I usually put pickaxe in quick slot, getting it out real quick to make a notch in a side of a mountain to help climb it really helps. also less opening and closing inventory when you're inevitably attacked by stuff when mining. I usually set my quick slots as :
1. Utility like harpoon or cultivator (no idea why I just do this for 1, i just do) or potion when doing high risk
2. main melee weapon, i usually prefer knives or clubs.
3.shield
4. axe
5. bow.
6. hammer
7. pickaxe
8. Hoe or potion

I find it important to pack everything used to base build and gather resources, so you can always setup something small on the fly easily. Going anywhere without your axe is a mistake and just lengthens you woodcutting with a level 1 stone axe when you need to wood in the field.