About a month ago a good friend of ours Chase Adams contacted us regarding his Brother in laws ambitions to backpack with a friend (Lucas Melendez) on an expedition that would take them hiking through 5 states and traveling across 8 states and over 5000 miles, all in about 30 days. Yeah you read that right. Lofty goals? Yes. And when Jef asked about that goal, he was told by expedition leader Jonathan Rickwald, “our view is go big, or go home.”

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A fantastic local brand, partnering with a fantastic local brand? We’re in. Our friends over at Surf Ohio have got a nice partnership lined up with the team at Homage, and the results are some great styles we know you’ll love. NC

Fact of the matter is, this is still our favorite show on TV, and without any doubt it’s as good, maybe better then ever before in it’s season 4. Our big question, why are you reading this when you should be buying this Blu-Ray… Like now. $29-39.99. NC

While they’re only release in limited runs, these  seasonal drinks are a guilty pleasure around the NC office, and we’ve got to say only these… Get em while they’re out, cause they’re good and you’ll not regret it. NC

When I first saw the Fusion Take Down Rifle from Volquartsen Custom the first thing I thought of is just how well it fit with the Necessary Cool vibe.  The Fusion is not your daddy’s .22 LR that you probably learned how to shoot on, it integrates state of the art machining using CNC machine, full digital design, and carbon fiber components.  One of the other key features is the Fusion’s ability to be broken down into a small package for ease of storage or transport.  The other advantage of the Fusion design is the ability to quickly change to one of four different calibers just by unscrewing one barrel and affixing the new barrel.  Finally there are multiple Picatinny railed attachment points to secure optics and other accessories. The only downside, the price, $1,554.00 so for now I will have to admire from afar. NC

Trevor Zantos is awesome. He’s also a trusted outdoorsmen, and current columnist for NC

It’s really kind of a cool video. But really really weird. it’s like a crazy French version of 2001 or whatever. NC

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As we all know one of the keys to survival is the ability to make fire.  Fire was revolutionary when it was discovered and allows man to cook, provides life saving heat, helps to keep wild animals at bay, and perhaps most importantly has the mysterious ability to encourage us.  While lighters and matches are more common fire starters these days, they are not always reliable under extreme conditions.

The people at Exotac have come up with a clever way to carry a ferrocerium based firestarter in a slim, waterproof package that you can carry in your bag or on your key chain, the nanoSTRIKER.  The way the nanoSTRIKER works is the individual uses the enclosed striker at a 45 degree angle and presses firmly on the downward angle to create a spark shower into your dry tinder.  I just purchased a unit to test so once I get it I will update this with my thoughts. They are available in a variety of colors and have the unique ability to replace the starter rod as it wears. $26.95 NC

Trevor Zantos is awesome. He’s also a trusted outdoorsmen, and current columnist for NC

This is pretty much just what it sounds like. Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros remained as an indy film. It’s funny. You should watch. NC

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On March 17th an episode of 30 Rock aired in which a character ate an issues of Marvel Comics Avengers Academy. In retaliation, our good friend Mr Brevoort looks tough while Joe gives the cast of 30 Rock a stern talking to. Hilarity follows. Watch the video below. NC

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