Flexible equipment garment

Abstract

An undergarment for use by outdoor athletes, mountain guides, and wilderness first responders. The flexible equipment garment is worn as a base layer or close to the body and is made of a comfortable elastic material which conforms to the body. A primary feature is a large pocket located over the sternum of the user which is optionally, further divided into compartments for carrying equipment frequently used during outdoor activities, such as a GPS receiver, smartphone, radio transceiver, avalanche transceiver, small food items, water bottle, pocket knife, etc. The location and design of the pocket allows for easy access to its contents even while the user is moving.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A garment comprising,
 a primary layer having a front and a back;   a secondary layer having a top and a bottom edge and configured to extend at least across the front of the primary layer and dimensioned to cover a sternum of a wearer;   at least two elastic portions having first and second ends the first ends being attached at the top edge of the secondary layer and extending across the back of the primary layer, the second ends attaching to the secondary layer; and   a plurality of pockets in the secondary layer dimensioned to retain items during exertion of the wearer of the garment.   
     
     
         2 . The garment according to  claim 1 , wherein the primary layer and the secondary layer are comprised of materials which are elastic, breathable, wicking, and/or quick drying. 
     
     
         3 . The garment according to  claim 2 , wherein the materials is comprised of a blend of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and elastane. 
     
     
         4 . The garment according to  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of pockets have internal loops for attaching tethers to the items stored within the pockets. 
     
     
         5 . The garment according to  claim 1 , further comprising elastic webbing integrated into the garment to support one or more loaded pockets and to minimize shifting and bouncing of the load from the items stored within the pockets while the wearer is walking or running. 
     
     
         6 . The garment according to  claim 1 , wherein when the undergarment is worn while wearing a backpack, the design of the undergarment and the plurality of pockets minimizes interference with the backpack shoulder straps, hip belt, and the like.