REI · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
REI Co-op Trailgate Gear Cube Green 15 L
Gear cube likely treated with water-repellent coating; REI silent on PFAS content.
This storage cube uses durable nylon with water-repellent finish, typical of outdoor gear. REI does not disclose PFAS treatment details; contact them directly for coating specifics.
The safe swap
REI
Humangear Stax
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its A.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Nylon fabric with water-repellent coating water-repellent 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
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 Trailgate Gear Cube is constructed from nylon fabric, a petroleum-derived synthetic polymer known for durability and lightweight properties. The product carries a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish, which is applied as a surface treatment to shed moisture. water-repellent coating coatings on outdoor textiles are historically formulated with PFAS compounds (perfluorocarbons), though REI has not publicly disclosed whether this specific product uses legacy PFAS, newer fluorine-free alternatives, or a hybrid approach. The nylon base itself is not inherently hazardous, but the treatment chemistry is the material concern here.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI Co-op has not made public commitments to PFAS elimination across its private-label gear lines, unlike some competitors who have pledged fluorine-free transitions. The company does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry on product pages or technical specs for this item. REI has faced no documented recalls or safety actions tied to this product specifically. The silence on chemical composition is notable given consumer awareness of PFAS in outdoor gear; this lack of transparency makes independent verification impossible.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor gear cubes and dry bags as a category are nearly universally treated with water-repellent finishes, making PFAS exposure common across brands. Some competitors (e.g., Patagonia, certain lines of Arc'teryx) now specify fluorine-free water-repellent coating or provide transparency statements. REI's offering is mid-tier priced and typical in its category; it offers no claimed advantage in safer chemistry. If PFAS avoidance is a priority, seeking products explicitly labeled PFAS-free or fluorine-free is the only reliable workaround.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged skin contact with the treated surfaces, especially on warm or sweaty days, as this may increase dermal absorption. Do not machine wash in hot water; hand wash with cold water and mild detergent to preserve the water-repellent coating and avoid releasing treatment particulates. Store in a dry place; do not expose to high heat or direct sunlight for extended periods, which can degrade the nylon and coating. Replace the item when the water-repellent coating visibly fails (water no longer beads) or if the fabric tears, as repair or re-treatment introduces additional chemical exposure variables.
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.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating treatment
Nylon gear cube with water-repellent coating finish is highly probable to contain legacy PFAS or fluorinated alternatives; REI's public silence and lack of certification prevent confirmation. Chronic low-level dermal and inhalation exposure possible during use and storage.
Nylon microfiber shedding
Nylon textiles can shed microfibers under friction (packing, washing, wear). No contamination data exists for this specific product, but shedding increases with abrasion and age. Inhalation risk is low in normal handling; higher in washing machines or if product degrades.
Azo dyes in colored fabric
Green nylon cubes may contain azo dyes; REI does not disclose dye chemistry. No recalls or hazard notices exist for this product. Standard nylon apparel testing by US/EU standards would flag problematic dyes, and REI's retail tier suggests compliance, but explicit confirmation is unavailable.
Degradation and off-gassing under heat or UV
Nylon-based water-repellent coating coatings can degrade in hot vehicles, direct sunlight, or high-temperature storage, potentially releasing volatile compounds. No specific off-gassing profile documented for this item, but risk increases with product age and storage conditions.
Contact sensitization from dyes or chemical residues
No adverse events reported for this product. Risk is low but non-zero; individuals with sensitive skin or known dye allergies should test with brief contact before extended use, especially against bare skin when wet.
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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
REI
Humangear Stax
polypropylene plastic
Lower concern. Polypropylene stacking containers lack PFAS triggers.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
REI
DECKED Sixer 16 D-co Case
Plastic case (DECKED cooler construction)
Rigid plastic case, likely lower concern but no PFAS disclosure available.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Coleman
Chiller Cooler
Plastic (polypropylene) cooler body, foam insulation
Lower concern cooler. No known PFAS-treated materials typical.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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.