Ever since Sept. 11, 2001, I have been carrying a whistle in my purse for emergency. I remember hearing about someone being trapped under the WTC rubbles and using her cell phone. Emergency never got to her as her cell phone signals kept diminishing - her battery had probably died.

I take the subway every day to go to work (yes, we have a subway here in L.A.) and since, we have earthquakes, I thought what better idea than to have this small gizmo to use in case of emergency - as long as I can breathe, I can use a whistle. Something to think about in our chaotic world today...

This little darling could really get one out of a jam. It's got a compass, a light and it's a noise maker if you need to be found in a hurry. (via Nathan of Ubertramp)

We all need a torch (for those power outages and even during stays in hostel dorms, for instance), and we all will find a compass useful at some point during our travels (for hiking or even successfully getting our bearings in a new city) – and to have them together in one, small item is a real boon. If this wasn’t enough, for it to also combine a whistle is a superb idea. Although most suited to outdoor adventure, this inexpensive, lightweight 3 in 1 gadget is a great little package. Highly recommended.