IWB vs OWB for HOT weather carry?

[Dollar An Hour]

It's hot where I live much of the year and I've got a P32 for pocket carry but want to carry something with more power on the belt.

I'll be wearing shorts and an oversize tucked-out T-shirt or camp shirt/hawaiian shirt (you get the idea).

I think OWB on a high-riding belt slide would hide just fine and should be cooler than IWB. Also seems IWB would be harder on the holster sweating all over it. Leather would soak and Kydex IWB is just hot since it doesn't breathe.

Anybody have alot of hot-weather carry experience that can comment on IWB versus OWB carry?

Guns in question aren't too big - S&W 442 or a Glock 19 or 26.

Input appreciated!

 

[Valkman]

I carry a 1911 IWB here in Vegas, but I must admit I never do stay out in the heat that long. I can't really see where a IWB would be hotter than a OWB, and I carry the same gun the same way year-round.

 

[AndyC]

Something like the SmartCarry, perhaps?

 

[browningguy]

I carry a High Power IWB most of the time, love the summer wearing t shirts because it's even easier to conceal.

 

[aguyindallas]

I carry a Glock 26 in a few different holsters, depending on dress.

If I want to tuck, I use a Comp-Tac CTAC
If I want to ankle carry, I use a Galco Ankle Glove
If I want to OWB on the belt, I use a Don Hume JIT Slide.

For what you are talking about, I think the 26 or even the 19 in a JIT Slide will do great for you. Its a universal holster for that frame size Glock. It is nice and high riding and to me, my favorite way to carry a G26

 

[TOADMAN]

For me, I CC two ways - pocket carry a S&W 642/442 or OWB in a Jit Belt Slide for G26...Wear comfortable baggy shorts/pants and shirts a little bigger than normal worn outside the pants...No worries.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I've found IWB to be unbearably uncomfortable after about 6-8 hours with a 1911, sooner with a Sig 229 because its slide is thicker. After 12 hours, its intolerable.

That is my opinion. Some may find it doesn't bother them, but I imagine anyone who has a gun on anytime he has pants on might agree. I guess you can stick a 2x4 down your pants and learn to tolerate it. But its uncomfortable, and after six months of it day after day, you might find yourself looking for an alternative, too.

My experience with hot weather has been if I used an IWB, after 5-6 hours I sweat through it. And it stays wet as one night isn't enough to dry it out, so I'm constantly sticking my slide into a sweaty, salty piece of leather.

If you must have an IWB, get the Heritage from Milt Sparks. Or, the HR-LTD (New Products page). Either one has a waterproof barrier inserted between two layers of leather to keep the moisture from sweating through and soaking the holster. It is worth the extra cost. But it now, or buy it later, but eventually you'll buy it. If you only carry for 2-3 hours at a time, then maybe you won't need it.


I find I have no problem walking about with an OWB Commander, Hi-Power, or full size 1911. But my manner of dress differs from yours. Rusty Sherrick offers the best design of a high riding OWB I've seen, and I've been fortunate to have seen a few . . . the Gochenour Extreme High Ride. My next choice would be a Sparks 60TK.

 

[BigEllis51]

Houston area [is that hot enough?] and no problem with the OWBs - after you get past the whole untucked, baggy shirt routine, of course. FWIW, I become aware of my IWBs much sooner - 3-4 hours - but generally can handle the OWB all day.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Make mine an outie, please.

 

[Old Dog]

I've carried a Glock 23 or a full-size 1911 both IWB and OWB during the hot summer months in the Tucson area (gets a little warm there). For IWB in hot weather, I favored a Kramer IWB #3 in horsehide (a bit thick, but very durable). No problems with sweat with this holster ever (all of my Kramers seem pretty much impervious to sweat -- and I do sweat a lot in the summer). For IWB in cooler weather, the Milt Sparks VM-2 is the way to go ...

But, OWB is the way to go. Simply far more comfortable. I carry a full-size or Commander size 1911 in a Kramer Belt Scabbard, sometimes a Galco Concealable, regularly in the summer under a camp shirt, baggy t-shirt or short-sleeved shirt and light vest. Never a problem with concealment.

 

[BullfrogKen]

BigEllis51: after you get past the whole untucked, baggy shirt routine, of course.

I would suggest you have other options to present a better, well-dressed appearance . . .

 

[carnaby]

I like to wear a t-shirt underneath, and an untucked short sleeve button up shirt over top with the IWB. Pretty comfortable, not as comfortable as just the t-shirt and no gun, but what are you going to do

 

[Autolycus]

I would suggest the Versa Max II as well.

Those holsters BullfrogKen suggested look nice.

Any experience with those BullfrogKen? The High ride you suggest looks to fit the bill I was looking for.

 

[TexasRifleman]

I would suggest you have other options to present a better, well-dressed appearance . . .

I agree, but IWB in Houston in July just isn't something many people can do and a) survive it and b) hide under any reasonable clothing.

It's for this reason that I, on occasion, use the dreaded off body carry.

I hate it, it worries me, but there are just times you can't get a holster hidden and I'd rather have something with me than nothing.

You have to ratchet up your paranoia level to a point where you hang onto whatever the gun is in like a madman so you minimize the chance of leaving the thing behind. I bought one of those luggage separation beeper things. One device goes into the gun case, one goes on my belt like a beeper. If I walk too far away from the gun the beeper goes off. Just in case.

It's not for everyone but I use it when the situation forces it.

 

[azrael]

For hot weather I use pocket carry...Works like a charm no matter the heat

OWB vs.IWB??? hmm prolly gonna have to buy both and try them out for a while...I would suggest wearing a thin t-shirt for the hollster to ride against plus a cover garment..

 

[pistolwhipped]

As much of a fan as I am of the VMII, I have given up IWB carry in Florida.
I find it as easy to conceal OWB as IWB. I wear the same clothing. And my britches fit better.

 

[BullfrogKen]

dup

 

[BullfrogKen]

dup

 

[BullfrogKen]

Tecumseh said: Any experience with those BullfrogKen? The High ride you suggest looks to fit the bill I was looking for.

You are referring to Rusty's piece? The Gochenour. Yes. I have some experience with it. It is a very good design, possibly the best.

I live 1/2 hour from Rusty and have visited him at the shop several times. I've known him for about 6 years now. He does great work, but he's very backlogged.

I've known the man who asked Rusty to develop this holster and whose name it bears for roughly the same time period, maybe a little longer. We discussed at length the design prototyping he went through to develop this piece.

TexasSIGman said: I agree, but IWB in Houston in July just isn't something many people can do and a) survive it and b) hide under any reasonable clothing.

Did you mean OWB? PA is hot in July, just like Houston. I've been to several hot climates. 95 degrees and 90% humidity is the same no matter what state or country its in. Define reasonable clothing.


I think you will find you'll be served best if you acquire an OWB first, and have more versatility with it, than if you get an IWB initially.

 

[Henry Bowman]

I live 1/2 hour from Rusty and have visited him at the shop several times. I've known him for about 6 years now. He does great work, but he's very backlogged.

Re: backlog - I'm waiting on a dress belt from Rusty. Going on 6 months now. Last month it was in the "I'll make your belt next week" stage. Not complainting, just saying... If you see him, tell him I expect it will be worth the wait.

 

[HighVelocity]

With a good belt and properly designed holster I think most folks can get away with OWB carry in the summer.
I mostly carry IWB though when it's real hot. Shorts, t-shirt and my Glock 29 in a CTAC works out perfectly.

 

[Ezekiel]

I've got the standard "could drop 20 lbs" spare tire, and I just cannot imagine IWB being the least bit comfy on a hot day.

Unfortunately, I cannot imagine OWB being nearly as well concealed. If you know what to look ofr, and where, someone without their head hiding in their posterior will see you print. (Regardless of the "Look, I'm carrying!" scruffy appearance of baggy shirt or photog vest.)

I go pocket carry, but that is just me.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Ezekiel said: If you know what to look for, and where, someone without their head hiding in their posterior will see you print. (Regardless of the "Look, I'm carrying!" scruffy appearance of baggy shirt or photog vest.)

Who are you calling scruffy? I think I look rather nice.


And . . . no one besides the two of us in a room of typical individuals would even suspect I was carrying, let alone see me "print". I can count less than two weeks in a year when I haven't walked about armed amongst my daily travels. My profession brings me into contact with dozens, maybe even 100 folks, repeatedly, in 40+ hour work weeks.

You guys all get WAY too nervous over this printing issue.

 

[Lennyjoe]

IWB a 1911 all year long. Get a leather holster that has the body guard and wear a wife beater undershirt for sweat/skin seperation.

I just buy 1 size bigger shirt and 36" shorts instead of the standard 34" for IWB comfort.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Pocket

I'm pretty happy with my Kramer horsehide pocket holster for my J-Frame, or at the very least, my Kel-Tec P32 in DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I just don't feel like pocket carry all the time.

I plan to try a horsehide belt slide from Kramer or High Noon. The word is that horsehide is much more resistant to soaking with perspiration.

This will be my first summer packing. I need to figure out what works for me. I appreciate the ideas in the thread very much gentlemen.