title: “PFAS-Free Gore-Tex: What Moms Need to Know” date: 2025-05-03 —
What Is PFAS-Free Gore-Tex? A Mom’s Guide to Safer Outdoor Gear
As a mom who’s always on the lookout for products that keep my family safe and healthy, I’m excited to share some good news about PFAS-free Gore-Tex—the new, cleaner version of the waterproof, breathable fabric we all know and love. Unlike traditional Gore-Tex, these newer products don’t intentionally use PFAS (that pesky group of chemicals often called “forever chemicals” because they hang around longer than your toddler’s favorite blankie) in their membranes or water-repellent finishes. Curious why PFAS are such a big deal? Check out PFAS Free Life for the full scoop.
Traditional Gore-Tex and Forever Chemicals: The Backstory
For years, Gore-Tex has been the gold standard for staying dry outdoors thanks to a membrane made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Here’s the science behind it: ePTFE is made using PFAS chemicals, which are great at repelling water and oil. But here’s the kicker—while PFAS keep you dry, they don’t break down in the environment and have been linked to health issues like cancer and hormone disruption. As a mom and a science nerd, that raised a big red flag for me! To dive deeper into this, I found this Backpacker article on Gore-Tex and PFAS really eye-opening.
Enter Gore-Tex Without Microplastics: The ePE Membrane
Now, let’s talk about the exciting innovation: the ePE membrane—short for expanded polyethylene. Why is this a game-changer?
- It’s made from expanded polyethylene, which is lightweight, durable, and totally PFAS-free.
- It still delivers the waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance we expect from Gore-Tex.
- Often paired with PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments, which means less environmental nastiness overall.
This new membrane is thinner and lighter than the old ePTFE versions and has a smaller carbon footprint—a win-win for moms who want gear that lasts and helps protect our planet. For those who love geeky details, check out Gore-Tex’s official new products page and Arc’teryx’s ePE fabric info.
Market Availability: Where to Find PFAS-Free Gore-Tex
- PFAS-free Gore-Tex products with the ePE membrane started appearing on shelves in late 2022.
- These safer options are becoming more widely available through 2024 and 2025.
- But heads up—not all Gore-Tex products are PFAS-free yet! Only gear specifically labeled with the ePE membrane and PFAS-free DWR is truly free of these forever chemicals. Many items still use the old ePTFE membranes and PFAS-based treatments. For a reality check, you can read Toxic Free Future’s report and HBSS Law’s take on Gore-Tex greenwashing.
Why Should Moms Care? The Environmental & Health Lowdown
PFAS earn their nickname as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily—they stick around in our water, soil, and even in our bodies! Studies link them to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental problems in kids. Switching to PFAS-free Gore-Tex with membranes like ePE is a major step toward outdoor gear that’s safer for our families and kinder to Mother Earth. If you want to arm yourself with more info on environmental impact, Jones Snowboards has a great overview at Jones Snowboards’ site, and Outside Online covers forever chemicals thoroughly.
Quick Comparison: Traditional vs. PFAS-Free Gore-Tex
| Feature | Traditional Gore-Tex (ePTFE) | PFAS-Free Gore-Tex (ePE) |
|---|---|---|
| Membrane Material | ePTFE (contains PFAS) | ePE (expanded polyethylene, PFAS-free) |
| DWR Treatment | Usually PFAS-based | PFAS-free in new products |
| Environmental Impact | Persistent “forever chemicals” | Reduced; no intentional PFAS use |
| Availability | Most legacy products | Select new products since 2022 |
Bottom Line for Moms on the Go
- PFAS-free Gore-Tex leverages the innovative ePE membrane plus PFAS-free DWR treatments to keep your family dry without dragging along harmful forever chemicals.
- Not all Gore-Tex gear is created equal—look for labels saying “PFAS-free” or referencing the ePE membrane to be sure you’re getting the safer option.
- This shift reflects a growing trend toward sustainable outdoor gear that protects both our loved ones and our lovely planet.
So next time you’re out shopping for waterproof gear, keep your eyes peeled for Gore-Tex without microplastics and those dreaded forever chemicals. Your family—and your conscience—will thank you!