A flotation-hydration system to be worn by a user, particularly in a water borne environment, includes a vest assembly dimensioned to at least partially surround the user's upper torso while donned by the user in an operative manner. The vest assembly comprises a plurality of panels securely attached to one another, and a flotation assembly comprising at least one flotation member having a buoyant material of construction disposed in one of the panels of the vest assembly. A hydration support assembly is disposed substantially within the vest assembly and includes a chamber support unit, wherein the chamber support unit is dimensioned and configured to receive a hydration chamber in a supported relation therein. A dispensing tube is routed from the hydration chamber to the front of the vest assembly, for ready access by the user, through a dispensing tube retention channel.

A wetsuit is provided which comprises (a) a first central region comprising a first material and having a first thickness; and (b) a second lateral region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The buoyancy per unit area of the first region is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the second region.

A wetsuit is provided which comprises (a) a first central region comprising a first material and having a first thickness; and (b) a second lateral region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The buoyancy per unit area of the first region is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the second region.

The invention comprises devices and methods for carrying quantities of materials preferably fluids. The device of the invention is preferably a wearable garment such as, preferably a vest or poncho, with one or more bladders or compartments adapted to hold a fluid. Preferably the garment comprises fluid connections between the bladders. The connections allow for the distributing the load over the carrier, which is preferably a person. The invention is designed to be inexpensive to manufacture, capable of easy manufacture in large numbers, and, if desired, disposable or repurposed. The device significantly enhances the ability of an individual to provide water or other fluids or materials to individuals or groups such as families. Preferably the invention allows for the transport of potable water from a supply point to the point of end use with minimal or no discomfort to the wearer. Preferably the invention supports the heating and/or cooling of the fluid or other applications, including use of building materials.

A dual-function vest for keeping the body cool and providing cool drinking water. The vest has multiple ice pockets dispersed throughout an area of the vest. The ice pockets are fluidly interconnected to each through fluid channels, wherein water can flow between the multiple ice pockets. A port can be provided in the vest to provide access to an inner volume of the vest. Water can be filled into the multiple ice pockets through the port and also water can be drawn through the port. A long tube can be connected to the port while the free end of the long tube can act as a drinking spout.

A harness for securely wearing a hydration scarf while walking, jogging, or running, and for extending the time that a beverage in the hydration scarf remains cool. The harness has straps that secure the hydration scarf to the person wearing it, even while engaged in vigorous activity. The harness also has an insulating layer and an insulating sleeve that substantially slow the transfer of body heat into the hydration scarf. Pockets can be included for holding freezer packs in direct contact with the hydration scarf to chill the beverage. The combined effect of the insulating elements that limit heat flow from the wearer's body to the beverage, and the freezer packs that pull heat out of the beverage, is to keep the beverage at a temperature which is cooler than room temperature, and therefore more refreshing and better tasting than a beverage at room temperature.

A wetsuit is provided which comprises (a) a first central region comprising a first material and having a first thickness; and (b) a second lateral region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The buoyancy per unit area of the first region is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the second region.

The invention comprises devices and methods for carrying quantities of materials preferably fluids. The device of the invention is preferably a wearable garment such as, preferably a vest or poncho, with one or more bladders or compartments adapted to hold a fluid. Preferably the garment comprises fluid connections between the bladders. The connections allow for the distributing the load over the carrier, which is preferably a person. The invention is designed to be inexpensive to manufacture, capable of easy manufacture in large numbers, and, if desired, disposable or repurposed. The device significantly enhances the ability of an individual to provide water or other fluids or materials to individuals or groups such as families. Preferably the invention allows for the transport of potable water from a supply point to the point of end use with minimal or no discomfort to the wearer. Preferably the invention supports the heating and/or cooling of the fluid or other applications, including use of building materials.

A wetsuit is provided which comprises (a) a first central region comprising a first material and having a first thickness; and (b) a second lateral region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The buoyancy per unit area of the first region is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the second region.