Greg,
Im not surprised as Ive not met anyone outside of Mountaineering and Skiing folks that know about or use them. You can keep boots dry for days to weeks using them and just changing the inner wet sock or dry it out in your sleeping bag at night in a cold camp. The same principle works for double boots with a removable liner, or well fitting pacs with removable liners. The socks are Nylon and coated, can be found in mountaineering / ski / outdoor stores, I haven't looked for them for a long time as Ive had several types and pairs and they dont wear out easily either. Try REI online and others. Or see Northern Lights Trading Co - online or call them in Bozeman, MT.
In a pinch, I have used Kitchen garbage bags over a light sock and then the heavy sock over that. Another benefit to the VBS is far less friction and rarely any blisters from boots. Much Like Double boots that the friction is between the liner boot and shell, not on the foot / skin. Ive used a few great double light weight plastic mountaineering boots for years, I have Koflach and Scarpa's and they last for YEARS. And I use bread sacks and the garbage sacks for Boy Scout outings in the winter like our annual Snow Cave trip on the Idaho / MT divide. Just try to keep all your boys dry in the digging operation is a chore, but they can change clothes. few boys can afford 2 pairs of good winter boots, But the "VBS" bread bags over the inner sock saves the day for all of them at this yearly event. We go no matter the weather, snowshoe in 3 + miles, pulling gear on sleds and then getting digging in a cave to sleep in. The boys really realize the benefits of VBS socks - the first time they use them and then dont!!!!
Gaiters come in many styles and functions, Soft quiet ones for some situations are very helpful, but in snow, high to just below the knee will keep you drier and warmer, They even come in Gore Tex now Im fairly sure. Gaiter are fairly easy to find, dont worry about camo for winter as much, although white and very light grey are out there in some places. Gaiters cam be added to almost any boot type also. Some even have a rubber rand that fits all the way around the boot welt providing a very water resistant seal for very wet conditions and creek crossings.
I personally have looked a Kenetreks and I'll never buy a pair, The mountaineering boots in plastic and leather, double and single and the Hoffman Pacs will do more and in better performance all around in many more conditions and extremes. I Think there is too much Hype in many hunting boots and advertising myself.
