Most of us have climbed an ugly, steep learning curve.
I bought a cheap whistle at Walmart when I started backpacking three years ago – a clueless, random buy during my initial gear acquisition. It has a compass and thermometer on it and a magnifier lens. As I started the lightening up process, it was tossed aside with the heavy pack, etc.
Looking back, this was the only piece of gear that was light and multi-functional that I bought during the beginning. It weighs about 1/2 oz. I think it used to have a key chain.
I just found it when I was thinking about taking a thermometer on an upcoming hike and recalled that I might still have it somewhere.
It's funny that I've been expending quite an effort to replace and lighten up all my gear, but was using both a whistle and a compass and no thermometer. All I had to do was think and see.
