As temperatures rise carrying a gun becomes just that much more uncomfortable. It can press against your skin, rub you the wrong way and become a gathering point for sweat. None of that sounds very fun. Take all these things together and you might end up deciding it’s too hot to carry. Let’s not make that mistake ¾ criminals strike in the heat as well.
So, what can you do about the heat? Not much on the meteorological front, but on the gun side, you can do a lot. First off, you might want to switch to a summer rig. I know, you trained, “Same gun, same place, every time.” But that does not mean you can’t come up with a warm weather rig, train up on it and carry it through the summer. Maybe you can switch to a small pistol for summertime carry.
Look for a holster or method of carry that fits your fashion and lifestyle. Look for a holster with decent backing. The area that touches your skin will be of the most concern. Some companies go with suede, others with space-age polymers. Find one you like and let it work for you. Another option would be to wear a t-shirt under your cover shirt. Yes it adds a layer, but will not make you all that much hotter and if you place the shirt between your skin and the holster the comfort level jumps way up. Maybe you could go with a pocket holster and a small auto pistol like a .380 or 9mm.
Fanny packs are out there, but people who see them often think “gun.” That goes for good guys and bad guys alike. Some people complain that such packs are not fashion forward, but consider this: Will the person who ribbed you about your fanny pack be ribbing you after you produce a pistol and save the day? I don’t think so. If it works for you, fashion be damned, carry a fanny pack.
Summertime carry might take a little experimentation, but it is worth it if you have your gun when you need it. Carrying a gun is not only a big responsibility, but is also hard work. In the summertime it can be hard, hot, uncomfortable work, but don’t let that deter you.
So, what can you do about the heat? Not much on the meteorological front, but on the gun side, you can do a lot. First off, you might want to switch to a summer rig. I know, you trained, “Same gun, same place, every time.” But that does not mean you can’t come up with a warm weather rig, train up on it and carry it through the summer. Maybe you can switch to a small pistol for summertime carry.
Look for a holster or method of carry that fits your fashion and lifestyle. Look for a holster with decent backing. The area that touches your skin will be of the most concern. Some companies go with suede, others with space-age polymers. Find one you like and let it work for you. Another option would be to wear a t-shirt under your cover shirt. Yes it adds a layer, but will not make you all that much hotter and if you place the shirt between your skin and the holster the comfort level jumps way up. Maybe you could go with a pocket holster and a small auto pistol like a .380 or 9mm.
Fanny packs are out there, but people who see them often think “gun.” That goes for good guys and bad guys alike. Some people complain that such packs are not fashion forward, but consider this: Will the person who ribbed you about your fanny pack be ribbing you after you produce a pistol and save the day? I don’t think so. If it works for you, fashion be damned, carry a fanny pack.
Summertime carry might take a little experimentation, but it is worth it if you have your gun when you need it. Carrying a gun is not only a big responsibility, but is also hard work. In the summertime it can be hard, hot, uncomfortable work, but don’t let that deter you.
