Carrying a firearm while riding a motorcycle can be a complex issue, with no clear-cut answer. Whether you're cruising through urban streets or riding across state lines, there are challenges to ensure your concealed carry setup remains both secure and discreet. Let's explore the obstacles motorcyclists face and the potential solutions for keeping a firearm concealed while riding.

Challenges of Concealed Carry on a Motorcycle

Heavy Jackets
When wearing a waist holster under a heavy jacket, the back of the gun can easily become exposed as you sit in a riding position. This not only risks revealing your firearm but could draw unwanted attention. For those traveling between gun-restricted states, ensuring your firearm remains completely concealed is crucial to avoid legal trouble.

Additionally, retrieving your gun while wearing multiple layers (such as an outer jacket and inner jacket) becomes a hassle. Instead of a quick draw, you'd have to go through several steps: getting off the motorcycle, unzipping both jackets, and then accessing your firearm.

Hot Weather
On warm days, the dilemma is different. You need a jacket while riding but may want to take it off when you're off the bike. If you're using a shoulder holster, removing your jacket could expose your firearm. If you're using a belly band or belt holster, the gun might print through your clothing, making it obvious you're carrying.

Bulky Gloves
Bulky motorcycle gloves add another layer of difficulty when it comes to accessing your firearm. Feeling and grabbing the gun can become tricky, especially if it's stored in a shoulder holster or concealed in a tight space.

Concealed Carry Solutions for Motorcyclists

Traditional concealed carry methods may not translate well to the specific demands of motorcycle travel, where comfort, quick accessibility, and discretion are essential. The weight of a firearm, the bulkiness of gear, and how exposed the rider is can complicate the choice of the right carry method. Let's dive into the various concealed carry options, weighing the pros and cons of each:

Option 1: Montana West CCW Fanny Pack for Motorcycle Riding

Montana West is designing a CCW Fanny Pack to offer a practical and stylish solution for carrying a gun on a motorcycle. We aim to expand the concealed carry purses collection to more using scenarios, inluding but not limited to motorcycling, babysitting, comuting for work, doing gyms, etc. A purse can help you carry mace gel and a tourniquet for convenience and quick access together with the pewpew.

Sketching with motorcyclists in mind, this ccw fanny pack can be worn crossbody and features several key advantages:

Waist Fastening: The adjustable waist strap keeps the pack securely on your strong side, preventing it from flapping in the wind as you ride. If it's not tight enough, the wind can become a nuisance, causing the pack to shift and create discomfort.

Chest-Level Carry: To avoid the bag pressing against you or the gas tank while you're tucked in, the adjustable strap allows you to wear the fanny pack higher up, at chest level, for better comfort.

Quick-Draw Access: The design includes two prominant quick-draw tabs and Velcro on the inner side, making it easy to pull the tabs and open the purse, even with bulky gloves on. The fanny pack is also accessible for both hands, offering an advantage in quick-draw situations.

Discreet Carry: Whether you have your jacket on or off, this fanny pack keeps your firearm completely concealed. You won't have to worry about your gun being exposed, making it an excellent option for motorcyclists who prioritize discretion.

Option 2: Belly Band for Concealed Carry on Motorcycle

A belly band is another option for carrying your firearm while riding. It's a stretchy band that fits tightly around your torso, offering secure and discreet carry.

Pros:
● Provides a tight, secure fit on your body, preventing the firearm from shifting as you ride.
● Keeps the gun close, which can feel safer and more controlled.

Cons:
● Belly bands can easily print through your shirt, especially in warmer weather or under lighter clothing.
● You may need to wear two shirts to prevent printing and create a separate compartment for the firearm, which adds extra layers and discomfort in hot conditions.

Option 3: Shoulder Holster for Concealed Carry on Motorcycle

Shoulder holsters have long been a popular choice for those carrying concealed, but they have significant drawbacks for motorcyclists.

Pros:
● Convenient for riders who wear jackets as part of their regular riding gear.

Cons:
● Not the most comfortable option for long rides, as it can cause discomfort around the shoulders and chest.
● Accessing the firearm is slower and more complicated, especially with layers of clothing or a jacket on top.

Option 4: Hard Saddlebags for Concealed Carry on Motorcycle

Another solution is to store your firearm in your motorcycle's hard bags. While this can work in certain situations, it's not the most practical or secure option.

Pros:
● Allows you to carry your firearm without wearing it on your person, which can be more comfortable on long rides.

Cons:
● Safety concerns: If you leave your gun in the saddlebags, there's a risk it could be stolen if someone breaks into the bag.
● Visibility: Placing the gun in the hard bag in public can reveal that you're carrying, which defeats the purpose of concealed carry.
● It's not readily accessible, which can be a significant drawback in a self-defense situation.

Conclusion

Motorcycling with a concealed carry firearm presents unique challenges, but with the right solution, you can find the perfect balance of comfort, discretion, and accessibility. The Montana West CCW fanny pack stands out as an ideal option for motorcyclists, providing security, easy access, and style.

Other methods like belly bands or shoulder holsters can work in specific situations, but they come with their own set of limitations. As always, it's essential to choose a solution that works best for your riding style, local laws, and personal comfort.

Whether you're riding through busy city streets or across state lines, having the right concealed carry setup is critical to staying both safe and prepared.