REI · Waterproof Outdoor Gear Storage
YETI LoadOut GoBox 15 Gear Case
Lower concern; no surface treatment typical in gear cases.
YETI GoBox is rotomolded polyethylene without waterproofing or nonstick coatings known to use PFAS. No brand PFAS disclosure available; material itself carries lower inherent risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Rotomolded polyethylene plastic with latch hardware
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 LoadOut GoBox 15 is constructed from rotomolded high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a rigid plastic formed by heating and rotating polymer powder in a mold. This process creates a thick, seamless shell with no adhesives, coatings, or surface treatments typical of cookware or food storage products. HDPE is one of the most chemically stable plastics in consumer use and does not leach significant contaminants under normal conditions. The latch hardware is the only secondary material of concern, typically zinc-plated steel or plastic.
The brand's record and disclosure
REI and YETI have not published detailed chemical disclosures specific to this product line, which is typical for gear manufacturers focused on durability rather than food or cosmetic applications. Neither brand has faced significant product safety recalls or chemical contamination controversies on record. REI maintains general sustainability commitments but does not certify rotomolded gear cases against specific toxicology standards. The absence of disclosure reflects the low-risk profile of this product category rather than evasiveness.
How it compares in its category
Hard-sided gear cases are among the safest consumer plastic products because they are not heated, do not contact food or skin for extended periods, and are not treated with flame retardants or coatings. Compared to soft-sided nylon cases, rotomolded HDPE eliminates concerns about azo dyes and formaldehyde resins in textiles. The primary trade-off is weight and bulk versus soft gear; chemical safety strongly favors this design. Most competing rotomolded cases (Pelican, Rubbermaid, other YETI products) share the same material profile and hazard level.
If you buy it
Store this case away from direct sunlight in cool, dry environments to minimize UV-induced degradation of the plastic shell over years of use, though HDPE is highly UV-stable. Do not store hot foods or liquids inside; while HDPE tolerates brief contact with warm items, prolonged heat exposure can slightly increase leaching. Inspect latches and seams annually for cracks or separation; repair with epoxy or replace the case if the shell is compromised, though failure rates are low. Cleaning with warm soapy water is safe; avoid harsh solvents or prolonged exposure to gasoline or acetone.
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.”
Microplastics from wear and UV degradation
Rotomolded HDPE can shed particles if the shell cracks or surface abrades significantly over many years of outdoor use. Risk is low in normal conditions but increases with UV exposure and impact damage. This is a chronic wear concern, not acute toxicity.
Metal latch corrosion and heavy metal leaching
Zinc-plated or stainless steel latches pose minimal risk if plating remains intact. Corrosion from salt water or road salt could expose base metals, but no recalls or documented incidents exist for YETI or REI gear cases. Inspect annually for rust.
BPA or other bisphenol analogs in HDPE formulation
HDPE does not require BPA as a stabilizer or plasticizer in rotomolded applications. REI/YETI have not disclosed BPA content, but the material chemistry makes this hazard theoretically absent. Food-grade HDPE containers are widely approved and this case meets or exceeds that standard.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
Rotomolded HDPE cures during manufacturing and does not off-gas significantly at room temperature. No formaldehyde resins, adhesives, or coatings are present in this product. Off-gassing is not a documented concern for YETI or similar gear cases.
Antimony or flame retardant additives
This product is not labeled as flame-retardant and rotomolded gear cases do not typically require flame-retardant treatment. HDPE itself is not highly flammable; no evidence exists of antimony or brominated additives in YETI LoadOut cases. Not applicable to this use case.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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
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Humangear Stax
polypropylene plastic
Lower concern. Polypropylene stacking containers lack PFAS triggers.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
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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.