In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by outdoor filmmaker and long-distance backpacker, Lauren "Longway" Roerick.

Lauren shares the highs and lows of a massive year of international backpacking and adventure, including dragging her "indoor cat" brother along on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan and her not in such great shape dad on the Camino del Norte in Spain, her less than stellar experience on the Via Dinarica and how one especially unfortunate stretch in Montenegro ultimately forced her off trail, quickly rinsing the palette with some gorgeous hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, and her experience hiking the Santa Fe to Taos Trail as part of our "get paid to thru-hike" sponsorship. We also learn more about Lauren's background, including a chaotic international divorce, learning calculus in Chinese, and how she once sang opera although refuses to do so for you- we forgive her and this is a fun, inspirational chat regardless.

We wrap the show with a hidden gem thru-hike in New York, a Triple Crown of Pop (not SODA!), and what trail traditions should be celebrated on spring equinox.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

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Interview with Lauren Roerick

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:57 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek and apply for the Badger Sponsorship!

00:09:10 - Introducing Lauren Roerick.

00:10:10 - Discussion about Te Araroa

00:13:30 - Discussion about a near hypothermia experience in the Tararua Mountains

00:19:10 - Give us an overview of the Santa Fe to Taos Trail

00:26:45 - Any standout stories from the Tahoe Rim Trail?

00:27:55 - Tell us about the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan

00:35:00 - Discussion about Lauren's tea ceremony experience

00:37:20 - What did you do during your three years living in Taiwan?

00:39:20 - Did you really move to California to study and sing opera?

00:43:30 - Discussion about Lauren moving frequently

00:47:35 - Tell us about your hometown

00:49:50 - Tell us about starting a sales agency

00:55:20 - Who is the 88 Temple Pilgrimage for?

00:58:20 - Tell us about bikepacking around Taiwan

01:05:50 - What's the least safe you felt during your international travels?

01:21:15 - Tell us the good parts of the Via Dinarica

01:28:35 - Tell us about hiking in Georgia

01:35:35 - How often do you get recognized?

01:37:00 - Was the Santa Fe to Taos Trail boring in comparison?

01:39:08 - Tell us about the trail you hiked with your dad

01:43:40 - How did the Camino rank against other trails you hiked last year?

01:46:24 - Discussion about

01:51:45 - Do you have general tips for international travel and hiking?

01:58:35 - What is next on your hiking schedule for 2026?

02:03:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: The Epic 358-Mile Thru-Hike in New York You've Never Heard Of by Alex McClain

QOTD: Summer solstice is hike naked day. What should spring equinox be?

Fear of the Week

Triple Crown of pop/soda

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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