>> Then I put it back on,
  >> squelchy wet and freezing
  >> cold

  > He put it back, wet and cold...

I'm trying to work out why you're quoting this. It was wet and cold. Are you suggesting he should not have put it back on? In those conditions, not wearing a survival suit is tantamount to suicide. Are you suggesting he dry it out first? Well (a) it would take too long, and (b), how?

So what are you saying? Have I missed something?

Which would have immediately warmed back up with his body heat and acted as an insulator.