Moving forward, recall, that each PC has only one Level of Exhaustion but as Hit Points halved, not at Level 1 which is ability checks at disadvantage. Remember that Exhaustion Effects are thus: 

Level	Effect
1	Disadvantage on Ability Checks
2	Speed halved
3	Disadvantage on Attack rolls and saving throws
4	Hit point maximum halved
5	Speed reduced to 0
6	Death

I am just instituting this variant without the detriment of the other components to allow skills to shine since currently no one has gear.