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?