Reliable Rainwear

If you've lived in the Pacific Northwest, you may shudder at the sight of Gore-Tex raincoats, the region's semi-official uniform. Global warming may have given Seattle more sunny days, but there's still reason to shy away from Gore-Tex, namely, environmentally-persistent perfluorochemicals (PFCs). Although toxic perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), used to make Gore-Tex and similar water-repellant finishes, was phased out of U.S. production in 2000, the likely human carcinogen perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is still being used, pending a 10-year phaseout agreed upon last spring. Exposure to PFOA has been shown to harm the development of mice fetuses, significantly lowering the number of live births, according to a study in the April 2006 Toxicological Sciences. While author Christopher Lau, Ph. D. cautions that his results cannot yet be extrapolated to humans, he notes that "children's exposure [levels] are significant and it's a conundrum why they are. My guess is that they received exposure during pregnancy and through breast milk." Yet due to the versatility and lightness of perfluorochemical finishes, many manufacturers, from Drizabone to L.L. Bean to Eddie Bauer, still rely on them. While wearing a PFC-treated raincoat won't expose you to the chemical, buying one supports the release of PFOA into the environment—and, ultimately, into our bodies—during manufacturing. So where do you go to find environmentally healthier raingear?

For hiking, Ailin women's Austrian Alps jacket is made from water-resistant recycled polyester without surface coatings ($300; www.ailin.com, 415-508-3671). Polyurethane is a frequently used alternative to PFCs, and though it is petroleum-derived, its production does not pose a threat to the population near processing plants. Mountain Baby sells polyurethane-coated nylon infant raincoats (CD$49.95/US$45) and uncoated, child-sized, breathable rain/wind jackets. The material's weave is tight enough to prevent water from penetrating (CD$49.95/US$45; www.mountainbaby.com).

J. Barbour & Sons wax-coated jackets such as their men's Classic Beaufort jacket ($348) and women's Newmarket jacket bring traditional British know-how to keeping out the rain ($378; www.barbour.com). The sylkoil wax is petroleum-based, but it offgasses quickly when worn outdoors and can protect without reapplication for years.

Natural Rubber boots

Gill boots in 901 short ($43.95) and 902 tall ($45.95) come with removable cushioned inner soles, non-slip outer soles and reinforced heels and toes (www.foulweathergear.net). Or try HunterClassic Wellington olive boots ($130) and for children, the Young Hunter ($49; www.wellie-boots.com, 877-495-1500).