Helly Hansen · Waterproof Sports Gear
Helly Hansen Men's Rapide 7" Shorts
Nylon shorts with water-repellent coating finish; brand silent on PFAS disclosure.
Helly Hansen's Rapide shorts use nylon with water-repellent coating, typical of outdoor shorts. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS use or absence in this product.
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Material
Nylon with water-repellent coating finish
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 nylon (polyamide) with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. Nylon itself is a stable synthetic polymer with low toxicity during normal wear. The water-repellent coating finish is the unknown variable: traditional water-repellent coating treatments use fluorochemicals (PFAS), though some brands have switched to fluorine-free alternatives. Helly Hansen has not publicly disclosed which chemistry they use in this product, making PFAS exposure possible but unconfirmed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Helly Hansen is a major outdoor apparel brand but maintains silence on PFAS use and fluorochemical sourcing. The brand has not published a timeline for phasing out PFAS in water-repellent coating treatments, nor has it committed to full transparency on water repellent chemistry. No significant recalls or toxicity investigations specific to Helly Hansen shorts have entered public record. This silence is notable in an industry where competitors (Patagonia, Arc'teryx) have begun disclosing fluorine-free alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Most mid-to-premium nylon shorts with water repellency carry the same PFAS uncertainty as this product. Helly Hansen's pricing and performance sit in the mainstream outdoor category, not at the leading edge of non-PFAS transparency. Some brands now explicitly offer fluorine-free water-repellent coating nylon shorts, making direct comparison possible for consumers seeking lower PFAS risk. Standard polyester or untreated nylon shorts eliminate the water-repellent coating-linked PFAS concern but sacrifice water resistance.
If you buy it
Wash before first wear to reduce any surface residues. Standard machine washing at moderate temperature is safe; avoid high heat drying which will not degrade nylon but may stress any coating. These shorts will perform well for typical hiking, outdoor work, and casual wear. Replace when the water-repellent coating finish visibly degrades (water no longer beads on fabric), typically after 40-80 wash cycles, rather than attempting to re-treat them with unknown products.
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.”
Fluorochemical residues (PFAS) in water-repellent coating finish
Nylon shorts with water-repellent coating finish commonly use traditional PFAS-based water repellents. Helly Hansen provides no public disclosure of their specific chemistry, so the presence of long-chain PFAS, short-chain alternatives, or fluorine-free treatments cannot be determined from available information. Residual PFAS may contact skin during wear, though dermal absorption is considered low risk compared to in
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing resins in dyeing or finishing
No specific reports of formaldehyde issues in Helly Hansen nylon shorts or in this product line. Modern nylon dyeing typically avoids formaldehyde, but some finishing processes (particularly in lower-cost production) may use formaldehyde-based resins. Pre-washing reduces any residual formaldehyde risk across the textile category.
Azo dyes or heavy metals in pigments
No established public record of azo dye or heavy metal contamination in Helly Hansen products. Nylon is widely used in technical sportswear and the brand maintains mid-to-premium market positioning, suggesting typical quality control. However, Helly Hansen does not publish independent third-party testing for dye safety.
Antimony as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) catalyst
This product is nylon, not polyester, so antimony catalyst contamination does not apply. Nylon uses different polymerization methods and does not carry this specific hazard.
Elastic or trim components (elastane, rubber, adhesives)
Typical nylon shorts include elastic waistbands, drawcord toggles, or stitched trim. These components may contain phthalates, metal alloys, or other substances not fully disclosed. Helly Hansen does not provide detailed component sourcing for hardware or elastic, so minor hazards cannot be ruled out, though risk during normal wear is very low.
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.