So you’re thinking about getting into hiking, but you don’t know where to begin. In this video I break it down into eight beginner tips, but the main point is this: a lot of “essential gear” advice online overcomplicates hiking and makes it sound way more expensive than it needs to be. I’m always hiking on a budget (not because I’m new to it—just because I’m poor really), and I’ve still seen incredible views and had gear do me proud. I cover the basics that actually matter: a decent daypack (I use a 24L Lowe Alpine I grabbed second-hand on eBay), looking after your feet with either boots or hiking shoes depending on the terrain, bringing enough water, and packing for all weathers—because in Britain, and especially up on Dartmoor, it can flip from sunny to fog to chucking it down with no warning. I also talk navigation (map and compass over relying on phone apps), and simple fuel like sandwiches, crisps, oat bars, trail mix—don’t overthink it. There’s a bonus Dartmoor-specific tip about lime green boggy ground, and I finish with the bigger takeaway: you’re probably already ready. Humans are literally built for walking long distances—so use the guide, then most importantly, just get out and do it.