Top Cold-Weather Concealed Carry Gear for Winter 2024

Winter brings new challenges for concealed carriers. While cold weather gear make it easier to keep your firearm discreet, it also creates issues with access and mobility. So, how do you stay prepared and comfortable without sacrificing quick access? This guide breaks down the top cold-weather concealed carry gear essentials for Winter 2024, ensuring you and your gun are warm, ready, and safe in the chill.

Why Winter Demands Special Cold-Weather Concealed Carry Gear ️

Cold weather gear isn’t just about staying warm. For effective winter carry, your gear should meet three essential criteria:

1. Quick Access: Extra layers make it tougher to reach your firearm quickly. Winter carry gear should help you bypass bulky clothing and keep your draw smooth and fast when it counts.
2. Comfort and Mobility: Heavy layers can restrict movement. Choose flexible, insulated gear that keeps you mobile and comfortable. This means avoiding any accessory  that feels restrictive or awkward.
3. Warmth Without Bulk: Finally, stay warm without compromising accessibility. Opt for gear that provides insulation without the unwelcome bulk, so you can carry confidently without layers getting in the way.

Cold-Weather Concealed Carry Essentials for Winter 2024: Stay Warm, Stay Ready ❄️

As temperatures drop, the approach to concealed carry changes—winter demands specialized gear that works with extra layers, cold hands, and slick surfaces. For anyone carrying in cold weather, the trick is to stay comfortable, secure, and ready at all times. From jackets and holsters to gloves and boots, choosing the right cold-weather concealed carry gear can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the essentials to keep you covered, warm, and prepared during this winter season.

1. Best Holsters for Cold-Weather Carry

The right holster is the foundation of winter carry. It should keep your firearm secure, comfortable, and accessible even when you’re wearing extra layers. Let’s look at some top options:

OWB (Outside the Waistband) Holsters

Winter jackets allow for easier concealment, making OWB holsters an excellent choice. They provide comfort, especially with full-size handguns. Meanwhile, their placement is ideal for quick access. Look for models with a sweat guard to keep moisture out, like those from Alien Gear and CrossBreed.

IWB (Inside the Waistband) Holsters with Moisture Resistance

If you prefer IWB, seek out Kydex options. Kydex keeps moisture away and prevents snow or sweat from affecting your firearm. This style pairs well with a loose-fitting jacket to reduce printing.

Chest Holsters for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Perfect for extended outdoor time, chest holsters keep your firearm accessible and safe from snow and wind. They are ideal for hunters or adventurers, as they are stable, comfortable, and secure, even in the thickest jackets. Check out more winter carry holster tips from Shooting Illustrated.

2. Winter Concealed Carry Jackets : Keep Warm, Stay Covered

A concealed carry-friendly jacket should be comfortable, stylish, and provide easy access to your firearm. Here’s what to look for in a good cold-weather concealed carry jacket:

Concealed Carry Jackets

Some jackets, like those from 5.11 Tactical and Vertx, are made specifically for concealed carriers. They feature hidden pockets and quick-access zippers that provide warmth and help keep your firearm close, safe, and accessible.

Outerwear with Layering Flexibility

Not all jackets are built for concealed carry, but many outdoor options work well. For instance, you can layer with durable outerwear such as a Carhartt or North Face jacket for protection and mobility. 

Always test your setup at home to ensure smooth access before venturing out.

3. Choosing the Right Winter Gloves

Keeping your hands warm without compromising grip or dexterity is key for effective and safe firearm handling in cold weather. Here are glove styles that work well with winter carry:

• Tactical Gloves with Trigger Finger Access: Tactical gloves with thin fabric or cutouts on the index finger are ideal for concealed carriers. These designs allow quick access to the trigger even as it keeps your hands warm.
• Lightweight, Insulated Gloves: Additionally, look for gloves with insulation that doesn’t add bulk. Options like Thinsulate-lined gloves are perfect for firearm handling in cold weather,provide warmth, and maintain flexibility.

4. Cold-Weather Carry Clothing Tips: Avoid Over-Bundling

Winter can mean heavy scarves, sweaters, and layers that complicate access. However, there are practical ways to stay warm without unnecessary bulk:

Layer with Easy-Access Mid-Layers

Start with thermal layers, then add a fleece jacket or hoodie. In this way, you can opt for lighter, flexible layers rather than bulky clothing to keep your movements unrestricted and avoid potential printing.

Trigger-Friendly Gloves

Always test your gloves with your firearm to ensure you can access and handle it comfortably. Some gloves may require a brief adjustment period.

5. Winter Boots for Stability and Comfort ‍♂️

Solid footing is essential, especially in icy or snowy conditions. So, look for boots that offer stability, insulation, and good traction. Winter-ready boots like those from Danner or Merrell provide stability and warmth while helping you maintain your footing in all conditions. Furthermore, look for insulation and rugged soles for added traction on icy surfaces. For more on winter boot options, visit REI’s Winter Boots Guide.

Practical Tips for Cold-Weather Concealed Carry

The cold weather presents unique challenges to concealed carry, but with a few adjustments, you can stay on the alert and be comfortable as well. Beyond the right gear, these tips will help streamline your carry setup and ensure easy access when needed.

Beyond wearing the right gear, here are a few tips to make your winter concealed carry easier:

Practice Drawing with Full Winter Layers

Before heading out, it’s essential to test your complete winter layer setup. This practice helps you get comfortable with your drawing and ensures you’re prepared for real-world situations even when wearing bulky clothing.

Avoid Printing by Adjusting Layers

While extra layers can assist with concealment, they can also cause your firearm to print if not adjusted properly. Experiment with different holster positions and layering methods to find what works best for a discreet, smooth carry.

Carry an Extra Magazine

Cold temperatures can reduce magazine performance, particularly when you’re wearing gloves. Keeping an extra magazine in a warm pocket provides quick access and ensures you’re fully equipped should the need arise.

Discover more practical carry tips at NRA Shooting Sports USA.

Be Prepared, Stay Warm, and Stay Safe ️

Winter doesn’t have to complicate your concealed carry routine. With the right cold-weather gear and a bit of practice, you can keep your firearm accessible and stay comfortable all season long. Remember, winter is the perfect time to optimize your setup—so don’t be caught unprepared when the temperature drops.

Check out our Everyday Carry Guide for more tips on refining your everyday carry setup. Have you found a favorite winter carry setup? Let us know in the comments!