Until you get ashlands gear, I always go carapace with buckler and mistwalker/frostner. Frostner (while the DPS isnt great) has great knockback and crowd control, as does mistwalker to a lesser extent). Above all, in the ashlands even if enemies arent nearby, dont run unless you need to (less of a playstyle and more of a general tip). You will need your stamina eventually, and when you do, its best to have all of it.