Which Episode Is the Backpacking Story in Friends?

By Alice Nichols

Which Episode Is the Backpacking Story in Friends?

Friends was one of the most popular sitcoms of the ’90s and 2000s, and it still stands as a cultural touchstone today. One of the show’s most memorable storylines was when Joey, Chandler, and Ross went on a backpacking trip to Europe.

This story arc ran through several episodes, with some comedy and drama along the way. So which episode is the backpacking story in Friends?

The backpacking story starts in episode 8 of season 3, titled “The One with the Giant Poking Device.” In this episode, Joey and Chandler goad Ross into taking a break from his workaholic lifestyle by going on a backpacking trip through Europe.

Ross reluctantly agrees and plans for their departure. This episode also features some of the funniest moments in Friends as Joey and Chandler poke each other with giant pokey sticks throughout the episode.

The next two episodes follow up on this storyline as Ross, Joey, and Chandler take their trip around Europe. Episode 9 is “The One Where No One’s Ready” which follows their adventures in London and Amsterdam where they visit Big Ben and the Anne Frank House. Episode 10 is “The One With The Racecar Bed,” where they travel to Italy for sightseeing and romance.

After returning from Europe, we see how their adventures have impacted them in “The One After The Superbowl Part 1.” In this two-part episode (the other part being “Part 2”), Monica has a celebrity chef over while Rachel tries to get over her break up with Paolo by hanging out with Phoebe’s scientist friend David (played by Hank Azaria). Meanwhile, Ross must confront his own feelings after he discovers that Rachel still has feelings for him after seeing him take care of Marcel during his trip abroad.

So, if you’re looking for an answer to which episode is the backpacking story in Friends, it spans three episodes: 8 (“The One With The Giant Poking Device”), 9 (“The One Where No One’s Ready”), and 10 (“The One With The Racecar Bed”) as well as part 1 of “The One After The Superbowl.”

In conclusion, the backpacking story arc takes place over four episodes: 8 (“The One With The Giant Poking Device”), 9 (“The One Where No One’s Ready”), 10 (“The One With The Racecar Bed”) and part 1 of “The One After The Superbowl.” This memorable storyline has become one of fans’ favorite plots from Friends due to its humorous moments along with its heartfelt drama between Ross and Rachel.