A high-quality raincoat is a wardrobe staple for anyone who spends time outdoors or simply needs reliable protection from the elements. Tucked in your daypack, a waterproof jacket lets you extend a hike even when the forecast turns wet. Worn on a city break, it keeps you dry while you explore museums and cafés. And for daily commuters, a dependable raincoat makes rainy mornings far less stressful.
However, not all rainwear is created equal. For decades, manufacturers treated fabrics with per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) to repel water, oil, and dirt. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and are associated with health risks. The good news is many outdoor and apparel brands now offer PFAS-free waterproof options that perform well without those “forever chemicals.” Below is an updated guide to brands and products that avoid intentionally adding PFAS to their rain jackets and coats.
This guide includes:
- The Best Brands for PFAS/PFC-Free Rain Jackets & Rain Coats
- Didrikson’s
- Fjällräven
- Houdini
- Icebreaker
- Jack Wolfskin
- Lundhags
- Nau
- Páramo
- Picture
- Tretorn
- Vaude
- Companies to Watch
- Waterproofing Products
This guide includes product suggestions. Some links may be affiliate links and could provide compensation at no extra cost to you. Recommendations reflect current product offerings and manufacturer claims.
The Best Brands for PFAS/PFC-Free Rain Jackets & Rain Coats
Below is a concise overview of reputable brands that offer PFAS-free waterproofing solutions, followed by more detail on each company and their rainwear lines.
| Brand | Raincoat Styles | Price | Kids’ Raincoats? | PFAS-Free Waterproofing Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Didrikson’s | Casual everyday, active/sport, city professional | $$ | Yes: toddlers and youths | Galon, an in-house polyurethane (PU) technology (PFAS not intentionally added) |
| Fjällräven | Casual everyday, active/sport, technical/high performance | $$$$ | No | Eco-Shell, an in-house PU-based, PFAS-free technology |
| Icebreaker | Casual everyday, active sport | $$$$ | No | Organic, water-based durable water repellent (DWR) |
| Jack Wolfskin | Casual everyday, active sport | $$–$$$ | Yes: infants, toddlers, and youths | Texapore, an in-house PU-based technology (PFAS not intentionally added) |
| Houdini | Casual everyday, active sport, technical | $$$ | Limited options | Organic, water-based PFAS-free DWR |
| Lundhags | Casual everyday, active sport, technical | $$$ | No | LWP waterproofing, an in-house PFAS-free system |
| Nau | Casual everyday | $$$ | No | PFAS-free DWR |
| Páramo | Casual everyday, active sport, technical | $$$$ | No | Nikwax fabric finish, PFAS-free and supply-chain tested |
| Picture | Casual everyday, active sport | $–$$ | No | Ecolite, a PFC-free Teflon finish |
| Tretorn | Casual everyday | $–$$ | No | PFAS-free DWR |
| Vaude | Casual everyday, active sport, winter/year-round | $$–$$$ | Yes: youths | Eco-Finish (PFAS-free DWR) and Ceplex membrane |
Didrikson’s
Founded in 1913 to make durable workwear for fishermen, Didrikson’s combines Scandinavian style with practical performance. The brand uses its Galon PU-based technology to produce waterproof garments without intentionally adding PFAS. Their range includes casual and city-ready coats as well as sporty shells suitable for everyday use.
Our take: Choose Didrikson’s for stylish, practical rainwear that transitions well from office to outdoors.
Fjällräven
Fjällräven was an early mover in eliminating PFAS from outdoor apparel. The company developed Eco-Shell, a PU-based, PFAS-free solution that provides durable, breathable waterproofing. Fjällräven focuses on functional, long-lasting designs in earthy colors that blend with outdoor environments.
Our take: A strong option if you want trail-capable rainwear that also works in urban settings.
Houdini
Houdini, a female-founded Swedish brand, has been PFAS-free since 2018. Their minimalist, technical outerwear uses high-performance fabrics and an organic, water-based DWR that avoids toxic chemicals while delivering reliable water repellency for active pursuits.
Our take: Ideal for outdoor athletes and anyone who wants lightweight, versatile, high-performance rainwear without PFAS.
Icebreaker
Originating in New Zealand, Icebreaker built its reputation on natural-fiber, moisture-managing apparel. Since 2022 the brand reports its products are PFAS-free. Icebreaker’s shell jackets use a PFAS-free DWR suitable for light rain, while their core strength remains in natural-fiber baselayers and midlayers.
Our take: Great for natural-fiber garments and light-weather protection; not designed for prolonged heavy downpours.
Jack Wolfskin
Jack Wolfskin, a German brand, transitioned to PFAS-free production and offers a wide selection of practical raincoats. Their Texapore system provides waterproofing, breathability, and wind protection without intentionally-added PFAS, and the company emphasizes strict environmental standards for youth clothing.
Our take: A dependable choice for families, especially when shopping for kids’ rainwear.
Lundhags
Lundhags began as a shoemaker and now produces durable outdoor apparel with a focus on comfort and longevity. Their Lundhags Waterproof (LWP) shells use multiple PFAS-free fabric layers for lightweight protection appropriate for a variety of conditions.
Our take: Consider Lundhags for lightweight, well-designed European rainwear built to last.
Nau
Nau mixes sustainable design with modern aesthetics. Their raincoats use PFAS-free DWR treatments and some models include taped seams for improved waterproofing. The brand donates a portion of proceeds to environmental causes and emphasizes responsible manufacturing.
Our take: A good match for urban minimalists who want sustainable, gender-neutral designs.
Páramo
Páramo’s Nikwax-applied waterproof systems are PFAS-free and are known for ethical manufacturing and strong performance in cold, wet conditions. The company emphasizes testing to avoid fluorinated contamination along the supply chain.
Our take: Choose Páramo for technical jackets with proven wet-weather performance and a strong ethics focus.
Picture
Founded in France, Picture focuses on affordability, sustainability, and contemporary design. The brand has been PFAS-free since 2017 and frequently uses recycled, bio-sourced, or organic materials. Their Ecolite finish is a PFC-free option used for water repellency.
Our take: A solid budget-friendly option for everyday raincoats with modern styling.
Tretorn
Tretorn blends classic Scandinavian design with practical performance. Their Eco Essentials initiative emphasizes sustainability, and many raincoats use PFAS-free DWRs while remaining affordable and functional for everyday use.
Our take: Consider Tretorn for roomy, well-priced everyday raincoats that layer over thick base layers.
Vaude
Vaude is a family-owned German brand recognized for sustainability and fair production. The company phased out PFAS and now applies Eco-Finish, a PFAS-free DWR, alongside its Ceplex membrane technology for waterproofing and breathability.
Our take: A top pick for eco-conscious buyers who want high-quality performance and strong social and environmental standards.
Companies to Watch
Some brands are actively reducing PFAS but have not fully eliminated them from all product lines. If you consider purchasing from these companies, check product labels and ask the manufacturer about the waterproofing treatment used.
- Cotopaxi
- Frank & Oak (limited PFAS-free rainwear)
- Hatley
- Helly Hansen
- Mammut
- Mountain Hardwear
- Ortovox
- Polarn O. Pyret
- Patagonia
- Rains
Waterproofing Products
PFAS-free DWRs can wear down with use. To restore water repellency without introducing PFAS, use reputable PFAS-free spray-on or wash-in products. Options include treatments from established outdoor and textile-care brands that specifically advertise PFAS-free formulas. Regular maintenance—cleaning according to care instructions and reapplying a PFAS-free DWR when needed—extends the life and performance of your jacket.
- Fjällräven
- Nikwax
- Grangers
- DetraPel
Choosing PFAS-free rainwear reduces your exposure to persistent chemicals and helps limit environmental contamination. Many brands now balance performance and sustainability, offering durable, breathable, and water-repellent options without intentionally adding PFAS. When shopping, review product descriptions and ask brands about their waterproofing methods to confirm current PFAS-free claims.