I tell myself be prepared for the worst.... whether that is the terrain/weather/finding elk etc. I've done both packing in for days and camps. Just keep trying and having fun is what its all about. If you don't kill an elk enjoy the moment you got to spend on the mountain.
I picked up my kids some generic brand from amazon, they drop them, scratch them and have lost them at home. I wouldn't pick up anything that's worth some money till they are "ready" to use them.