The Best PFAS-Free, PFC-Free Rain Gear For Kids
Send your kids out in the rain with peace of mind that they won’t get soaked and won’t be exposed to harmful PFAS/PFC chemicals from their outdoor gear. We’ve found the best non-toxic, PFAS-free, PFC-free rain jackets, rain pants, rain boots and umbrellas for kids of all ages!
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No matter what the weather, Kids require outside play time. Whether you live in a region with lots of rain or intermittent storms, kids need proper rain gear. We’ve lived in two very different climate extremes- Vancouver, Canada and Tucson, Arizona, and in both places, we got rained on. We experienced intermittent monsoon rain in Arizona and all-winter-long rain in Vancouver.
The tricky part is getting the best waterproof clothing without compromising on materials that contain harmful, toxic chemicals. PFAS chemicals are often used in waterproof and water resistant rain gear to make the water bead up and roll off the fabric. The problem is that PFAS chemicals are harmful to both the environment and to human health.
Luckily there are treatments and fabrics that keep kids dry from rain without utilizing harmful chemicals like PFAS. Read on to find the safest options for non-toxic, PFAS-free kids rain gear.
Two Safer Options For Water Resistant Material
- PU coating
- PFC-free DWR
What Is PU Coating?
Polyurethane applied to the surface of a fabric is known as PU coating. Polyurethane fabric doesn’t use plasticizers or solvents and doesn’t produce harmful toxins.
What Is PFC-Free DWR?
DWR stands for “Durable Water Repellant”, and this membrane makes fabric impermeable to water while also having the added benefit of keeping it breathable as well as repelling stains and oil.
Traditional DWR materials contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). However, PFC-free DWR is now available and offered by some outdoor clothing retailers. PFC-Free DWR does not contain per-fluorinated chemicals. In outdoor industry lingo, PFC is the same group of fluorinated chemicals as PFAS.
WHY SHOULD I LOOK FOR PFAS/PFC-FREE FABRIC?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are bad for both the environment and for human health. PFAS chemicals don’t easily break down, and they can persist in your body and in the environment for decades.
What Are The Health Risks Of PFAS Exposure?
Kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis and other health problems. Further research has associated PFAS with more health risks, including increased risk of asthma, immune system disfunction, decreased vaccine response in children, changes in liver enzymes, increased risk of high blood pressure and pre-ecalmpsia in pregnant women, small decreases in infant birth weight and weight gain in adults.
What Is In PFC-Free DWR Coating?
PFC-FREE DWR is completely fluorocarbon free. These innovative coatings are made from materials like silicone, nylon, polyethylene, wax and plant-based technologies. As an example, the Nau clothing company uses bio-based and hydrocarbon polymer-based chemistries as an alternative to PFC-based DWR coatings.
How Do I Care For PFC-Free DWR?
PFC-free DWR material is not oil or dirt repellent. You may need to wash it more frequently than PFC-based material, and it may lose some of the waterproof capabilities, which requires reproofing the fabric with a product like Fjallraven PFC-Free DWR Impregnation Waterproof Spray or Nikwax TX Direct Waterproof Spray.
Outdoor play time for kids is so important to their overall health and wellness, no matter the weather. Send them out in the rain with peace of mind that they won’t get soaked and won’t be exposed to harmful PFAS/PFC chemicals from their outdoor gear. I’ve rounded up the best rain jackets, rain pants, rain boots and umbrellas that repel water but don’t contain PFAS/PFC chemicals. Look below for non-toxic PFC-free rain gear for kids of all ages.
Hatley
Hatley is a Canadian company with a full children’s clothing line that was founded on the principle of high-quality clothing with thoughtful design. The Hatley Rainwear collection is perfect for toddlers and kids. The rain jackets and pants are made with 100% polyester with a 100% polyurethane (PU) coating. They are PFC-free and PVC-free. The rain boots are 100% rubber with a textile lining. The umbrella is 100% polyester with a wooden handle 23” long, 28” opening).
SHOP: Hatley Girls Splash Jacket, Hatley Boys Splash Jacket, Hatley Kids Splash Pants, Hatley Rain Boots, Hatley Umbrella
Polarn O. Pyret & Helly Hansen
Polarn O. Pyret is a Swedish brand that makes high quality childrenswear that can withstand rough and tumble play and can still be passed down. The Polarn O. Pyret Kids Rain Gear collection has an extensive rain outerwear collection for kids of all ages, including babies and older kids. Polarn O. Pyret uses BIONIC-FINISH® ECO, a PFAS-free technology that mimics natural water repellency seen in nature. They also carry GOTS-certified garments. Read more here.
Shop: Polarn O. Pyret Kids Rain Gear, Polarn O. Pyret Kids Rain Boots, Polarn O. Pyret Kids Rain Jacket
Over 70% of Helly Hansen sports apparel is PFAS-free DWR and they aim to have a 100% PFAS-free inline collection by 2023. Lifa Infinity Pro- Using our LIFA® fibers, a Helly Hansen technology that is lightweight and hydrophobic, the fully waterproof/breathable membrane and durable water repellent performance are achieved without the use of chemicals. Read more here.
Shop: Helly Hansen Kids Active Stripe Jacket, Helly Hansen Toddler Active Rain Jacket
Burton & The North Face
Over 75% of Burton’s water-resistant products use a PFC-free composition called C0. Their goal is to remove fluorocarbon-based DWR from all products by 2025. The kids rain jackets are made with 100% recycled polyester plain weave fabric and coated with PFC-free DWR.
Shop: Burton Veridry Kids Rain Jacket , Burton Kids Veridry Rain Pants, Burton Toddler Veridry Rain Suit
The North Face had a goal of 100% non-fluorinated DWR used on apparel by 2020, although this has not been completely met yet. The North Face kids rain gear features a waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed DryVent™ 2L shell with a non-PFC DWR finish to help keep them dry. Body and lining made with recycled polyester.
Shop: The North Face Girls Antora Rain Jacket, The North Face Boys Antora Rain Jacket, The North Face Toddler Warm Storm Rain Jacket
Namuk & Celavi
Namuk is the first Swiss outdoor childrenswear label. They produce durable, well thought-out and child-friendly outdoor clothes that are both sensible and fun. Namuk Kids Rain Gear is made with a 100% polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish.
SHOP: Namuk Toddler Dan Rain Pant, Namuk Kids Dan Twine Rain Pant, Namuk Kids Chip Rain Twine Jacket, Namuk Toddler Chip Rain Jacket, Namuk Kids Chip Rain Jacket
CeLaVi is a Danish brand that makes rain jacket and pant sets that are made of polyurethane and polyester. The rain suits are PVC-Free, PFC-free, and free from flame retardants, AZO dyes and nickel.
Kidorable
If your kids gravitate toward bright, fun designs, Kidorable rain gear is made just for them! The rain coats are made with a lightweight, comfy nylon lining and premium quality polyurethane (PU). The rain boots are natural rubber with a cotton lining.
Stonz, Oaki & Aigle
Stonz is a Canadian company with a vision to connect kids to the outdoors. If you have a little one that loves puddle splashing, this baby and toddler rain suit is made with 100% nylon ripstop and coated with PU coating. Vegan & Non-Toxic Materials.
SHOP: Stonz Baby & Toddler Rainsuit
Oaki rain gear is made with a polyester outer with a polyurethane (PU) coating. The liner is polyester.
SHOP: Oaki Kids Rain Jacket
Aigle is a French company that makes high-quality natural rubber boots. The Majority of the upper boot is natural rubber. The lining is 65% polyester and 35% cotton. The insole is polyester. The outsole is rubber.
SHOP: Aigle Kids Rain Boot, Aigle Toddler Rain Boots, Aigle Kids Star Rain Boots
Jack Wolfskin
All Jack Wolfskin clothing items, packs and bags are completely 100% PFC-free as from spring/summer 2019, including Jack Wolfskin Kids Rain Gear. Jack Wolfskin utilizes Texapore PFC-free DWR fabric or 100% polyester.
Itsy Bitsy Wear
Itsy Bitsy Wear carries cute patterned raincoats that are made with polyurethane (PU) fabric. The Umbrellas have an AC waterproof coating and the rain boots are rubber with SBS coating (Styrenic Block Copolymers).
SHOP: Itsy Bitsy Wear Western Themed Rain Gear, Itsy Bitsy Shark Themed Rain Gear
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