Hiking Boot and Outdoor Gear Waterproofing (PFAS DWR) — safety profile
Low riskDurable water repellent (DWR) coatings on hiking boots, rain jackets, and outdoor gear historically using PFAS-based fluoropolymers (C8, C6).
What is this product?
Durable water repellent (DWR) coatings on hiking boots, rain jackets, and outdoor gear historically using PFAS-based fluoropolymers (C8, C6). PFAS DWR provides excellent water/oil/stain resistance but PFAS are persistent environmental pollutants. Gore-Tex ePE membrane (2023) is PFAS-free. Nikwax, Grangers, and other aftermarket DWR treatments offer PFAS-free alternatives. Wax-based waterproofing (Barbour, Otter Wax) is the oldest and most environmentally benign approach.
What's in it
Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.
Dwr Coating
Red flags — when to walk away
- Exposure in enclosed or poorly ventilated transport environment — Chemical concentrations increase in confined spaces.
Green flags — what to look for
- EPA-registered, UL-certified, or industry safety standard compliance — Product/system meets applicable safety requirements.
Safer alternatives
- Gore-Tex ePE membrane — PFAS-free, launched 2023
- Nikwax products — PFAS-free since 1977
- Wax-based waterproofing — Otter Wax, Fjallraven Greenland Wax
Frequently asked questions
Are there safer alternatives to Hiking Boot and Outdoor Gear Waterproofing (PFAS DWR)?
Yes — consider: Gore-Tex ePE membrane; Nikwax products; Wax-based waterproofing. See the Safer alternatives section above for details.
Look up Hiking Boot and Outdoor Gear Waterproofing (PFAS DWR) in the body app
Search by ingredient, browse by category, or compare to alternatives in the live app.
Open in body View raw API dataReference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific information. Why we built ALETHEIA →