There actually are some low-level armor kits from LW, but they only increase armor rating.. At low levels, that tends to be more important since even casters end up going toe-to-toe with mobs while soloing and have far fewer options in their toolboxes to survive.
Heavy Knothide Armor Kit
Knothide Armor Kit
Rugged Armor Kit
Thick Armor Kit
Heavy Armor Kit
Medium Armor Kit
Light Armor Kit
All of the above can be applied by a higher level toon to any BoE gear that matches the ilvl on the kit, then given to a lower level toon.
If you have never run into of of them, it is probably a lack of either leatherworkers on your server, or your interest in finding the options.