upgraded wolf armor would be ideally BIS till padded armor, iv been playing with iron armor testing it into the plains you just have to be on guard and ready to flee if its gets outta control, try to dodge fuling attacks if possibly and get that attack in before they swing back, have that portal/Bed near by in case you get slaughtered.

the best looking gear mix set imo is padded helm, iron chest, padded legs, no cape, it just looks badass gladiator style savageness

Make a Black metal shield asap then Porcupine then Padded armor helm first cause it looks the best hehe, have Bone Mass forsaken talent its an amazing "oh crap" button

oh and if your running and here a deathsquito coming you can jump to avoid its hit that will give you a second to equip a shield then block and smash it