I think that devs' expectation is that by the time you reach mistlands, your jump and run skills are where they need to be. You really are jumping higher and it really costs you less stam at skill levels that are appropriate for mistlands. The biome is significantly more fun as well as easier, the more you hone those skills.

Another approach would be to get the minimum required amount of rare items needed to build new crafting stations and make the most fun non-weapon item currently in the game. It brings so much fun that mistlands now feels superior to every other biome (for me anyway). It may take a lot of time to collect what is needed and it will not help clear the mist away, but if the player perseveres, the reward is very sweet. :-)