The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
The North Face Men's Mountain Jacket
water-repellent coating likely contains PFAS; no brand disclosure available.
The North Face does not publicly disclose PFAS use in this jacket's water-repellent treatment. Most outdoor apparel water-repellent coating finishes use PFAS compounds. No independent verification provided.
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Material
Nylon shell with water-repellent coating water-repellent 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
This jacket uses a nylon shell (polyamide) with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. Nylon itself is chemically stable and does not off-gas formaldehyde or known toxic volatiles under normal wear. However, the water-repellent coating is the critical component: water repellency on textiles has historically been achieved using PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS), which are persistent in the environment and accumulate in human blood. The North Face has not publicly disclosed whether this specific product uses fluorine-free water-repellent coating alternatives or conventional PFAS-based formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face (owned by VF Corporation) has not adopted a public commitment to eliminate PFAS from apparel, and does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry at the product level. The brand maintains general sustainability messaging but has not been transparent about chemical composition in outdoor coatings, which is standard practice for peer competitors in the technical apparel market. No recalls or regulatory violations specific to this product line have been documented. The absence of disclosure is itself a signal that conventional PFAS-based water-repellent coating is likely being used.
How it compares in its category
Most mass-market technical jackets with water-repellent finishes contain PFAS in their water-repellent coating; this product is typical, not exceptional. A minority of outdoor brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Rab) now offer PFAS-free water-repellent coating options, though at higher price points and with modestly lower water-shedding performance. Nylon jackets without water-repellent treatment or with wax-based alternatives exist but sacrifice weather protection. In terms of non-PFAS chemical hazards, nylon apparel sits in a safer tier than textile categories like dyed polyester (azo dyes) or flame-retardant synthetics.
If you buy it
Wearing the jacket does not create direct PFAS exposure; the hazard is environmental and systemic (manufacturing release, laundry runoff, eventual disposal). Wash infrequently and in cold water to slow water-repellent coating degradation and minimize microfiber and fluorine release. Do not dry-clean or use hot water. Machine washing will gradually degrade the water-repellent coating finish over 50-100 washes, at which point water-repellency will decline but the jacket remains wearable. Consider replacement when water no longer beads rather than when garment is damaged, to avoid extended PFAS exposure from a failed coating.
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 finish (reported separately at 20/100)
Nylon technical jackets with unspecified water-repellent coating formulations almost certainly contain PFAS; no brand disclosure or product certifications support PFAS-free status here.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Nylon does not typically require formaldehyde-based resin finishes; no evidence of formaldehyde use in this product class beyond water-repellent coating chemistry.
Azo dyes and colorant toxicity
The North Face uses conventional industrial dyeing; no specific recalls or certifications indicate azo dye or heavy metal colorant issues in this product line.
Microfiber shedding during care
Machine washing any synthetic jacket sheds microfibers; while not a direct toxicological hazard to the wearer, this contributes environmental PFAS transport if water-repellent coating-coated fibers enter waterways.
Flame retardants in synthetic fabrics
Nylon apparel jackets are not routinely treated with flame retardants unless marketed as protective workwear; no evidence of chemical flame retardant coatings on this product.
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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Ultra-Sil nylon fabric, no water treatment applied
Stuff sack with no waterproofing treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Sea to Summit
Ultra-Sil Pack Cover
nylon with silicone water-repellent coating
PFC-free claim stated. No independent verification available yet.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
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.