PFAS in my camping gear β where should I start? PFAS chemicals are being banned in Europe and Australia. But what does this mean for camping gear, and what should you do?
1. Where is PFAS?
β’Almost always in the water-repellent finishing step (not in weaving, not in dyeing). β’ Applied after dyeing, but before coating/lamination. β’It makes water run off instead of soaking in, keeping fabrics lighter and cleaner.
2. PFAS-free alternatives
Remark: PFAS-free alternatives are less durable β lower water repellency and shorter lifespan.
π We strongly recommend making a tent sample with PFAS-free fabric before switching your full product line. Especially for 3-season / 4-season technical tents or highly waterproof products, testing is critical. Donβt rush just because regulations are changing β better to validate performance first than to create bigger problems later.
3. Testing cost
β’ Each fabric & each color must be tested separately (β2,600β2,800 RMB per fabric/color).
Remark:
Be careful with test reports provided by factories. If you are not in direct contact with the lab, there is a high chance that the reports you receive are not PFAS-free. β’ They are often based on generic lab samples applied to all clients. β’ Or simply copied / modified documents.
In reality, only the buyer who pays the lab directly can be 100% sure the results reflect the actual production fabric.
4. Donβt ask too late
β’ If you already placed an order, asking now for PFAS-free reports is useless. The fabric was treated with the standard process (with PFAS).
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For new orders, inform your supplier in advance. The supplier will prepare a lab dip in your color, treat it PFAS-free, test it, and only then move to bulk production.
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Key takeaway:
PFAS = almost always in the water-repellent finish. Going PFAS-free = plan ahead, expect higher costs, test carefully, and control results directly with the lab.
