Netrw workflow

Netrw can be used to great effect with no configuration. To navigate directories mid-editing, use the below workflow from the Netrw help docs (see :help netrw-i).

Bonus tip: In Netrw filetree view, use gn to change root directory to the current selection.

vim .
(use i until a tree display shows)
navigate to a file
v  (edit as desired in vertically split window)
ctrl-w h  (to return to the netrw listing)
P (edit newly selected file in the previous window)
ctrl-w h  (to return to the netrw listing)
P (edit newly selected file in the previous window)
...etc...