The New Rules of Apparel: PFAS, What’s Changed, & What It Means for You

The New Rules of Apparel: PFAS, What’s Changed, & What It Means for You

Author: BLISTER June 13, 2025 Duration: 43:13

In this panel conversation from Blister Summit 2025, we discuss why all of your outdoor apparel recently changed — and how that will impact your own experiences.

Specifically, we’re talking about the ban on PFAS chemicals; why they’d been so extensively used in outdoor apparel (and far beyond); the real-world performance differences between them and new PFAS-free alternatives; and what you need to know to make the most of your own apparel.

To cover all of this, we brought together an excellent panel of industry professionals, including Eric Wallis (Patagonia), Dan Abrams (Flylow), Tom Mason (Ortovox), and Ross Herr (Rab).

RELATED LINKS:

Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+

TOPICS & TIMES:

What Are PFAS? (3:31)

Why the Move Away from PFAS (8:09)

New vs. Old DWR & Waterproof Membranes (10:15)

New Discoveries (18:56)

Exciting Trends (25:35)

Audience Questions:

Down vs Synthetic (28:55)

Caring For PFAS-Free Layers (32:23)

3rd-Party Water Repellants (35:53)

Non-Porous Membranes (40:05)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
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