It's a popular perception that carrying a concealed firearm in the winter is easier than in the summer, since most people are wearing multiple layers that act as conveniently thick cover garments for even full-size handguns. But despite the added concealment clothing, carrying in cold weather comes with its own challenges. Luckily, there are a few helpful accessories that can ensure you're ready when a threat emerges.
1. Jackets can be problematic when it comes to accessing your concealed firearm. Solutions for this vary, of course, and each one comes with its own challenges. The Tactical Jacket Alpha from Arrowhead Tactical offers the simple option of a zip-open panel so you can reach right through your pocket to access your gun. The generous ambidextrous openings are situated ideally for those who carry in the appendix position, but still usable for most other carry positions. Plus, this waterproof jacket has two internal pockets for extra magazines (one per side), a removable hood, zip-open armpit vents and adjustable cuffs. Despite all these features, it doesn’t scream “tacticool,” so you can also maintain your gray-man status. MSRP: $249.99; arrowheadtacticalapparel.com
2. When it comes to cold, there is probably no higher consideration than keeping your feet warm and dry. Lacrosse Cold Snap II waterproof boots will definitely meet that need, with both 1200G (1,200 grams per square meter) Thinsulate insulation and a fleece lining. A cold-resistant Permafrost outsole ensures excellent traction, so you can be sure you can stand your ground in any weather. MSRP: $230; lacrossefootwear.com
3. Hands are another tricky consideration when carrying in cooler temperatures—they need to stay warm enough that you retain full movement, but you also can’t wear bulky gloves that impede your drawstroke or trigger pull. The Mirka Gloves from Stone Glacier offer a fair compromise for keeping out the cold and allowing full flexibility. The material is a breathable, abrasion-resistant nylon/spandex that is reinforced in all the right places with goat leather or synthetic suede, but the knuckle areas are left free to move. These handsome gloves are also touchscreen-compatible and have an adjustable wrist closure, plus they have a nicely sized pull-on loop. MSRP: $75; stoneglacier.com
4. Many people like to carry a larger firearm in cooler weather since concealment is easier, but a heavier gun needs to be paired with a serious gun belt. The Kore Essentials Black Leather Gun Belt 1.5” looks like a standard dress belt, but it is engineered to hold up to 4 pounds of gun and holster, thanks to a reinforced core, while its ratchet system lets you adjust sizing in quarter-inch increments. A variety of buckles offer different looks, but all work with the ratchet system—offering superior stability over most belts’ one-post-in-a-buckle arrangement. MSRP: $59.95; koreessentials.com
5. Winter brings with it the option of heavier cover garments, and that opens up the possibility of outside-the-waistband carry for many practitioners. The Safariland Gravity holster is a lightweight option with an open-top design and low-cut sides to allow for an easy draw, with adjustable cant and tension. The paddle design lets you use this holster with or without a belt, so even should a surprise sends you out in your sweatpants, you’ll still be prepared. MSRP: $67; safariland.com
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