In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jabba and Lt Cookoo for another BPR classic. This one, in expected fashion, is all over the map. We start by getting a brief update of what Cookoo has been up to since his last appearance on the show followed by a more detailed update from Jabba, primarily about a once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking trip through Iceland, a trip that nearly robbed his soul in the best and worst way possible. We then dive into a QA format, including the top advice they'd give to themselves before their first backpacking trip, their favorite treks that take one month or less, the best stories from the trails they've hiked together, the inevitable point at which they butt heads and much more.

The boys stick around for segments, which is also predictably weird. We provide our wiping techniques in alarming detail, the triple crown of things a dentist can say but not a gynecologist, and Viking gives Chaunce wedding advice.

Topo Athletic: Use code “THETREK15” at topoathletic.com.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com.

Duer: Get 20% off your first purchase at shopduer.com/backpacker.

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Interview with Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:45 - Reminders: Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, join us in Denver on December 7th and apply to be a 2025 blogger!

00:07:47 - Introducing Jabba & Lt. Cookoo Bird

00:09:30 - Is Jabba still sober?

00:11:35 - Zach & Jabba’s fantasy football punishments

00:14:50 - What adventures has Cookoo done in 2024?

00:18:50 - Cookoo’s self-arresting technique

00:20:15 - Cuckoo on the Teton Crest Trail

00:21:54 - Cookoo’s mountaineering

00:23:19 - What adventures has Jabba done in 2024?

00:28:20 - Why don’t comfier bike seats exist?

00:33:30 - Jabba hiking the other half of the CDT

00:39:01 - Jabba’s Ragbrai trip

00:47:20 - Jabba’s Iceland trip introduction

00:50:30 - Iceland route description

00:52:54 - Jabba’s (lack of) trip preparation

00:59:00 - How did you get your bike to Iceland?

01:00:00 - Iceland’s singletrack trail difficulty

01:04:00 - Jabba’s mindset while biking

01:06:15 - End of Day 1

01:08:55 - Day 2

01:12:38 - How much were you walking your bike versus riding your bike?

01:16:07 - Is it Type 2 fun?

01:19:45 - End of Day 2

01:24:20 - Discussion about hiking in sand

01:31:05 - Going back to get the AirPods

01:34:35 - Day 3

01:42:49 - What would you do differently if you did this trip again?

01:45:00 - Getting to the end location of Day 3

01:49:35 - Day 5

01:58:24 - End of Day 5

02:02:50 - Have you been in contact with Chris since the trip?

02:04:30 - What’s the best one month or shorter hike you’ve ever done?

02:13:31 - If you could go back in time to your first thru-hike, what would you do differently?

02:16:46 - How do you figure out footwear faster?

02:22:16 - What is your best story about the other story?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: “I Just Had To Skip So Many Miles”: How 2024 PCT Thru-Hikers Are Adapting to Fires and Trail Closures by James Townsend

QOTD: Does your butt stay on the toilet seat when you wipe?

Triple Crown of things a dentist can say, but not a gynecologist

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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The Real Hiking Viking & Lt. Cookoo Bird on Bikepacking Across Iceland, Patagonia, and the Ragbrai

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