Low level character can craft fiber armor and stone tools out in the wild, but have to craft and place blacksmiths and armorer benches to craft more complex tools and armor.
There a plenty of places you can go to be in a shelter without building anything. But i do see your point.
But i also see a point at level 5 you can start crafting these in a bench (and not be 850% over encumbered) when trying to craft, and the bench is very easy to manufacture.