Let’s Talk About the Poisonous Chemicals in Our Backpacking Gear

A recent video from MyLifeOutdoors is making waves by diving deep into the environmental and health impacts of PFAS in outdoor gear and clothing — specifically rain gear. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and linked to significant health risks including cancers and liver damage.

Let’s talk about what the issue is, how the outdoor industry is responding, why, as a hiker, you should care, and what you can do.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of over 15,000 man-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s. They are best known for their water- and stain-resistant properties, making them popular in hiking products like rain jackets, tents, and even the down inside your coats and quilts.

While the most notorious PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, are linked to the most serious health issues, every PFAS studied thus far has been shown to be detrimental to your health.

PFAS are used in the production of most rain gear due to the chemicals’ ability to repel water. Image via Brandon Chase.

Why Should Hikers Care?

One of the biggest concerns about PFAS is that they don’t break down easily in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Once they enter water sources, they can persist for thousands of years, accumulating in the tissue of fish, wildlife, and, ultimately, human beings.

Studies have shown that even tiny amounts of PFAS can have harmful effects, with the EPA stating that there is no acceptable level of PFAS in drinking water.

Given their persistence in the environment, PFAS pose a significant risk not just to personal health but also to the ecosystems we try to protect. Hikers wearing clothing and using gear with PFAS might contribute to the increasingly prevalent PFAS contamination, especially when we visit water sources. Traces of PFAS can be detected even in remote areas, highlighting the abundance of this chemical contamination.

The Water Sample Findings

In the video, Steven of outdoor Youtube channel MyLifeOutdoors takes water samples from various sources: his home tap, the Dillon Reservoir (the water supply for Denver, CO), the ocean, and a remote alpine headwater stream. He also builds a chamber to simulate rainfall, and after leaving a rain jacket in the chamber for 24 hours, collects a sample of the runoff. All five samples are found to contain measurable levels of PFAS.

His findings highlight the alarming prevalence of PFAS even in pristine environments. They also suggest that rain jackets do shed PFAS,  despite claims to the contrary from most companies.

“So are hikers helping to contaminate streams and other pristine water sources by taking PFAS-riddled gear into these remote locations? Probably not to the extent that makes a significant difference,” Steven says in the video. “PFAS is such a widely used chemical, and the number of  backcountry users going to any one location is so small, most of the pollution is probably coming from other sources.” Some PFAS can evaporate with water and fall with precipitation, carrying it to remote locations.

This serves as a reminder that, while our gear plays a role, it is only part of a larger problem that needs addressing. “But this is an outdoor channel, and I wanted to focus on the role the outdoor industry has played and what we can do about it,” Steven continues.

How Is the Outdoor Gear Industry Responding?

In light of the health risks associated with PFAS, the outdoor industry is increasingly focused on reducing or eliminating these chemicals from products. The video points out that regulatory changes in states like California and New York are prompting brands to comply with stricter standards, leading to innovations in PFAS-free manufacturing processes.

Companies such as Gore-Tex are committing to developing PFAS-free alternatives, aiming to provide high-performance gear without compromising safety. Consumer demand for transparency is also driving this shift, with brands like REI pledging to remove PFAS-treated items from their offerings.

However, even with this new awareness, there remains a long way to go to effectively regulate and remove PFAS from outdoor clothing.

Image via Ariella Nardizzi.

What Can You Do?

Steven suggests several actions you can take action against PFAS contamination, starting educating yourself about the issue. Watching the original video by MyLifeOutdoors is an excellent way to delve deeper into the experiments and scientific findings related to PFAS in outdoor gear. Understanding the impact of these chemicals is crucial for advocating for change.

Once you’re informed, consider reaching out to your representatives to express your concerns about PFAS regulations. Your voice matters in pushing for policies that prioritize public health and environmental safety.

Additionally, you can engage with outdoor brands by writing to them about their PFAS usage and urging them to commit to safer alternatives. Supporting organizations dedicated to PFAS awareness through donations can also make a difference. These charities work tirelessly to raise awareness, promote research, and advocate for legislative changes to protect our health and the environment.

By taking informed action, you can help pave the way for a safer and more sustainable outdoor experience for everyone.

 Featured image: Brandon Chase.