REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
REI Co-op Duck's Back Pack Rain Cover - Extra-Small Gray
water-repellent coating unspecified; typical concern for rain covers.
REI does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry. Rain covers commonly use fluorinated treatments, though some use non-fluorinated alternatives. Contact REI directly for coating details.
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Material
Nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating, unspecified
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 product is nylon ripstop (a lightweight, tear-resistant polyamide) with an applied water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating. The coating formula is not disclosed by REI, which is standard industry practice but means you cannot verify whether it contains legacy PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals"), fluorine-free alternatives, or another chemistry. Nylon ripstop itself is chemically stable under normal use; the coating is the chemical variable.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not published a public commitment to PFAS-free water-repellent coatings for apparel or pack accessories, nor do they disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product labels or spec sheets. This silence is typical of most outdoor retailers and does not indicate a known problem, but it does mean you are purchasing without transparency on a chemical of increasing regulatory concern. REI does maintain general sustainability statements but does not break down chemical hazard classes for textiles.
How it compares in its category
Rain covers occupy a niche where water-repellent coating coatings are nearly universal, and most brands (Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Decathlon, generic imports) do not disclose coating type. Patagonia has moved toward fluorine-free alternatives for some product lines and reports this; REI has not made equivalent public shifts. Generic rain covers and budget alternatives are equally opaque on water-repellent coating chemistry, so this product is not an outlier, though it is not a leader in disclosure.
If you buy it
Hand wash or rinse with cool water and mild soap; do not use hot water or machine wash, which can degrade the coating and potentially release residues. Air dry only. Do not dry-clean or apply additional water-repellent treatments unless labeled fluorine-free. Replace the cover if the coating visibly flakes, whitens, or delaminates, as damaged coatings may shed microplastics. Store dry and out of direct sunlight to extend the coating's life.
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.”
Unspecified water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating chemistry
REI does not disclose whether this nylon ripstop cover uses legacy PFAS-based, fluorine-free, or alternative water-repellent coating treatments. Legacy PFAS coatings (e.g., Teflon-type coating-based fluorocarbon resins) accumulate in blood and the environment; fluorine-free alternatives are emerging but less established. Skin contact risk is low during normal use, but coating degradation or laundering may release trace residues.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
Nylon ripstop water-repellent coating coatings can flake, peel, or delaminate over time, especially with heat, mechanical stress, or improper washing. Shedding particles are microscopic and not a direct toxicity hazard, but represent polymer fragmentation and potential ingestion via food or water contact. Frequency and mass are product-dependent and rarely quantified.
Nylon polyamide hydrolysis and chemical release
Nylon ripstop is chemically stable under normal use conditions (ambient temperature, moderate moisture). Hydrolysis (breakdown into monomers or oligomers) requires extended exposure to heat (above 60C) or strong acid/base, neither typical for a pack rain cover. No reported recalls or health incidents for this product class.
Azo dyes and colorant toxicity
The gray nylon ripstop may use disperse azo dyes, which are standard for synthetic fibers. Azo dye migration into skin is negligible during normal wear, and REI's fabric sourcing typically meets EU and US colorant restrictions. No evidence of non-compliance for this product.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Finished nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating can emit minor VOCs (solvents, residual monomers) when new, particularly if stored in heat. Airing the cover outdoors for 24-48 hours before first use eliminates detectable off-gassing. No reported complaints specific to REI rain covers.
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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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.