From fall/winter 2025, we are no longer producing waterproof products that contain intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).    

Like many outdoor brands, we’ve been phasing out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from our durably waterproof shell collection for many seasons now, and for good reason: these so-called “forever chemicals” have been shown to pose concerning environmental impacts and health risks. Our fall/winter 2025 collection marks the first season where  none of our newly produced waterproof gear contains intentionally added PFAS, using technologies including GORE-TEX ePE membranes and our own PROOF™ waterproof technology.
 
Victor Adler, our Global Business Development & Sustainability Director, weighs in on this milestone: “A journey of phasing out intentionally added PFAS that began more than ten years ago has reached an important milestone. It’s been a process of learning and adaptation, with some setbacks along the way, but now even our highest performing shell products have transitioned to alternatives without intentionally added PFAS.”

But what are PFAS, what were they doing in our products, and what can you expect performance-wise from our shell range moving forward? Let’s dig deeper. 

 

What are PFAS, and what were they doing in our products?

PFAS, aka per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a group of so-called “forever chemicals” including perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) that are very effective at repelling water and fat.  

In the outdoor industry, PFAS have been used widely in waterproof membranes as well as durable water repellent (DWR) coatings, which help maintain breathability and comfort in wet conditions by preventing the shell fabric from absorbing water, dirt, and oil. PFAS are also very long-lasting, which may be great for the longevity of a garment, but—as we now all know—not so great when it comes to the long-term consequences for the environment and human health.   

While concerns over critical performance downgrades once held outdoor brands back from fully embracing alternatives without intentionally added PFAS, these alternatives can now meet the performance requirements we set for our waterproof products.

How does a shell without intentionally added PFAS compare to a PFAS-containing one?
A shell with a membrane and/or DWR without intentionally added PFAS will still do the job of helping you stay dry and comfortable in the rain, wind, and snow. However, since the DWR treatments we use without intentionally added PFAS may require more frequent care to maintain their water-repellent performance over time, you may need to wash and reactivate your shell more frequently, and reapply DWR as needed.

See our Hoito-ohjeet for care tips and guidance.  

 

Discover our shell range without intentionally added PFAS

Utilizing waterproof technologies like our own PROOF™ range and our partner’s GORE-TEX ePE, our shell jacket collection is durably waterproof, breathable, and made without intentionally added PFAS. We use a variety of fabrics and techniques when constructing our shell garments to achieve the ideal balance of fit, flexibility, and durability needed for different activities, from hiking to skiing.