The boots were definitely waterproof once, they are just old and cracking a bit, so I slather this wet proof stuff on them, it's sort of like a wax... But it is time for new boots...these lasted a good many years.

As far as hand warmers, I never had any problems with one I bought, they heat up and stay warm for me no problem.

One last thing I forgot in original post was that the vast majority of the kids and parents were totally and correctly prepared and the bad weather didn't deter them from 9 hours + of outdoor fun. Just a few shivering folks...the rest were all set for the day.