Using tactics is key--at least in 1.5.3--to taking hideouts in early/middle game with minimal or even no losses. It seems the Devs meant these missions as exercises in issuing timely squad tactical commands:
1) F1-F2, Z (crouch), equip bow/crossbow (don't know if javelins would work, as I never use them)
2) sneak close to closest bandit group (preferably uphill to them), and try for headshot.
3) Immediately press F4; then F1-F3--allowing missile and melee party members to pitch in, and wipe rest of pocket.
4) After tangoes are toast, immediately F1-F2 to corral party; then repeat on remaining pockets.
Early game, with low weapons skills, lousy armor...is still rough. But it's still doable.
The only changes I'd like to see from the Devs in this is addition of:
a) "Surprise hit damage" buff--like in Fallout, to up the odds of a 1-hit kill on first shot; or at least maximize non-fatal dmg.
b) Slight enhancement sneak % so I can get a little closer to optimize that first shot before alerting bandits.