remained silent on PFAS use in its water-repellent coating treatments despite industry-wide scrutiny since the mid-2010s. This silence is notable: competitors like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and some Salewa lines have publicly committed to phasing out PFAS or switched to disclosed alternatives. Helly Hansen's lack of transparency on this issue suggests either continued reliance on fluorinated treatments or reluctance to communicate policy.
How it compares in its category
Cargo shorts with water-repellent coating treatment are standard in outdoor and workwear categories, and most brands at this price point (mid-range) still use PFAS-based finishes without disclosure. Higher-end brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) often trumpet PFAS-free alternatives; budget brands rarely specify. Helly Hansen sits in the middle with functional water-repellent coating but without transparency. From a hazard standpoint, wearing the shorts poses minimal direct exposure; the primary concern is environmental release during manufacturing and laundering.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cold water and avoid high heat or tumble drying, as these may accelerate water-repellent coating breakdown and shedding. Machine wash on gentle; chlorine bleach and fabric softeners degrade water-repellent coating and should be avoided. If water-repellent coating performance degrades noticeably (water no longer beads), replacement is reasonable, though re-treatment products are commercially available. Storage in cool, dry conditions extends garment life and limits unnecessary washing cycles, reducing both chemical exposure and environmental release.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
Helly Hansen has not disclosed whether this product uses fluorinated water-repellent coating; industry standard suggests PFAS-based treatment is probable, though unconfirmed for this specific model.
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic fabric finishes
No reports of formaldehyde-based finishes in Helly Hansen apparel; nylon and polyester base materials do not typically require formaldehyde cross-linking.
Azo dyes and heavy metals in colorants
No known incidents of banned azo dyes or heavy metal pigments in Helly Hansen clothing; brand operates under EU/US textile standards that restrict these.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Nylon and polyester shed microfibers with normal wear and especially during washing; this is inherent to synthetic textiles, not brand-specific, but relevant to disposal and environmental impact.
water-repellent coating degradation and shedding
water-repellent coating treatments break down over time, particularly with washing and UV exposure; fluorinated water-repellent coating shedding into wastewater is a documented environmental pathway and occurs with normal use.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Sports Gear
Patagonia
Men's 10" Quandary Shorts
nylon/polyester blend with water-repellent coating treatment
Lower concern. Patagonia uses PFC-free water-repellent coating; verify MADE SAFE label on tag.
✓Lab test found no PFAS
Reebok
Men's Athlete Speed Shorts
Polyester mesh and nylon blend, standard athletic construction
Lower concern. Standard athletic shorts without water-resistant coating.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Men's Home Waters Hybrid Shorts
Polyester blend with PFAS-free water-repellent coating finish
Lower concern. Patagonia phased out PFAS-based water-repellent coating; verify current product line batch.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More waterproof sports gear 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.