Just knowing these boots are made to meet U.S. Government specs you will feel confident your feet will be warm! Perfect for hunting, snowmobiling, ice fishing.

It was during the Korean War (1950-1953), that the U.S. Military first encountered the debilitating effects of extreme cold on the modern battlefield.The saw many U.S. Troops stuck in defensive positions, often in very cold climates, without access to appropriate cold weather gear. Frostbite casualties were rampant.

Army cartoon of the period, from USAMHIAfter much research and development, a new class of boot was issued to troops for dealing with extreme cold. By 1962, 2 different varieties of Extreme Cold Weather Boot were finally issued: the Type 1 and the Type 2. They would go on to remain in service, mostly unchanged, up through the 1990’s and even today.This same design sees use in places as far distant as the. The Science Behind the SystemMost boots are breathable, in that they allow moisture from your feet to naturally wick out into the environment. These boots do not. Instead, thick layers of wool insulation are completely isolated from the outside environment using separate layers of rubber. This completely prevents heat loss from convection with the outside world.It also greatly minimizes heat loss through conduction.

The insulation is sealed in a, much like modern home insulation. Moisture conducts heat faster than air, up to 25X faster in fact. This dead space ensures not a single drop of moisture transfers into that wool layer, from either your foot or the environment, to diminish its effectiveness.The heat loss that still exists is through radiation, the slowest form of heat transfer, and the one that astronauts still have to deal with when operating in a vacuum. Versus conventional boots, this extreme cold vapor barrier blocks almost all thermal transfer between your feet and the outside environment.The Mickey BootThe Mickey Boot, or officially the “Type 1” Boot, is designed for “cold, wet climates” in temperatures down to -20ºF. And due to the sealed interior of the boots this is a hard -20º, regardless of windchill. The dead space inside the Boot is filled with 2 layers of wool, and a layer of felt protects against heat loss through the floor.The Bunny BootImmediately identifiable by the white exterior instead of the Mickey Boot’s black exterior.

Bunny Boots are designated as “Type 2” boots and intended for “extreme cold, dry climates”. This refers to low-precipitation environments such as taiga, tundra and the cold desert climates of the Arctic and Antarctic.Bunny Boots have 3 layers of wool, along with 2 layers of felt to protect feet from heat loss through the floor. They are meant for use in temperatures down to -60ºF, again regardless of windchill effects.

Uses of Vapor Barrier BootsBoth types of boots excel in extreme cold weather. Perfect environments include stationary use in deer stands and out in uninsulated ice houses.

They can also be used for cold weather chores (such as snow clearing) as well as movement between positions in isolated environments.They are must-haves for preparing for any potential survival situation in the extreme cold.Because these boots do not breathe, moisture will naturally build up inside, especially during high activity.However, the comfort level even when totally saturated with moisture is still remarkably good. Since the moisture remains at body temperature, the felt dampness is much less noticeable. And if necessary the moisture level can be alleviated simply by changing into a new pair of thick wool socks, since the Boots themselves are completely watertight. Protecting BootsVery little maintenance is involved in keeping rubber Vapor Barrier Boots operational. Exposure to corrosive environments will, over time, deteriorate the rubber as well as prolonged exposure to sun or long-term disuse. Punctures to the rubber will also severely impact the thermal capabilities.The air valve present on most pairs of boots allows air exchange between the dead space inside and the outer environment. This is to reduce pressure build up when changing elevations, particularly during air transit.

However, the air valve should not be left open as this allows moisture infiltration into the dead space within the boot, potentially destroying the thermal capabilities.For dependable foot survival against frostbite in the most extreme conditions, these Vapor Barrier Boots provide a tried-and-true answer. Both Mickey (Type 1) and Bunny (Type 2) versions are regularly found here at the Guide, in both new and used versions.Good luck and enjoy the cold! Further Reading(with photos of Mickey Boots in action).

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( January 2009) Bunny boots or Mickey Mouse boots (depending on the version) are the most common nicknames for the Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier (Types I and II) used by the. Pet shop story android 1 download. These large, bulbous waterproof rubber boots are worn only in (-20°F to -60°F), with the liner-free interior retaining warmth by sandwiching up to one inch of wool and felt insulation between two vacuum-tight layers of rubber; this vacuum layer insulates the wearer's feet similar to a. These boots were originally developed at the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Center in, for use during the Korean War. Bata Mickey Mouse boots Type II The white 'Bunny boot' is an improved version of the Type I 'Mickey Mouse boot', designed for use in even more extreme cold weather, and is rated all the way down to −65 °F (−53.8 °C).

Given the sufferings of the soldiers fighting in the in Korea (inducing many cases of, even with Type I boots), the Type II was created to encompass the 'worst case scenario' need to field soldiers in the coldest conditions in which any military force could reasonably attempt to conduct operations (including Alaska, Siberia and both Arctic poles). For comparison, the average winter temperature at the in is roughly -56°F. The boot is slightly bigger and heavier (8 oz. (0.22 kg) more per boot) than the black Type I because of the extra insulation. White Bata bunny bootsBoth Mickey Mouse boots and bunny boots have an air valve on each of the boots.

These air valves must be opened prior to flying, to ensure that the air pressure differential between the walls of the boot and the outside air does not cause the boots to rupture. A common theory on the origins of the name of bunny boots is that they make wearer's feet look disproportionately large, like Bugs Bunny's. The extreme cold weather boot is actually nicknamed after the, commonly found near Ft. Greely, Alaska.

During the fall the rabbits' fur changes color from brown to white, allowing it to blend in with its winter surroundings. As winter gets closer, more and more rabbits appear with their new white 'boots'. These boots are manufactured by several companies including Bata, Acton and Air Boss.Both Mickey Mouse boots and bunny boots have rubber wedges on the front of the toe and the back of the heel.

These wedges lock into military-standard ski and snowshoe bindings.