REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
REI Co-op Traverse Gaiters
Outdoor gaiters likely treated with water-repellent coating; PFAS status undisclosed by REI.
REI Co-op does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating chemistry or PFAS status for these gaiters. Many outdoor apparel brands use PFAS-based treatments for water repellency; REI's approach is unclear without lab testing or formal commitment.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
nylon with water-repellent coating water-resistant treatment
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
REI Traverse Gaiters are nylon fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. Nylon itself is a synthetic polymer with a good safety record in apparel. The water-repellent coating is the critical unknown: traditional water-repellent coating finishes often contain fluorinated compounds (PFAS), which are persistent in the environment and have potential health concerns in manufacturing and disposal, though direct skin exposure risk from finished textiles is generally low.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not publicly disclosed whether Traverse Gaiters contain PFAS-based or PFAS-free water-repellent coating treatments. REI's broader sustainability messaging emphasizes responsible sourcing, but the company has not signed the Outdoor Industry Association's PFAS commitment or published a formal phase-out timeline. Without explicit material specification from the brand, buyer confidence relies on inference rather than transparency.
How it compares in its category
Most outdoor gaiters in REI's price range (budget to mid-tier) use nylon with water-repellent coating; premium competitors like Arc'teryx and Patagonia increasingly specify fluorine-free water-repellent coating or clearly disclose chemistry. REI's silence puts Traverse Gaiters in the middle of an industry transition, neither leading nor lagging in public accountability. Many cheaper alternatives also use undisclosed water-repellent coating, so this product is typical rather than exceptional for its segment.
If you buy it
Wash gaiters in cool water and air-dry to preserve the water-repellent coating finish and minimize any chemical shedding. Do not machine-dry or iron, as heat can degrade coatings. Expect to re-treat the water-repellent coating every 1-2 years with a refresh product (or replace gaiters entirely if the fabric fails). If you are sensitive to chemical treatments or prioritize PFAS avoidance, contact REI customer service to request material specification before purchase.
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.”
Fluorinated water-repellent coating compounds (PFAS family)
REI does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry. Standard nylon water-repellent coating treatments historically used perfluorinated compounds; modern alternatives exist but are not confirmed here. Risk is primarily occupational (manufacturing) and end-of-life disposal rather than skin contact during wear.
Formaldehyde in textile finishes
Nylon gaiters do not typically require formaldehyde-based resins for dye fixation or wrinkle resistance. No formaldehyde-related recalls or complaints are documented for REI gaiters.
Azo dyes or dye-related allergens
REI Traverse Gaiters are unlikely to contain restricted azo dyes given the brand's general compliance with EU textile standards and US safety rules. No specific dye hazard alerts exist for this product.
Degradation and microfiber shedding
Nylon gaiters shed microfibers during washing and wear, especially as the water-repellent coating wears away. This is a category-wide issue, not unique to REI, but contributes to plastic pollution if washed frequently in machine cycles.
Elastic components (if leg closures present)
If the gaiters include elastic straps or closures, these may contain latex or synthetic rubber; however, no allergen alerts are on record for this specific model.
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.