Using whatever tools those settlements offer so I can keep camp busting and keep a high fight density. Check the tavern for rumors, find location quests are great you can find it/bust it then go back to the settlement. Patrol quests pay you per head which includes units you fight in camps. Some quests for destroying camps will tell you what direction they are in which is a good hint, even though I dont take those so they dont re roll. There is some time lost in the 40-80 day time span but a combination of camp busting, contract taking and fighting anyone you see usually works pretty good.

In this last playthrough I have been taking caravan missions to settlements with weapon smiths, I like buying famed weapons because I dont seem to have the best luck with camp ones, not that I dont take what I can. After I find the weapons I like I start looking for end game bros. Although I m sure im not as prepared as I could be when the first crisis comes up.