What is PFAS?

So......what is PFAS? And why does it matter if it's in your outdoor gear? 

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly called “forever chemicals,” is a group of man-made chemicals characterized by very stable carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds. PFAS has been widely used in consumer goods and industrial processes since the 1940s’ in the outdoors industry, they’re mainly used in water repellents.  The high chemical stability of PFAS means durable water-repellency, but also means it takes a long time to break down in the environment – they’ve been found widely in the food chain and water supply.  Certain PFAS in high concentrations are linked to adverse health effects (including infertility, developmental defects, and certain cancers) and are toxic for humans and animals, so this persistence is dangerous for communities and ecosystems alike.

C0 (or PFC-Free) water repellents offer an eco-friendlier alternative. PFAS can be classified by chain length of C-F bonds in the molecule, indicated by “C[#].”   The higher the “C[#]” number, the longer the C-F chain, meaning a more stable (and environmentally persistent) chemical. C0 water repellents have no C-F bonds so are not classified as PFAS; they’re more easily biodegradable and aren’t linked to the same adverse health effects.

Big Agnes started making a conscious effort to eliminate PFAS from our products in 2019 with our shift to using PFC-Free, C0 Water Repellent Down. In 2022-2023, we started to remove intentionally added PFAS from some of our products, starting with apparel. In 2023, our Air Chamber Pads became the first product we were able to certify as PFAS-free!  As we continue to innovate, we’re working towards a future where we have phased out all forever chemicals from all products in our line.

Big Agnes will contribute to this sustainable future by committing to “no intentionally added PFAS” in our products beginning in 2025. This year, we’re introducing HyperBead™, a proprietary PFC-Free fabric technology that is 6% lighter, 25% more waterproof, and two times stronger than traditionally coated fabric. With this innovation, we can offer performance while upholding our environmental responsibility.

At our core, Big Agnes is defined by People, Product, and Planet. We'll continue to lead meaningful change in the outdoors industry by providing high-quality gear, while protecting the health of the outdoors industry by providing high-quality gear, while protecting the health of the outdoor community and our environment. We're continuing to work towards eliminating "forever chemicals" from our products through chemical and material innovation. 

Shop HyperBead™ tents here.