Here are some items tips that will help you on the long run.

1. Kindle the flame, when you kindle the flames they increase your Estus Flask from 5 to 10, which is a lot better. After you Kindle a certain flame every time you rest there you will always receive 10 Flasks at that particular flame. So start Kindling every flame you find if you have the Humanity for it.

2. Purchase the following three ASAP. Weapon Smithbox, Armor Smithbox, and Repair box. They're a tad bit pricey 2k souls each. Purchased from Andrei the Blacksmith. These boxes allow to increase Armor and Weapons at bonfires as well as Repair equipment at Bonfires. Which proves useful when you are too far from your nearest Blacksmith.

3. Watch your Equip weight, if you hit 50% or more of your total Equip Weight you will make the all important Roll useless. It will be sluggish and slow, allowing enemies to easily track your movements, and making it harder to counter them after dodging. Mix and Match armors, try your best to stay light.