PFAS Free Snowboard Gear: Safe Jackets and Pants for the Slopes

Here’s something most riders never think about: the waterproof coating on your snowboard jacket and pants is probably made with PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in the environment or in your body. For years the outdoor industry relied on fluorinated DWR (durable water repellent) finishes to keep gear dry. The good news? That’s changing fast, and you can now find high-performance snowboard outerwear that skips PFAS entirely.

For more background on how PFAS sneak into outdoor products, check out our guide to PFAS in rain jackets and the full PFAS vs PTFE breakdown.

What’s Inside

• Why Snowboard Gear Contains PFAS
• How PFAS-Free Waterproofing Works
• Top PFAS-Free Snowboard Jackets and Pants
• What to Look for When Shopping
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Snowboard Gear Contains PFAS

Traditional waterproof outerwear uses a fluorinated DWR finish, a chemical treatment that causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric surface. PFAS compounds are extremely effective at this, which is why they became the industry default. The problem is that these same properties make PFAS nearly indestructible in the environment, and research has linked PFAS exposure to thyroid disruption, immune suppression, and elevated cholesterol.

Think of it this way: PFAS repel water because nothing can break their chemical bonds. That’s great on a powder day, but not so great when those same unbreakable molecules end up in waterways, soil, and eventually in your bloodstream. The outdoor industry has been one of the largest users of fluorinated DWR, and riders spend hours in direct skin contact with treated fabrics, especially around the neck, wrists, and waist.

How PFAS-Free Waterproofing Works

Several companies have developed fluorine-free DWR alternatives that perform well for snowboarding. These treatments use silicone-based or wax-based chemistry instead of fluorinated compounds. They don’t repel oils quite as effectively as PFAS treatments (so your jacket might absorb a grease stain more easily), but for snow and rain, they hold up well, especially when reapplied with a spray-on DWR treatment once or twice per season.

Membrane technologies have also evolved. GORE-TEX’s newer ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane is PFAS-free and replaces the older ePTFE membrane that contained fluorine. Brands like Patagonia use their own H2No membrane, which is also fluorine-free. Bluesign and OEKO-TEX certifications can help you verify that a product’s entire supply chain avoids PFAS.

Top PFAS-Free Snowboard Jackets and Pants

Here are some solid PFAS-free options you can grab today:

1. Dakine Red Gerard Beacon Jacket - A 30K waterproof, 3-layer shell designed with pro rider Red Gerard. Dakine explicitly labels this one PFAS-free, and the 30K waterproof rating means it handles deep powder days without soaking through.

2. Dakine Women’s Reach 20K Snowboard Pant - Fully taped seams, 20K waterproofing, and certified PFAS-free. These pants are breathable enough for resort laps and tough enough for backcountry hiking.

3. Roxy Billie 10K Waterproof Snow Jacket - Roxy’s tailored-fit, insulated snow jacket with a PFAS-free DWR finish. The 10K rating is well-suited for resort riding in typical conditions.

4. Dakine Women’s Stoker GORE-TEX 3L Snow Bib - Built with the new PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane, bluesign certified, and equipped with RECCO avalanche reflector technology. This is top-tier backcountry gear without the forever chemicals.

5. Dakine Men’s Scout Snow Bib Overalls - A 15K waterproof, recycled 2-layer shell bib that’s PFAS-free. Great for riders who prefer the coverage and warmth of a bib over standalone pants.

You can find more verified products in the PFAS Free Life database.

What to Look for When Shopping

When you’re browsing snowboard gear, a few quick checks go a long way:

• Look for “PFAS-free” or “fluorine-free DWR” on the product page. Brands that have made the switch tend to say so clearly, because it’s a selling point.
• Check for bluesign or OEKO-TEX certification. Both restrict PFAS in certified products.
• Be skeptical of vague terms. “Eco-friendly coating” or “sustainable waterproofing” doesn’t necessarily mean PFAS-free. Look for specific language.
• Don’t worry about performance. Modern fluorine-free DWR performs well for snowboarding. You may need to reapply a spray treatment a bit more often, but that’s a small tradeoff for keeping forever chemicals out of your body and the mountains you ride.

For a deeper dive into verifying claims, see our shopper’s checklist for PFAS-free labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my snowboard jacket has PFAS?

Most brands don’t list PFAS on the label, so it can be tricky. Look for terms like “fluorinated DWR,” “C8,” or “C6” treatments, which indicate PFAS. If the jacket is marketed as “water-repellent” but doesn’t mention being PFAS-free or fluorine-free, there’s a good chance it uses a traditional PFAS finish. You can also check the PFAS Free Life database for tested products.

Do PFAS-free snowboard jackets work as well?

Yes, fluorine-free DWR has improved dramatically in recent years. For snow and rain, PFAS-free coatings perform comparably to traditional treatments. The main difference is with oil repellency, which matters more for food-service aprons than snowboard jackets. You may want to reapply a spray-on DWR treatment mid-season to refresh beading performance.

Are expensive jackets less likely to have PFAS?

Not necessarily. PFAS presence depends on the brand’s chemical policy, not the price. Some premium brands still use fluorinated DWR, while mid-range brands like Dakine have gone PFAS-free across their line. Always check the product description rather than assuming.

*Research references: eBioMedicine / Lancet 2019

Frontiers in Environmental Chemistry 2024*