I do one of two things.

1. Run straight for Blue Moon Tower and with a set of...5 or 6 Skelton Keys i hit up the cave near Blue Moon for late base game gear st the very start.

2. Head straight to Bitterblack Isle as soon as I get my pawn and loot the numerous chests and Rift Crystal farming spots before I even pass the first Void Gate.

Either way I'm unstoppable by level 15.