Abstract: Protective equipment for providing impact protection to a wearer is provided. The protective equipment has protective elements connected together by a flexible connecting means, and a padding element that overlaps the flexible connecting means. This configuration increases the level of protection against impact by providing padding in areas associated with the connecting means, while still allowing for flexibility of movement but minimizing the overall bulk of the padding of the equipment. It may be used by a variety of users, including those playing contact sports, such as hockey, football, lacrosse, and the like.

Abstract: Hockey pants having a floating pad for protecting the abdominals are provided. The pad may be connected indirectly to the hockey pants by means of one or more flexible bands which together comprise a belt connected to the lateral edges of the pad. The pad is also positionable at various heights on the front of the abdominals depending on the body type and needs of the wearer. This configuration allows for the wearer to customize the placement and fit of the abdominal pad, and also to gain protective benefits from the abdominal pad while not being constrained by obtrusive padding at the waist.