My personal experience with CamelBak® Disclaimer* has been nothing but a joy, I've owned the light weight bladder only style and just recently got a Motherlode.

A good canteen is great, Nalgene® bottles are great, it really depends on how he likes to carry his water and how he plans to get more water.

It really depends a lot on what you plan on doing with your son.







(*not affiliated with, I've got no stake other than owning and using for 8+ years)