Featured Everyday Carry: Mike Larsen

By Mike Larsen

Mike Larsen has served our great nation in the Navy, carried out a a career in law enforcement, is an instructor for firearms training and defensive tactics, and is a SWAT team and Dive team commander. He is also an avid outdoorsman having hunted and fished in multiple states and countries. Gear that can serve all of these pursuits while meeting the objectives is priceless to him. Mike shares with GoWild™ a few things that are accessible to his everyday life with a tactical mindset.

 

One of the strengths of the GoWild community is the wealth of knowledge shared by members. Whether you are inexperienced or veteran, novice or expert, there is something in each post that we can all learn from. The new Gearbox feature is great for seeing what works best in certain situations and applications, as testified to by real people in real world situations. 

Over the last 30 years, I’ve had occupations and interests that are extremely gear intensive with tactical equipment and firearms. While serving this great nation in the Navy, my duties put me on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier along with serving on the ship’s augmentation force to provide security for the armament of weapons.

That training and gear helped prepare me for a career in law enforcement. Before becoming Undersheriff and overseeing all operations, I had stints commanding each of our Law Enforcement Divisions (Services, Road Patrol and Investigative Services). I also provide instruction in firearms training and defensive tactics along with being SWAT team commander, Dive team commander and more. Obviously, all of these are equipment intensive arenas.

Over that 30 years, I’ve learned to invest in quality equipment that won’t fail you at the moment of need. I also prefer to utilize gear that can meet multiple objectives, saving money, space and time.

In addition to the above duties, I’ve been an avid outdoorsman and have hunted and fished in multiple states and countries. Gear that can serve all of these pursuits while meeting the objectives is priceless to me. I’ve assembled a few things that are accessible to my everyday life with a tactical mindset.

“Gear that can serve all of these pursuits while meeting the objectives is priceless to me. I’ve assembled a few things that are accessible to my everyday life with a tactical mindset.”

Chances are, if we were ever to meet, the following equipment is either on my person or within a minute’s reach. These articles of gear are the top 5 of many that I use in both aspects of my life: personal and professional. Since I’m really not a gear “junkie”, I look to minimize while covering all my bases. The following are all reasonably priced, quality pieces of gear. It’s your responsibility to know and follow applicable laws while possessing some of this gear.

 

Glock 43 Subcompact Semi-Auto Pistol

The Glock 43 is not only my backup weapon while working. I carry it just about everywhere whether working, hunting, fishing or carrying out routine daily activities. Glock firearms have been battle tested and have proven to be safe, reliable and nearly indestructible while delivering consistent performance. While I prefer larger rounds for activities that carry higher likelihoods of deployment, the 9mm Luger round from a G43 has proven effective while keeping weight low in an easy to conceal, subcompact frame.

 

Sticky Holsters Inside-the-Waistband Holster

Both on and off duty, my Glock 43 is secured in a Sticky Holster. I can place this holster in my waistband with confidence that it will stay put while offering a smooth draw from a secure location. And, without the telltale outline of a concealed weapon.

 

TOPS Knives C.A.T. 203T-01 Fixed-Blade Knife

We all know that knives are essential tools for everyday life, from opening packages to cutting strings, food or self-defense. The TOPS Knives C.A.T.203 T-01 fixed blade features a tanto-point blade that is easy to sharpen when necessary. The Black G10 handle assures a secure grip in wet or dry conditions.

 

GoWild Tactical Sling Bag

The GoWild Tactical sling bag provides quality construction and room for a surprising amount of items you choose for the day’s mission. I’ve hauled food, fire starting materials, ammunition, optics and more.

 

Surefire G2Z CombatLight with MaxVision Flashlight

The Surefire G2Z CombatLight puts out an amazing 800 lumens from a non-corrosive Nitrolon polymer body. A good flashlight can prove invaluable even in daylight hours while searching for items in dark, confined spaces

Let’s see which gear you’ve battle tested in the environments enjoyed most. Post it on GoWild, where prices are monitored across hundreds of thousands of products, from thousands of manufacturers and retailers. And don’t forget, GoWild puts your money to work for conservation by donating 1% of their affiliate profits to nonprofit organizations like Raise ‘Em Outdoors.