REI Co-op · Portable Outdoor Gear Bags
REI Co-op Trailgate Gear Bin Green 140 L
Lower PFAS concern for bare plastic storage container.
Polypropylene gear bin with no reported water-resistant or antimicrobial coatings. REI Co-op discloses nothing about PFAS; standard plastic storage carries lower risk than treated textiles.
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Material
Polypropylene storage bin, no water-resistant coating mentioned
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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 is a polypropylene (PP) injection-molded storage container, one of the safest food-contact plastics available. Polypropylene is rigid, chemically stable, and does not leach BPA, BPS, or phthalates under normal storage conditions. The 140-liter capacity and green color indicate a durable outdoor/gear storage design; PP resists UV degradation better than some plastics when stabilizers are used, though the exact additive package is not disclosed by REI.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op does not publicly disclose detailed material safety certifications or chemical composition for this gear bin. The brand has no known recalls or controversies specific to this product line. REI Co-op's general approach to sustainability emphasizes durability and recyclability (PP is recyclable #5) rather than detailed toxicology transparency, which is typical for outdoor retailers.
How it compares in its category
Large rigid storage bins are typically polypropylene, polyethylene, or polycarbonate. PP is preferred because it avoids the BPA issues associated with polycarbonate and offers better chemical resistance than LDPE. This REI bin is comparable to Rubbermaid and other outdoor storage containers in material choice and lacks the coating-based hazards (Teflon-type coating, lead-glazed ceramics) that affect cookware or textiles.
If you buy it
Store only dry goods, garage items, or outdoor gear; avoid prolonged contact with strong solvents, oils, or acidic liquids that can degrade plastic. Keep the bin out of direct sunlight for extended periods to minimize UV stress and potential additive breakdown. Inspect seals and hinges periodically for cracks. PP is heat-stable to roughly 140°C, so do not store near heat sources or in direct sun in hot climates, as thermal stress may cause microcracking over years.
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.”
UV degradation and additive leaching
Outdoor storage bins rely on UV stabilizers and antioxidant additives to prevent embrittlement. Over 5-10 years of outdoor exposure, these additives may slowly migrate into contents, though migration rates for stabilizers are generally low and toxicity risk is considered minimal by regulatory bodies.
Microplastics from mechanical wear
Hinges, seams, and lid contact points on PP bins can shed microplastics with repeated opening/closing and friction, especially if contents are coarse or abrasive. This is a physical degradation concern rather than chemical leaching, and is more relevant if the bin is used to store food.
BPA/phthalate leaching
Polypropylene does not contain BPA or phthalate plasticizers by formulation. This hazard applies to polycarbonate and vinyl plastics, not PP. REI's choice of material avoids this class of concern.
Dyes and colorants stability
The green color indicates use of inorganic pigments or approved plastic dyes. No heavy metal contamination or azo dye hazards have been reported for REI Co-op storage bins. Colorfastness under UV is a durability issue, not a direct toxicology concern.
Odor and volatile organic compounds from manufacturing
New plastic bins often have a mild chemical odor from residual processing aids and mold release agents. This typically dissipates within days to weeks of airing out and poses no documented health risk, but sensitive individuals may notice it on opening.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.
More portable outdoor gear bags 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.