I've been using a Nexus Seven for the better part of a year now. Haven't taken it on a tour, but on a lot of centuries, crammed into a hydration pack or whatever. It hasn't been damaged yet. I have it in a Spek case. My only real complaint is the no forward facing camera; wtf were they thinking? I am often able to access random wifi. I also have a wifi hotspot that I use only when necessary. I also use the Nexus for reading ebooks, taking notes, etc. All in all I am happy with it, but when the time comes to replace it I will look at other models -- specifically, ones with a forward facing camera.
Newest version has the rear facing camera. My company has a mix of both, eventually all will be the newer model.
Aaron