The Real Hiking Viking on Why He Disappeared, His CDT Flip-Flop, and Reality TV in Central America

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, he’s back. That’s right, The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba aka Tom aka Backpacker Radio’s honorary third co-host joins us once again to give us an update on his life. We get the full breakdown of where the heck he disappeared to last year, how his CDT hike went, another attempt at the Wind River High Route, a brief stint on a reality TV show in Central America, updates on his backpack, and much more. If ever a guest needed no introduction, it’s this one, so we’ll just say sit down, strap in, and get ready to get Jabba’d once again.

We wrap the show with a question of the day so graphic that I will not be saying it in the intro (this episode is not for kids), the triple crown of funniest farts, and this is your last chance to snag tickets for our live podcast in Denver!

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

Outdoor Vitals: Get 17% off the Ventus plus a free backpacking pillow at outdoorvitals.com/thetrek.

Appalachian Gear Company: Use code “BPRADIO20” for 20% off at appalachiangearcompany.com.

Shady Rays: Use code “TREK20” for $20 off polarized sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

Danner: Use code “TREK15” for 15% off Mountain 600 boots at danner.com.

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Interview with Jabba

• Jabba's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:07:17 - Reminders: This is your last chance for tickets to our live podcast in Denver TOMORROW!

00:15:00 - Re-introducing Jabba and his desire for a sober year

00:22:25 - Are you goal setting for your birthday?

00:24:00 - What would allow you to one-up your 30s in your 40s?

00:26:22 - Is there a correlation between trying sobriety and preventing injuries?

00:29:23 - Why did you disappear?

00:33:00 - Discussion about Jabba’s flip flop on the CDT and getting off the trail

00:37:07 - Did any part of you think about getting back onto the CDT?

00:38:04 - How do you pull yourself out of a sedentary period?

00:40:55 - How do you spend six hours at the gym?

00:51:08 - What bikepacking trip are you going on?

00:54:14 - Tell us about starting on the CDT last year

00:58:35 - Do you have any mental spiraling about not being at the top of your historical physical fitness?

01:05:00 - Discussion about adding stakes to physical goals

01:12:08 - Discussion about the CDT

01:17:00 - Discussion about standards shifting over time

01:18:52 - How do you manage big adventures with maintaining a home life?

01:21:50 - Tell us about ending the CDT with the Wind River High Route

01:33:21 - What were some highlights of the northern stretch of the Wind River High Route?

01:36:45 - Should you have an ice axe and microspikes regardless of the time of year?

01:38:17 - What are the updates on the Zerk?

01:43:18 - Kumo Question: What is the smelliest thing you’ve ever encountered?

Segments

QOTD

Triple Crown of funniest farts

Trek Propaganda: Briana DeSanctis Becomes First Solo Woman To Complete 6,800-Mile American Discovery Trail by Ariella Nardizzi

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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