REI · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
DECKED Sixer 16 D-co Case
Rigid plastic case, likely lower concern but no PFAS disclosure available.
DECKED Sixer is a hard plastic cooler case with no available PFAS claims or testing data. Material composition and any water-repellent coating treatments are not publicly disclosed by REI or DECKED.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Plastic case (DECKED cooler construction)
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
other 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 DECKED Sixer 16 D-co is a rotomolded plastic cooler, typically constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar rigid thermoplastic. Rotomolding creates a thick, seamless shell with minimal joint seams, which reduces weak points for degradation. Unlike thin-walled food-contact plastics, this cooler's thick walls and non-food-contact design (it stores ice and beverages, not direct food preparation) mean BPA and phthalate migration is not a primary concern, though some off-gassing of volatile compounds may occur in the first weeks after purchase.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op does not publish specific PFAS or material transparency statements for the DECKED cooler line. DECKED (the manufacturer) has not issued public recalls or safety advisories for this model as of available records. REI's broader sustainability commitments focus on product lifecycle and supply chain, but cooler-specific chemical disclosures are absent from public documentation. No third-party certifications (NSF, FDA food-contact validation) are marketed for this product.
How it compares in its category
Rotomolded plastic coolers like this DECKED model are considered mid-range in safety profile compared to alternatives. Metal-lined or fiberglass coolers eliminate polymer leaching but add cost; thin-walled plastic coolers (common budget models) carry higher microplastic and chemical migration risks under temperature stress. The DECKED's thick construction and sealed design compare favorably to open-seam or glued-joint competitors, which are prone to degradation and harbor bacterial growth in crevices.
If you buy it
Rinse the interior thoroughly with fresh water before first use to reduce any residual manufacturing oils or volatiles. Avoid storing acidic beverages (citrus juice, vinegar) or prolonged contact with hot liquids above 60 degrees Celsius, as this can accelerate polymer softening and leaching. Inspect seams and walls annually for cracks or discoloration; replace the cooler if structural integrity degrades or mold develops internally that cannot be cleaned. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use to minimize UV degradation and off-gassing.
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.”
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Rotomolded polyethylene coolers may release trace volatile compounds in the first few weeks post-manufacture, particularly in warm storage. This is not a food safety issue but can produce a plastic odor; adequate ventilation and rinsing before use mitigate this.
Microplastic generation from wear
Over years of use, internal surfaces may shed microscopic plastic particles, especially if ice or rough items are stored directly against walls without padding. Rinsing contents before consumption reduces ingestion risk.
Bacterial or mold growth in crevices
Coolers are inherently prone to moisture retention; if seams, lids, or drain plugs are not fully dried after each use, microbial biofilms can develop. This is a maintenance issue, not a material defect.
BPA and phthalate leaching from plastic matrix
Rotomolded HDPE does not typically contain BPA or phthalates as additives, and the thick, non-food-contact design means direct exposure to beverages or food is minimal. No recalls or reports of leaching have been documented for this product line.
Thermal degradation under extreme heat
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (UV) or temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius can weaken the polymer structure and accelerate leaching. Avoid leaving the cooler in hot vehicles or prolonged direct sun without a cover.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 55% 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 Gear Storage
REI
Humangear Stax
polypropylene plastic
Lower concern. Polypropylene stacking containers lack PFAS triggers.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
More waterproof outdoor gear storage 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.