'Loper tips after Ash Canyon

So I now have three loper saves ~Day 5 chilling at the Cabin in Ash Canyon. All have gone to the mine for technical backpack/crampons but only one of them has resources worth sticking around to use the crafting table.

Honestly early 'loper is so desperate I am having a hard time role-playing what's next like I would on stalker.

So, if you didn't have a saw for a summit run where would you head next?