Use your best weapon ... your mind.
- nighttime? Wraiths and ** critters spawn. Daytime is much, much safer.
- Can't see in the fog/rain/blizzard/etc? Go grow some turnips or something. Bad time to meander through a dangerous place.
- A clear, sunshiney day with your best gear, food, shield, etc all ready to go? Now is the time. Go get your stuff, carefully. If you see something, shoot it full of fire arrows and backpedal until its dead. If you don't see anything, proceed carefully.

As you recover stuff, haul it back to your portal and chest safe spot nearby. Don't risk losing it again, just get it back home and then go get more.