Paladin and Warrior damage mitigation is exactly the same. Paladins do not have more defense than Warriors. A shield does not add defense, only adds the possibility to block. Instead of blocking Warriors were given the ability to self heal which can be viewed as a form of damage mitigation just like blocking. Bloodbath has a 33% up time, Inner Beast, and Storm's Path both heal. Warriors also have the ability to use certain Pugilist abilities, if you haven't already done so level PUG to 8 and get Feather Foot and Second Wind. Feather Foot is 15% evasion and a dodge is 100% damage mitigation. Second Wind fits nicely with the WAR kit. A great "Oh Sh*t!" combo is Convalescence + Thrill of Battle + Second Wind + Potion.

As mentioned above VIT is very important. There is crafted jewellery/braclet that add to VIT and Parry which are both great tank stats.