REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
REI Co-op Duck's Back Pack Rain Cover
Rain cover likely has water-repellent coating treatment. No PFAS disclosure from REI Co-op.
REI's Duck's Back rain cover uses polyester with water-resistant finish, typical of water-repellent coating-treated outdoor gear. REI does not publicly disclose PFAS content or use of fluorochemical treatments for this product.
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Material
Polyester with water-repellent coating
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
This rain cover is polyester fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the surface. water-repellent coating finishes make water bead and roll off, but historically many have used fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve this effect, though non-fluorinated alternatives exist. Polyester itself is stable in normal use, but the coating composition is the key unknown here. The fabric will not leach chemicals into food or skin during typical wearing.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not publicly disclosed whether their Duck's Back Pack Rain Cover uses fluorinated or non-fluorinated water-repellent coating treatments. The brand does not maintain a transparent PFAS policy or commitment comparable to some outdoor competitors. REI has faced no major recalls or established safety incidents tied to this specific product, but their silence on water-repellent coating chemistry limits informed purchasing. For context, this is common industry-wide, though leading brands increasingly specify non-fluorinated coatings.
How it compares in its category
Most affordable rain covers use polyester with conventional water-repellent coating coatings of unknown fluorination status. Premium brands (e.g., Patagonia, Arc'teryx) increasingly market PFAS-free or clearly disclosed treatments, though at higher cost. REI Co-op positions this product at the accessible price tier, meaning cost over transparency is the trade-off. The polyester material itself is standard and comparable to most competitors; the differentiator is coating disclosure.
If you buy it
Wash before first use if possible to reduce any coating residue. Avoid machine drying on high heat, as polyester can degrade and shedding microplastics could occur. Reapply water-repellent coating treatment every 1-2 seasons of regular use following manufacturer guidance. Store dry in a cool place; do not leave wet for extended periods as mold can develop inside the fabric. Replace when beading is visibly lost or the cover tears, as repair sealing is unreliable.
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.”
water-repellent coating composition (fluorinated vs. non-fluorinated)
REI Co-op does not disclose whether this rain cover uses PFAS-based or alternative water-repellent coating chemistry. Fluorinated coatings shed microparticles and can persist in the environment, but risk to user from wearing a rain cover is low. Non-fluorinated coatings are commercially available but less commonly specified at this price point.
Microplastic shedding from polyester
Polyester fabrics naturally shed microfibers, especially when abraded or washed. A rain cover experiences moderate abrasion from pack straps and storage. Shedding is not unique to this product but is inherent to polyester; washing releases fibers into wastewater.
Formaldehyde in fabric finishing resins
No known incidents or testing has identified formaldehyde concerns in REI Co-op rain covers. Polyester textiles sometimes use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or finish durability, but outdoor rain covers typically skip these treatments. Washing reduces any residual formaldehyde exposure.
Azo dyes and colorant toxicity
The Duck's Back Pack Rain Cover uses standard polyester dyes of undisclosed origin. REI Co-op does not disclose azo dye restrictions; however, no recalls or testing failures have been documented. Risk is minimal for external contact on a rain cover, and skin exposure is indirect through a backpack.
Mold and bacterial growth from retained moisture
Polyester does not dry as quickly as some technical fabrics. If stored wet or damp for days, mold and mildew can colonize interior surfaces. This is a maintenance issue, not a material defect, but relevant to user safety if the cover is then worn over a backpack for extended periods.
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.
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⚠Risky category by default
Arc'teryx
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Nylon or polyester fabric organizer
Minimal PFAS risk likely, but Arc'teryx provides no public disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Sea to Summit
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nylon with silicone water-repellent coating
PFC-free claim stated. No independent verification available yet.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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.