Abstract: A panel covers a release mechanism of a garment and enables the mounting of pouches and equipment thereon. The panel includes a reinforcement structure, a fabric having mounting slots wound over the reinforcement structure, and a securing mechanism that secures the panel to the release mechanism of the garment. Also, a garment may include a built-in panel that covers a release mechanism and enables mounting of pouches and equipment thereon. The garment includes a main garment portion, a release mechanism extending from an open end of the garment, and the built-in panel incorporated into the main garment portion.