Is Your Travel Gear Safe? What Digital Nomads Must Know Before Buying

Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia or working from a café in Lisbon, reliable travel gear is a must. As digital nomads, our gear keeps us productive, comfortable, and safe while traveling the world. These items become our only companions, from backpacks and laptops to clothing and accessories. 

But there is another pressing issue. Is your gear safe? We mean safe differently. What are the products made of? What chemicals are in them? This matters for your health and the planet. Emerging studies and regulatory shifts reveal some concerning facts about common travel products that every nomad should know before their next purchase.

Essential Travel Gear Safety Concerns

When shopping for travel gear, most nomads focus on durability, functionality, and price. Physical safety features like slash-proof materials and hidden pockets are common selling points. Digital security features such as RFID-blocking pockets have also become standard in many travel bags.

However, one critical aspect often overlooked is the chemical composition of these products. Many items marketed to travelers contain potentially harmful substances that may pose long-term health risks. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) are one such concern. These engineered substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” don’t break down naturally in the environment or your body. 

However, they are water-, oil-, and stain-repellent, making them ideal for travel gear. You’ll find PFAS in many travel essentials:

• Rain jackets and water-resistant backpacks
• Stain-resistant pants and shirts
• Non-stick travel cookware
• Waterproof phone cases

According to The Guardian, many popular outdoor clothing brands continue to use PFAS in their products despite known health risks. An Ethical Consumer report found that over 4 in 5 outdoor gear manufacturing companies use PFAS in their products. Worse, almost 50% of the companies have no date for eliminating PFAS from their processes.

Health Risks of Forever Chemicals in Your Gear

The concern about these chemicals isn’t theoretical. The Conversation explains that PFAS can migrate from products to your skin, especially when you sweat. Sweating, in particular, is a common problem for travelers in new climates. The study also reveals that the skin absorbs short-chain compounds more rapidly than long-chain ones.

Regular exposure to PFAS can cause severe health complications, including liver suppression, diminished fertility, elevated cholesterol count, and an impaired immune system. In July 2024, Australian authorities detected PFAS in drinking water in the Blue Mountains region, raising alarms about widespread contamination. 

Although authorities initially claimed the tap water was safe, residents later found high PFAS levels in their blood. This sparked distrust among residents, a parliamentary inquiry, and could lead to a class action. Worse, PFAS also harms the environment. These chemicals get into the soil and water. This is happening all over the world. 

Certain industrial uses were major sources. For example, a type of firefighting foam called AFFF uses PFAS as its main element. This foam was used by airport workers, firefighters, and industrial workers. Releasing this foam caused widespread pollution, leading to countless legal cases, including the AFFF foam lawsuit. 

TruLaw reveals that as of April, nearly 8,930 cases had been filed in the suit. People affected by the foam’s chemicals are taking action and want justice for the harm these chemicals cause to their health and the environment. This shows the serious problems PFAS can cause.

Convenience and Safety of Smart Wearables

For digital nomads who rely on smartwatches and fitness trackers, there’s another concern to consider. A 2024 study found significant levels of PFAS in popular smartwatch bands. Scientists from the University of Notre Dame analyzed 22 bands from major manufacturers. 

They found detectable traces in 15 bands, much higher than in retail items and apparel. Graham Peaslee, the study’s co-author, mentions that these chemicals are used in processed rubber to eliminate sweat prints and dirt deposits over time. However, the most shocking part is that some watches contained doses as high as those found in firefighting gear.

Moreover, the study included Nike, Apple, Fitbit, and Google watches. But it doesn’t specify which ones tested positive for PFAS. Researchers further stated that while some brands mention PFAS use, others don’t. Brands that use PFAS charge as much as $50 more for bands than those that don’t.

Given that these devices are worn directly against the skin for extended periods, often while sweating, the potential for absorption is particularly concerning. While many companies were mentioned Apple watch bands stand out for their innovative design and user-centric features often incorporating materials that prioritize both durability and skin sensitivity.

And Then There’s Fast Fashion

Many digital nomads favor quick-dry, wrinkle-resistant clothing for its practicality while on the move. However, a Business Insider investigation found that prominent Chinese fast fashion companies use PFAS and other harmful chemicals in their products. 

Products from brands like Temu, AliExpress, and Shein all tested positive for these chemicals. Tests revealed that some clothing contained chemical levels that would be illegal in certain European countries. For instance, a kid’s jacket from Temu had concentrations 622 times the recommended threshold for phthalate plasticizers.

Recently, France took a bold step by outlawing PFAS in cosmetics and textiles. Yahoo News reveals the law will take effect in early 2026. The law also prohibits the production, import, export, and distribution of wellness items, apparel, and footwear containing PFAS. Furthermore, the ban also includes PFAS-based wax products. 

It also promises to test tap water for forever chemicals, amid suggestions from experts that PFAS can be found in drinking water. Moreover, the administration intends to introduce upgraded health ordinances for PFAS in drinking water by late 2026.

Safer Alternatives for the Conscious Nomad

Fortunately, options are emerging for safety-conscious travelers. Just last month, Canada initiated a 60-day consultation process to add PFAS to their toxic substance directory. Once the draft is finalized, the government can implement the regulations, eliminating PFAS from industrial use or products like firefighting foam.

But you don’t have to wait for new laws to buy travel gear. Instead, look for:

• Products labeled “PFAS-free” or “PFC-free.” Patagonia, REI, and Jack Wolfskin are leading examples, but double-check each item before buying. 
• Natural water-resistant materials like waxed cotton. Avoid items labeled with terms like “stain-resistant,” “Teflon-coated,” or “waterproof” without further clarification.
• Brands with transparent chemical policies. Smaller, ethical brands are sometimes more upfront about their material sourcing. 
• Equipment certified by environmental organizations. Look for Bluesign® or OEKO-TEX® labels, which restrict harmful substances.

People Also Ask

Q1. Which travel destinations have stricter regulations on PFAS in consumer products?

The EU, particularly Scandinavian countries and France, leads in PFAS regulation. Japan and South Korea have also implemented restrictions. When traveling to these regions, you might notice different product formulations than those in less-regulated markets. Even the US lags in PFAS regulation.

Q2. What should I do with old gear that might contain PFAS?

Don’t put it in regular trash because PFAS can contaminate landfills. Check with your local waste management to see if they have hazardous waste disposal days or textile recycling options that handle chemical concerns. Some brands are also starting take-back or recycling programs for old gear; check their website.

Q3. Besides gear, where else might I encounter PFAS in daily life?

PFAS are found in many places. You might encounter them in non-stick pots and pans, stain-resistant carpets and furniture, fast food wrappers, and even some personal care products like makeup. Drinking water can also contain PFAS, especially near industrial areas or military bases.

As digital nomads, we carefully select gear that supports our mobile lifestyle. Now it’s time to add chemical safety to our list of considerations. By choosing products free from harmful substances, you protect your health and the environment you travel through. 

Before your next gear purchase, take a few minutes to research the materials and chemicals involved. Look beyond flashy marketing. As regulations evolve, so should your buying habits. Learn to read between the lines of product descriptions, support transparent brands, and remember that the lightest gear isn’t always the safest.