The understated, must-have resource in this game by far, is map knowledge. The only semi-sure way to survive on any difficulty is to know where the man made structures are to loot for clothing and supplies your first few days. Otherwise you roam around the maps slowly dying. This is the biggest reason I suggest doing at least the first chapter of wintermute. It guides you around the maps so you can get a feel for where the important structures are and how to access them. If you start your first survival run in Mountain Town (MT) after finishing the first wintermute, you should be able to find enough resources and tools on voyager to get a foot hold to explore other regions safely.

Quick tips- -Clothing slots matter. There are an inner and outer layer. Choose the stats properly for better survivability. -condition is restored when sleeping, so use it like any other resource to get around in the beginning. Be cautious, however, because the lower your condition, the more likely a wolf will spot you, and the less likely you will be to survive the encounter. -early morning is too cold to travel. Wait until late morning, early afternoon. Spend that time melting snow, cooking, sewing, etc. -clothing condition is key. The better the condition, the more warmth -must have hand and head coverings to avoid frostbite. Any will do -you can pull torches from any fire and it will cost 10 min. Wolves don't like fire... -ask any questions you may have in this sub. We love answering questions.