REI Co-op · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
REI Co-op Women's XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket
Waterproof jacket with unknown water-repellent coating chemistry; PFAS risk unclear.
REI does not disclose PFAS content or water-repellent coating treatment details for this jacket. Waterproof coatings often contain legacy PFAS, but specifics are unavailable.
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Material
3-layer nylon with water-repellent coating finish
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
The XeroCloud is a 3-layer nylon construction with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the outer shell. Nylon itself is a stable synthetic polymer with no known leaching hazards under normal wear. The critical unknown is the water-repellent coating chemistry: historically many rain jackets used PFOA or PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments, though the industry has shifted toward fluorine-free alternatives in recent years. REI has not publicly disclosed which water-repellent coating formulation this jacket uses, leaving the PFAS risk unresolved.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has adopted some environmental sustainability commitments but has not made detailed chemical disclosure standard practice across its apparel line. The brand does not appear on major textile transparency databases like the Bluesign or Cradle to Cradle lists, and no third-party certifications are prominently advertised for this specific jacket. REI has not publicly committed to PFAS-free water-repellent coating chemistry industry-wide, though some of their newer products may use alternatives. Contacting REI directly about this jacket's water-repellent coating formulation would be the only way to resolve the PFAS question.
How it compares in its category
Mid-range rain jackets in this price and performance tier typically use either PFAS-based water-repellent coating (lower cost, long-lasting) or newer fluorine-free alternatives (variable performance, less durability data). REI's silence on chemistry places it in a middle-ground position: it offers good functionality but less transparency than brands that explicitly market PFAS-free or certified-sustainable rain jackets. Competing products from Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and some REI house brands have begun providing water-repellent coating specificity; the XeroCloud does not.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water with a specialized synthetic detergent designed for waterproof gear; avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and hot water, which can degrade the water-repellent coating and any underlying nylon. Do not tumble dry; air dry flat or hanging. The water-repellent coating will gradually lose effectiveness over 1-3 years depending on frequency of use and washing; periodic water-repellent coating re-treatment products can extend water repellency. If PFAS exposure is a priority concern for you, request a material safety data sheet from REI or contact their customer service before purchase to clarify the water-repellent coating formulation.
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 chemistry (fluorinated or fluorine-free unknown)
REI has not disclosed whether this jacket uses PFAS-based or fluorine-free water-repellent coating. Historical industry practice suggests PFAS was common for 3-layer rain jackets, but recent trend is toward alternatives. No independent test results are publicly available for this specific product.
Formaldehyde resins in dyes or finishing treatments
No formaldehyde contamination or formaldehyde-releasing finishes have been reported for REI Co-op apparel. Standard nylon dyeing does not require formaldehyde resins, and REI does not list this as a known concern.
Azo dyes (synthetic textile colorants with amine risk)
No azo dye contamination or restrictions have been documented for REI Co-op products. The XeroCloud is typically offered in neutral colors (black, navy, gray) that are less prone to problematic azo chemistry.
Antimony in polyester fiber
This jacket is nylon, not polyester, so antimony catalyst residues are not applicable.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding during wear or washing
water-repellent coating coatings can flake or shed during aggressive washing or dry cleaning, and nylon fabric can shed microfibers. This is a property of the material class rather than a specific contamination, but washing practices (gentle, cold, infrequent) can minimize it.
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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Arc'teryx
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Sea to Summit
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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.