TQ/bag for a scout

My 10 year old Webelo son and I both enjoy camping very much and we are both enthusiastic about transitioning from car camping to backpacking. We have both read a lot on the topic and decided that we want Sierra Snivelers. He's saved up $50 doing chores to pay for part of his $250 TQ.

I'm ready to purchase them for both of us but I have hesitated because I'm wondering if a JRB TQ is too delicate a piece of gear for a scout. He's very intelligent and responsible but boys screw around and I'd hate for him to have to be too careful with such a nice piece of kit. I'm wondering if maybe I should buy him a Kelty Cosmic 20 instead and tell him to spend his saved money elsewhere.

Any thoughts on whether a JRB TQ is too much for a scout?

I am starting mine with this. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=69242 Not too expensive and later we can upgrade.

My third son in now entering Boy Scouts. The first two have both aged out. We have used synthetic bags due to the number of camp outs we have in the rain. The olders favorite bags were the polar fleece summer bags which they used year round. They liked to keep it very simple.

I suggest talking to the local troops to see what is best for your area. Hold off on big investments till you have a better idea of where he plans to go with his camping thing. As it is my oldest now ( eagle scout) really has no desire for camping. The other one (1st class) now goes w/ me on these hammock hangs.

I have no experience with the JRB product but I am quite experienced with a now 15 year old scout. The question you need to ask is how will you and he deal with the eventual damage. With 8 years of scouting ahead of him your son's equipment is destined to collect a few battle scars. Tears can be mended, lost down replaced...

I recommend treating the both of you to the topquilts you really want.

Good Luck

Thanks for the responses.

I'd hold off on the purchase but we are both tired of being cold in our $30 bags from target that are enormous. Also we have an epic trip up the Northern California coast planned for this summer.

That Walmart bag is tempting.

OCDave has a good point. He can restuff lost down and learn to sew a patch or two.

I'll sleep on it for a day or two and then decide.

You got a 10 year old to save money?!?!

Sounds like he deserves something decent...that walmart bag does sound okay for the price...wish the Canadian walmart carried them.

yeah he is very responsible.

I have a Kelty Cosmic Down 20 and I love it. For the price its a great bag that should stand up toa bit of abuse.

Somehow I managed to not be aware of Enlightened Equipments ProdigyX despite all my research. This feels like a good option: a little bit less expensive and more tolerant of moisture while only being a little bit heavier and not much larger. I think I'll go that way for him and maybe for myself, too.