When it comes to concealed carry (CCW), you have two basic options: on-body carry, and off-body carry. Most self-defense instructors recommend on-body carry, e.g., holstered on your hip, at the small of your back, in an ankle holster, and so on, and there are lots of good reasons for that. But that's a CCW Minute for another time!
Keeping that in mind, there are some situations in which on-body carry is difficult (especially if your defensive firearm is medium-sized or larger). What's more, there are lots of excellent off-body carry products like messenger bags, backpacks, and purses that are designed to maximize safety and ease of access. In this great CCW Minute from Shooting Illustrated's Kevin Creighton, you'll learn more about off-body carry ... as well as some excellent commands to use in a possible defensive situation.