Hints and tips. In no particular order:
"Get stuck in." You don't have to know how to do (whatever) perfectly. Good enough is, under almost all situations, quite good enough thank you. Doing is the only way to learn, and don't be afraid of learning things the hard way - much as anything else it does help you remember. Pull on some old boots and a coat, stuff an argos sleeping bag and a tent in a bag and get out and enjoy. It's the only way to find out what works for you and what doesn't, because everyone is different.
"Leave no trace." Leave it as you found it (or better), because it shows you care.
"Don't sweat the little things." Every single time you go out something will go wrong. You will forget your bug spray, or the bulb in your only torch will blow or the zip will bust in your coat or...you get the idea. Relax, enjoy and don't take every little setback to heart or you won't have any fun.
An a dozen more ideas that the good folks here will throw your way I am sure. As for usefull tricks/gizmos/whatsits I find the following things usefull:
Fill a thermos full of boiling water at the start of the day. It's good for making a cuppa, washing stuff, or whatever for the rest of the day.
Buy one of the tiny led torches and hang it round your neck. Keep it there. When you need a torch for a little job - finding the tent zip, making sure you havn't just stood on something expensive etc it is handy. This comes into it's own in the middle of the night when all the rest of your stuff is inside your boots/otherwise packed up for the night, but your torch is still around your neck.
Invest in 'fire in a box'. The little charcoal stick fired handwarmers. They do a rather good job of taking the evil edge off the cold & wet if you ask me.
