In a dangerous emergency situation when every second counts, the last thing you want to encounter is a weapon snafu. While comfort has its merit and is key for daytime errands and low-risk situations, effectiveness will always trump comfort any day. The perfect holster for a quick-draw situation should not snag when being drawn from its holster, should sit close to your body, will not get entangled in clothing and does not cause extreme discomfort when wearing. Here are some of the best types of holsters for dangerous situations.

Waistband Holsters

Arguably the safest and easiest to access weapon holsters on the market are the exterior and interior waistband holsters. They may shift around a little as you move about throughout your day, but the accessibility cannot be beat with a waistband holster. They are also relatively comfortable, but they are not very discreet.

Ankle Holsters

A concealed ankle holster is ideal if you travel a lot by subway or are sitting quite frequently. It is virtually undetectable under jeans or pants and offers minimal fuss with clothing to retrieve your weapon.

Back Holsters

Back holsters require a little more finagling with your clothing, especially if you are wearing many layers on top. However, in terms of being discreet, comfortable and readily accessible, they are one of the best holster options available on the market. You can draw your weapon just as quickly with a back holster as you can with a hip or waistband holster.

Purse, briefcase and bag holsters are among the least effective in an emergency situation. However, for people who find it uncomfortable or unsafe carrying a weapon on their person, fanny packs, crossbody bags or purses with built-in holsters are better than not carrying your weapon at all.

While no one wishes they are ever in a situation that warrants needing a quick-draw holster option, it is always better to be safe than sorry. You never know when danger may be lurking around the corner, and you want to be able to protect yourself and those you love at a moment’s notice.

Berry Picking for Beginners

Picking berries is a fun, cost effective way to gather ingredients for pies, cobblers, pastries, beverages, freezing, and fresh eating. Whether an individual is going to a “u-pick” berry farm or to a field with a wild patch of berries, it’s important to prepare for the trip out so that he or she stays comfortable, hydrated, and protected against nature’s little surprises.

Planning for the Berry Season

Different types of berries will mature during different months or seasons, depending upon the gardening zone that applies to the local area. For example, strawberries that mature in March in Florida might mature in June in Michigan. Strawberries are also among the earliest fruits to mature, while blueberries follow shortly after; blackberries tend to ripen during the early summer. Call local berry farms to determine an accurate local date for berry harvesting.

Wearing Proper Clothing

Berry farms might use pesticides and very well manicured garden beds on their properties, leading to a lower risk of ticks or snakes. However, this will be a concern for wild berry patches. Always wear thick leather boots, heavy denim jeans, and thick tube socks when picking berries. The best quality hoodies are perfect for thorny varieties of raspberries and blackberries too, as they will help to protect the chest, arms, and stomach from the prickly briars.

Always Bring Gloves and Buckets

Berry picking can be particularly messy. Berries may have insects on them, so do not store them in pockets; always use a bucket. Berries may also have fresh wounds from insect damage, or they may simply be soft and overripe. These berries will leak juice, some of which will stain clothing and hands. Blackberries are particularly bad about staining, and are notorious for leaking juice.

Berry picking is always a hit with small children, making it the perfect family activity. Just be sure that all family members are ready for all of the bugs, thorns, and staining that they might encounter. Some berry farms may offer thornless varieties, which would be a great option for very small children.