I think your mistake was deleting "trash" so that now when you die you have no fallback equipment. Also food. You should learn to always keep some of your best <crap I died and gotta get my stuff back> food by your home spawn point/portal area. That way all your best food and last equipment tier is waiting there for you.

Honestly have no idea how game balance is after killing Yag post H&H update but if your main issue is getting your gear back then it must have been enough?

Don't just run back and die hundreds of times... that isn't really a good strategy.