I haven't had any issue finding food or weapons or gear...I did, at first, but it seems the loot is spawning in places I hadn't seen before in such quantity...I'm referring to deer feeding stands and hunting stands (or whatever u call em) and outhouses...its gross but found all kinda food stuff in the outhouse...just try to get a bit inland fast as u are able...you'll be warmer there, as well :) I could be wrong but I think sprinting makes u warmer also...