Alaska is rainy, some areas more than others. We have tried many different types of rain boots since moving here. My son’s love of splashing in puddles is ever growing. Inevitably he will always throw himself into a knee-deep puddle, and that was the extent of any protection his old rain boots provided. Our hikes and outdoor excursions usually ended with me back at the van, stripping my son down, because his shoes and pants were soaked through. This simply wasn’t a good mix as the Alaskan summer quickly turned into fall.

If this description sounds anything like your little one it’s time for the next step up from your everyday rain boot! KidOrca rain boots offer over-the-knee waders, waterproof breathable fabric, securely sealed seams, foldable gaiter, and slip-resistant soles! They come in size 4 through size 1 and are made in four different colors! In addition KidOrca is a family run business, whose goal in creating these great boots was to provide exceptional rain gear for their own adventuresome children. We have been using KidOrca rain boots for over two years now and without a doubt, they are our favorite rain boots!

The sense of adventure found in Alaskans extends to even its’ smallest inhabitants. There are many preschool and school age hiking groups that can be found in this area. We have joined other moms in hiking out to see a whale that had been found beached and was being studied by local scientists. We have hiked to glaciers and sand dunes. We have encountered moose, black bear, grizzlies, bald eagles and spawning salmon. I have learned the importance of being bear aware and carrying bear spray for our safety. Most importantly I have given my son the chance to explore and learn about the world around him. His love of sticks, rocks and mud has only grown with age. Since moving here, he has dug for slugs, found bear bread, collected pine cones, picked wild blueberries, observed the salmon run, played at the base of a waterfall, and been able to enjoy childhood wild and free, as it should be! Not many four-year-olds can boast that!

Fall in Alaska is beautiful. However, it lasts about a week before both the temperature and the leaves come plummeting down. If you plan to spend any amount of time outside, you must have proper gear. Having the puddle boots that KidORCA provides is a blessing during this time of year. I don’t have to worry about his toes becoming increasingly cold in boots that don’t truly offer water protection.

My son is not against going swimming in puddles. He has splashed in the ocean, many lakes, and a glacial stream in his KidOrca Boots. He has even climbed trees, rocks, sand dunes and playground equipment in them. Each of our different excursions has proved successful wearing these boots. When using the KidORCA boots in combination with his rain suit, I was surprised by the extended amount of protection! During a fall hike to Byron Glacier, my son was sitting for an extended amount of time in the runoff from the glacier. I was very impressed by how dry he was when we took off his gear. With his old footwear, his pants would have been soaked through with icy glacial water. Now I don’t have to worry about my child freezing on the way home, because his clothes are dry once I take off his outer gear!

Staying inside during the winter is not an option for us. I don’t want to dampen my son’s love of the outdoors and I personally can’t imagine waiting for winter to end (in May) before continuing our exploration of this amazing state! During the coming months, we will be sure to bundle up tight and keep on having adventures!

You can order these rain boots at: www.kidorca.com