REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
REI Co-op Duck's Back Pack Rain Cover - Medium Green
Typical rain cover with water-repellent coating; PFAS use unconfirmed but common in category.
REI does not disclose PFAS in this rain cover's water-repellent coating treatment. Most packable rain covers use fluorinated coatings as standard, though some brands now offer PFAS-free alternatives. Contact REI directly for specifics.
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Material
Polyester with water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) 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) finish applied to the surface. Polyester itself is a stable synthetic polymer with low leaching risk under normal use. The water-repellent coating is the active chemical layer; manufacturers typically use fluorocarbon-based or silicone-based repellents, though REI does not publicly specify which formulation is used in this model. The coating sits on the outer surface and does not contact food or skin during typical backpack use.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has a documented commitment to sustainability and transparency, publishing materials sourcing and environmental impact reports. However, REI does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry or PFAS use in rain covers or other coated textiles on product pages or technical specs. The brand has not faced major product safety recalls related to chemical leaching or coating toxicity. For this product category, lack of explicit disclosure is standard industry practice rather than a Red Co-op-specific gap.
How it compares in its category
Rain covers of this type (polyester + water-repellent coating) are the industry standard for backpack protection and carry minimal chemical exposure risk compared to direct-contact items like clothing or food containers. Alternatives using uncoated nylon or cotton would sacrifice water repellency; PVC or silicone-lined covers offer similar PFAS uncertainty. This product occupies the mainstream middle ground: functional, widely used, and not flagged for elevated chemical hazards relative to peers.
If you buy it
Store in a dry place away from direct heat or UV for long periods, as UV can degrade polyester over many years. Hand wash or rinse with cool water if needed; avoid hot water or dryers, which can damage the water-repellent coating finish. The coating will gradually wear with use and washing; expect 2-3 years of full water repellency before diminishing returns. Once repellency fades, the cover remains functional as a physical barrier but loses peak performance; replacement is a durability choice, not a safety trigger.
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.”
Formaldehyde resins in polyester finishing
Polyester itself does not require formaldehyde; water-repellent coating coatings occasionally use formaldehyde-based binders in industrial processes, but offgassing from a finished rain cover used outdoors is not a documented concern and would be minimal given limited skin contact.
Azo dyes in colorant
The medium green color likely uses synthetic dyes; polyester textiles may contain azo dyes that can degrade to amines under certain conditions. No recalls or reported issues exist for REI polyester products, and risk is negligible for a non-contact outdoor item.
Antimony in polyester resin catalyst
Antimony oxide is a common catalyst in polyester production and may remain as residual trace metal. Exposure from a finished rain cover is not documented as a hazard; skin contact is minimal and ingestion is not plausible. Standard polyester safety data supports this as a non-issue in consumer use.
water-repellent coating degradation and reapplication chemicals
As the water-repellent coating wears, water absorption increases, and some users reapply commercial water-repellent coating sprays that may contain VOCs or fluorocarbon propellants. This is a user-choice hazard, not intrinsic to the product itself. Follow label instructions on reapplication products if used.
Microplastics shedding during washing
Polyester sheds microfibers during laundering, particularly when agitated. A rain cover is typically rinsed rather than machine washed, minimizing fiber release. Environmental impact is a concern; personal inhalation or ingestion risk from this product is negligible.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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 Outdoor Accessories
Sea to Summit
Ultra- Sil Stuff Sack Set
Ultra-Sil nylon fabric, no water treatment applied
Stuff sack with no waterproofing treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Arc'teryx
Index Gear Organizer
Nylon or polyester fabric organizer
Minimal PFAS risk likely, but Arc'teryx provides no public disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
Sea to Summit
Ultra-Sil Pack Cover
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.