The bunny boots are still standard issue for U.S. soldiers stationed in cold weather environments. I used them a bunch during the three winters that I was stationed at Fort Wainwright. They work exceptionally well, but you must plan for moisture control since they do not breathe at all. Changing socks is probably the best method but I also used a small wash cloth to wipe the insides of the boots out at midday and also before going to bed. I only experienced one case of frost bite in my battalion in three years and it could have been avoided by changing socks more often (the soldier tried to tough it out)- we dried our socks out by hanging them inside our gortex parkas. We also tried to limit the perspiration by maintaining a steady pace during our movements. The faster you move, the harder you work, the more sweat you produce...
The difference in the black and white boots (according to the NADIC lab specs) are the temperature ratings. The black ones are supposedly good down to -10 F or so and the whites are for temps down to -60 F (person dependant though).Also the valve on the side of the boot is for airborne operations - to let the vapor barrier expand and contract as the aircraft's elevation changes. Some folks blow or fill the vapor barrier with air and then seal the valve. This may seem like a good idea, but the air or breathe contains moisture that will freeze which will only hurt the insulative qualities of the boot. We were instructed to just close the valve and leave it alone (no inflation).
John P.
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