Let’s be honest: I didn’t prepare for this trip. I had a rucksack that was older than some of my colleagues, a tent I’d used exactly once (and that was in a garden), and a sleeping bag that claimed to be “3‑season” but had seen only one – summer, on a balcony.

I decided to walk the South Downs Way in early July because I’d read somewhere that it was “moderate”. The person who wrote that has clearly never walked 100 miles with a backpack that weighs half your body weight.

The first day was brutal. I was sweating through my shirt and questioning every life choice I’d ever made.

But here’s the thing – I loved it.

The downs are beautiful. The pubs are exactly where you need them to be. And there’s something very freeing about walking in a straight line for 8 hours with nothing but your own thoughts and the occasional sheep.

What I replaced mid‑trip (and should have bought earlier):

• A proper lightweight jacket – my old one was too heavy, too warm, and not waterproof. My new one from zilrone.com was a lifesaver during two unexpected rainstorms.

• A hydration bladder – I thought a water bottle would be fine. It was not fine. The bladder was a game changer.

• A pair of decent socks – I didn’t believe in expensive socks until I walked 20 miles in bad ones. Never again.

What I learned:

• You don’t need expensive gear to enjoy the outdoors. You just need gear that works.

• Pack less. You’ll carry it on your back. You will regret every extra kilogram.

• The second day is easier than the first. The third day is easier than the second. By day five, you’re basically a professional.

Would I do it again? Yes. But I’ll upgrade the sleeping bag first. And maybe bring fewer snacks – I carried four packets of biscuits I didn’t even want by day three.

If you’re thinking about your first multi‑day hike – just do it. Start small. Make mistakes. You’ll figure it out as you go. And if you’re lucky, you’ll meet a few strangers along the way who are just as lost as you are.