Originally Posted by
Machka
Expanding on your third question, I also ask whether the item has just one purpose and if so, can it be replaced with something which has multiple purposes.
That is sort of what I was trying to say.
I will add that I sometimes find that single purpose items work out better than multifunction ones so it is a good idea to consider the merits of both choices. I find it best to ask:
- Does the multifunction item actually weigh less than the single purpose items it replaces
- Does the multifunction item actually do the functions all as well or at least well enough
- Are all of the functions actually necessary, if not is the item lighter than the single purpose items that it replaces that are actually necessary
- Are any problems created by the multifunction item? For example do you need it for two different purposes at the same time or will the item be wet or dirty from one use when it is needed for another
Multifunction items can be great choices, you just can't assume that will always be the case.