Originally posted by GunsForBucks:

Thanks for all the information from everyone!

Sounds like frost effect is still active in caves. Sounds like I will probably just get a full wolf set before I even bother with the caves.

Unless there is some upgrade tied to going in there I don't see a need right away.
Do they have a higher chance for onion seeds by chance?

A few min will get you enough red yarn to make a +1 comfort item.
a great deal of time will get you a light armor and some fist weapons, neither of which seems to be worth the trouble from a META standpoint but the fist weapons are pretty cool from a fun standpoint. There is also a bit of free fine wood, iron, coal, and other junk. You can rack up on any of this depending on RNG. But the more stuff, the more nasty fights.... its best saved for end of mountain IMHO (full wolf, good weapon, etc). Going in with less is doable, but if you get whacked by 5 or 6 fire breathing dog goons, don't say you were not warned.