PFAS score
Smartwool · Waterproof Winter Gloves
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Mittens
Lower concern but opacity on water-repellent coating chemistry is a caution flag.
Smartwool's Active Fleece mittens use merino wool, a natural fiber with lower inherent PFAS risk. However, the brand does not disclose what water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatment it applies, a common vector for PFAS in outdoor apparel.
The safe swap
Patagonia
Patagonia R4 Yulex Regulator Three Finger Mitts
90/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Merino wool blend 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.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% 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 Winter Gloves
Patagonia
R4 Yulex Regulator Three Finger Mitts
Yulex (synthetic rubber), neoprene-free alternative
Lower PFAS concern; Yulex is a known PFAS-reduction choice, though independent lab verification of these mitts is absent.
⚠Risky category by default
Patagonia
Better Sweater Gloves Patagonia Women's
Polyester fleece (recycled)
Lower PFAS concern, fleece gloves rarely need water-repellent coating treatments, but Patagonia has not publicly disclosed PFAS policies for this product.
⚠Risky category by default
Marmot
Basic Work Glove Marmot
Cotton/polyester blend with standard construction
Lower PFAS concern; basic work glove with no known waterproofing or stain treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof winter gloves 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.