Guns: Cold Weather CCW

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven
- Ecclesiastes 3:1

While it's rough on your electric bill, cold weather is a boon to people who tote a gun for self-defense. Holster choices expand dramatically once you can add a covering garment to your daily wardrobe. The outside-the-waistband holster above would be difficult to reliably conceal in a Florida summer (when everyone in your office is down to just their dress shirt), but it's a cinch to wear in the middle of January. Close-to-the-body carry methods like belly bands are much easier to pull off, too, since you don't have to worry about sweating.

There are some downsides to carrying in wintry conditions, of course. You'll probably have gloves on if it gets below freezing, and it's important that you choose a pair that allows you to manipulate your firearm. If you're stuck in "Fargo"-esque conditions, it can be tough to balance keeping your digits toasty and being able to draw your heater.

One consideration that might not be readily apparent is that all the bad guys will probably be wearing extra clothing, too. In the unlikely event you experience an aggressive threat to your life out in the cold, your bullets might have to chew through multiple layers to stop your assailant. Newer JHPs should be engineered to expand even after passing through clothing; you may want to switch to FMJs on your spare mag/speedloader if you can't find or afford up-to-date ammo.