Originally posted by FissionChips:

The game can be done with no armour, though I wouldn't recommend it.

Slow heavy armour is a good option when you don't know what to expect, you can't manoeuvre or run away the same but an unexpected heavy blow is less likely to kill you - exactly what you want in order to not die from something unexpected.

Light armour is better once you know what to look for and can avoid getting hit in the first place.

In my experience, I found that I didn't need to use caution with armor until Mistlands. Eventually I got tired of dying and switched to my MaxyPad. My levels thanked me. Up till then, Troll > Root > Fenris was where it's at.