> We absolutely should/must be able to buy an outdoor jacket that lasts decades
There is no possible way a durable water repellent (DWR) coating will last decades on a jacket, with or without PFAS. Modern outdoor apparel simply isn't designed for long term durability - it's designed for flashy marketability, because the externalities don't have to be priced in. There are a few exceptions (e.g. "true" softshells like Buffalo jackets) that have never, and will never, see mainstream adoption.
There is no possible way a durable water repellent (DWR) coating will last decades on a jacket, with or without PFAS. Modern outdoor apparel simply isn't designed for long term durability - it's designed for flashy marketability, because the externalities don't have to be priced in. There are a few exceptions (e.g. "true" softshells like Buffalo jackets) that have never, and will never, see mainstream adoption.