I thought I had enough health to get out of the gas. Didn't want to get burnt by the flies either before I was near water. I think had I drank from the pouch I would have died to burning and an additional tile of gas anyways.
Not too far off from being able to use all that gear too. I find it's generally worth it to just use the higher tier armor if you're within a few strength points with pots/upgrades, even with the penalty , especially on the first few floors.