The North Face · Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
The North Face Pack Rain Cover
water-repellent coating-coated pack cover; PFAS risk present but unconfirmed by brand.
Rain covers typically use water-repellent coating coatings that often contain PFAS. The North Face provides no public disclosure of coating chemistry or PFAS-free status for this product.
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Material
Nylon ripstop with water-repellent coating
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 pack cover is nylon ripstop fabric with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating applied to the surface. water-repellent coating coatings are the primary PFAS exposure pathway in outdoor textiles, as they use fluorochemical compounds to create water beading. The nylon substrate itself is inert, but the coating's longevity and exact chemistry remain undisclosed by The North Face in publicly available materials.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face has not publicly committed to eliminating PFAS from its water-repellent coating coatings or disclosed which specific water-repellent coating chemistry (legacy PFOA-based, GenX, or fluorine-free alternatives) is used in this product. The brand has faced pressure from environmental groups on PFAS but maintains no transparent certification or testing data for individual products. This silence makes independent verification of actual exposure risk impossible.
How it compares in its category
Most major outdoor gear brands (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) similarly use fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings without full PFAS transparency, though Patagonia has announced a transition toward fluorine-free alternatives. Pack covers made from untreated nylon or polyester eliminate water-repellent coating-related PFAS but sacrifice water repellency. This product sits in the middle: conventional performance with undisclosed chemical inputs.
If you buy it
Wash the cover separately from other clothing in cold water and air-dry; hot water and machine drying may accelerate coating degradation and potential leaching. Store dry to prevent mold growth on nylon. Replace when water-repellent coating visibly fails (water no longer beads). Avoid prolonged contact with skin if the coating flakes; rinse hands after extended handling. The cover's lifespan is typically 2-3 years with normal use.
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.”
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating formulation
water-repellent coating on ripstop nylon typically contains fluorochemicals; The North Face does not disclose whether legacy PFOA/PFOS or newer GenX-type compounds are used. No documented recalls or health incidents specific to this product, but the chemistry remains opaque.
Azo dyes in nylon substrate
Ripstop nylon from major brands like The North Face generally meets textile safety standards for restricted azo dyes (EU REACH, Oeko-Tex). No specific concerns documented for this product line.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Nylon ripstop rarely uses formaldehyde-based resins as primary finishes; the water-repellent coating is the main chemical treatment. The North Face does not disclose formaldehyde content, but it is not a typical hazard in this material class.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
As water-repellent coating ages or peels, small polymer and fluorochemical particles may shed into water or contact skin. This is a gradual process; no studies quantify migration from this specific product, but wear-over-time is a known limitation of coated textiles.
Heavy metals in dyes or pigments
The North Face pack covers typically use standard synthetic dyes that comply with international textile heavy metal limits. No recalls or testing data indicate cadmium, lead, or antimony concerns for 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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Accessories
Sea to Summit
Ultra- Sil Stuff Sack Set
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.