PFAS score
Patagonia · Waterproof Hiking Socks
Yulex Wading Socks with Gravel Guard
Lower-concern wading sock; Patagonia claims non-fluorinated water-repellent coating, but no independent verification of absence.
Yulex wading socks use a natural rubber blend with a water-repellent coating treatment that Patagonia states is non-fluorinated (PFAS-free). The Gravel Guard is a mechanical protective layer.
Brand says: “Patagonia transitioned Yulex products away from PFC-based DWR treatments and moved to non-fluorinated water-repellent finishes to reduce PFAS exposure.”
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Yulex (natural rubber alternative) with synthetic water-repellent coating treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
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.
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states the product is PFAS-free (self-declared).
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.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Hiking Socks
Smartwool
Men's Mountaineer Classic Edition Maximum Cushion Crew Socks
Merino wool blend (primary natural fiber)
Lower PFAS concern, natural wool fiber with no waterproofing treatment flagged, but Smartwool provides no explicit PFAS disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Smartwool
Men's Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks
Merino wool blend (merino wool, nylon, elastane)
Lower PFAS concern; natural fiber socks unlikely to need water-repellent coating treatment, but Smartwool's lack of disclosure leaves room for uncertainty.
⚠Risky category by default
Smartwool
Men's Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Socks
Merino wool blend (primary fiber); no reported water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) or stain treatment disclosed
Lower PFAS concern, plain wool socks with no disclosed treatments, but verify fiber content if sourcing matters to you.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof hiking socks 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.