cutting tools & navigation aids
I'm bringing a DIY saw made from an 8" reciprocating saw pruning blade. At 2.29 oz., it's a bit less than half the weight of my Mora knife. Those two tools should take care of wood for cookstove and campfire. If it were colder, I'd swap the little saw for a folding buck saw. That's the sensible part of my gear. Then there's the irrational component. I just got a 16 jewel altimeter. It's a step up from my Peet Bros. Model 80 that I've used for years. The new one weighs 3 oz.; the old weighs 1.5 oz. Which will I bring? Both. Which do I need for this hike? Neither. (I will also have map and compass + GPS. My reasoning is that I'm learning how to use these tools, and if I don't practice, I won't have the skills I need when I need them.) There's always a trade-off like this. HYOH.