THRU-HIKER | A 2019 Pacific Crest Trail Documentary

In March 2019, I took my first step on the Pacific Crest Trail: a legendary, 4270 km. long-distance hiking trail connecting the US-Mexico border to the US-Canada border through California, Oregon and Washington.
This is my 158 day journey into becoming a THRU-HIKER - a person who walks the entire trail in one go - with all the ups, downs and memorable moments that follows.
With a 200 % California snow pack and the notorious late storms in May, 2019 was a year of ice and snow. The trail demanded everything from us, the thru-hikers, but it gave so much more back.
It was the adventure of a life time.
Happy Trails,
Mikkel "Biz" Mandrup Fogt
Follow my adventures on Instagram: / wildstray_hikes
Follow my adventures on Facebook:
/ wildstray
Visit my outdoor & adventure blog:
wildstray.com/
Music I've used in this video:
· 'When Will I See You Again' by Lord Huron
· 'Paris' by Magic Man
· 'So Long, Honey' by Caamp
· 'The Road to Life' by Monocle Twins
· 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' by Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole
· 'Trouble' by Avicii
· 'Ten More Days' by Avicii
All footage is shot, edited and owned by me.
Music copyright applies to respective artists.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you for +3000 (!) views on my after-movie 😌 I'm still baffled about how many actually found an interest (and perhaps some liking) in my video 🙌 @To all new viewers (and returning ones!) Please, feel free to comment any questions you might have regarding the trail, the experience or anything else, you might come up with. I'd be happy to answer them. - Biz (June 17th 2020)

[@GrislyAtoms12]

"Please, feel free to comment any questions you might have regarding the trail, the experience or anything else, you might come up with. I'd be happy to answer them. - Biz (June 17th 2020)" Boots or shoes? And why? Any recommendations are welcome. I am contemplating a SOBO through hike starting in June 2023

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

@@GrislyAtoms12 99% of thru-hikers wear shoes/trail runners - for a number of reasons: lighter, more breathable, dries faster, easier to pop in / out of shoe, better feel with the ground, etc. etc. I also find trail runners much more comfortable than boots (and sturdier hiking shoes). The only real issue you might run into to is the Sierra Nevada in a high snow year - but then again, I and many other hikers pulled through in 2019 with trail runners. Some swapped their shoes for boots for that stretch and were happy with that as well. All down to personal preference, but I would always recommend trail runners for PCT. My favorites are Altra Lone Peak, but I also hiked in Altra's Timp and Olympus.

[@GrislyAtoms12]

@@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793 Thank you kindly!

[@titoschilon7730]

2022 will be my year. Hopefully there’s enough power with my 54 years then... should have done this earlier in life but looking back really doesn’t help. Thanks a lot for this wonderful movie! Tina from germany

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

You will do great, I'm sure, remember that the trail is 90% mental, 10% physical endurance. I met plenty of +50 years (and older) on trail who we're thru-hiking. It may take a little longer time, but then again - thru-hiking is not the worst thing in the world to be doing and taking a little extra time for. :) Start out mild. My thumb rule was not to exceed 20 miles per day in the first week on trail and that gave me a good start, compared to some others who just plowed away and got loads of blisters/injuries from the get go.

[@titushumphreys]

maybe i’ll see you out there 2022!

[@jordanlee8162]

This soundtrack is killer

[@kevinpriest9347]

INSPIRATIONAL! Thank You Biz. I am starting my month countdown to the PCT and will start NOBO in the Spring of 2024 to celebrate my 71st trip around the sun.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you, Kevin! :) good luck on your adventure - wish you all the best on the journey

[@_bearno]

putting caamp in your soundtrack is always the right choice

[@CrosserOle]

Du er for kølig Mikkel!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Tak skal du ha', John!

[@uvereichenauer7473]

En helt igennem flot film og præstation af dig, tak fordi du deler

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Mange tak for de flotte ord, Uve :)

[@j.g7377]

What a great video Biz!!! Congrats.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks a lot, man!! :)

[@leo_714]

Life is a short party that will soon be forgotten.

[@christeraakervik9617]

Great stuff!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, Christer!

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Hej.Dejlig video fra PCT.Det er virkelig en rigtig god video du har lavet.Jeg nød meget at se den.Du har fanget livet på stien rigtigt godt.Super flot !!!

[@SigfridSWE]

Great video! Going to the PCT next year. Deep in planning. Cheers/skål to your amazing trip! Best regards from Sweden

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks a lot. Muchh appreciated. Good luck on your adventure. Enjoy it! Big regards

[@BrianOutdoors]

Another nice edit mate! Fantastic story. You should be proud of yourself. BTW I'm also quite jealous. What a great memory to have for the rest of your life!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Adventure of a life time, indeed, Brian. Thanks buddy

[@IanPryor]

Awesome video, you looks super familiar. I hiked the PCT that year and it was brutal. Also great editing and story telling, this video deserves more attention!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

maybe we met on trail, man!! :) thanks for the comment, means a lot

[@Dharma_Bum]

Really loved this. Not over hyped like so many of these trail vids. Hard slog, congratulations!

[@kriscoty1]

Congrats. Your production was fun to watch. Loved the music, especially the last 2. Thanks for the entertainment. Hope to be out in 2022

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks for the compliments! Wish you the best for your thru

[@PiersEllisonofficial]

finding this by surprise makes me so damn happy. miss you and these wonderful times, dear friend

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

neck tie! likewise, brother, indeed it was some mint times on the trail. never fails to bring a smile on my face to think back!

[@ricardorivera6359]

Nice video ... one day, one day I'll be walking there

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

You will not regret it, I guarantee you that.

[@TheTrevor39]

Awesome documentary. I plan on hiking the PCT 2023. Your video helps me understand the trail just a little more. Thanks for sharing...

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Best of luck in your plans, you will not regret it! :)

[@LaurenRoerick]

Great video! And congrats on completing your thru hike!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks Lauren!!

[@CrazyDaisysAdventures]

Such a beautiful video! Brought back so many memories. Hope you’re well! Going back in 2022 for another thru of the PCT because I don’t think I can ever get enough PCT 💜

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you so much for this, Smiles! I'm really happy for the times we hiked together - especially in the Sierra - never to forget! Sounds good with the PCT. 2021 will be a good year. Excited to see what it has in store for me in terms of thru's. This year, it will be Kungsleden in Sweden. ;-)

[@CrazyDaisysAdventures]

WildStray by Mikkel Mandrup Fogt how exciting! Can’t wait to see pictures/videos from your adventure! Would love to go to Sweden one day 💙

[@Jan.harvey]

​@@CrazyDaisysAdventures So great to see you two talking and so happy to hear about your 2021 hike! Gotta thank Crunch for the introduction to Biz- can't wait to see more of your videos.

[@CrazyDaisysAdventures]

Jan Harvey I always have to return back to the PCT 💜 that trail is my home. Yes Biz is an awesome photographer/edits so good! Glad that trail family can post these videos that bring me right back to the trail 💙 Anyways... can’t wait for trail this year!!!! Benton MacKaye Trail /Appalachian Trail / Pinhoti trail and Flordia Trail before the PCT in 2021! Can’t wait to bring you along with! 💜

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

@@Jan.harvey Thanks a lot, Jan, I will be posting more videos in the summer, once I am out hiking long trails again!

[@hikersteph]

Great video! I was also on the PCT in 2019 and I bumped into Oberon and Gaper at different points in Washington!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

thanks Stephanie! means a lot. great lads.

[@hikerJohn]

Nothing else to do so I hiked the Sierra section this year from KM to Sierra City. A lot less snow than last year. Snow covered Mtns are a sight to see but the real beauty is in the summer. There were not many people till I got to Yosemite so I hiked alone 80% of the time and I saw even fewer people north of the JMT. I only met 6 people that came from outside the USA . . . In 2019 I met hundreds and I only did 1200 miles in 2019. Every time I watch a video like this I get a yearning for returning :o)

[@madratter]

Excellent all the way around ! Great accomplishment. Thank you for sharing

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you, means a lot!

[@UncertainAdventures]

Great Video, one of the best I have seen about the PCT

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Wow, thank you so much, Dan :)

[@summerwood619]

Congratulations

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you, Summer!

[@matthewbroshat9633]

Awesome video, Biz! Very well done. Thanks for sharing the adventure. Fun to see all our buddies you met along the way. I recognize some of the faces!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, brother - certainly good times in WA :))

[@chriscartermedia]

Great documentary man! Really captures the essence of a thru👌👌

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, man, means a lot that you think so :)

[@lisamonalisahikes]

Wow! What an amazing journey! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@jeanneskrocki1054]

This is so wonderful!! It was so fun to see the “snapshots” from all of your real-time videos last summer. I remembered all of it, especially being sad for you when you had to continue hiking alone. Congratulations, again, on your accomplishment and this really terrific film. Looking forward to following more adventures!😊👏🏻

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you so much for your comment and your support while I was hiking the trail. It sure meant a lot to me & the trail fam to know that you were rooting for us. The solo part was definitely a memorable experience - one I wouldn't have been without - it really set the whole experience into perspective in a way I wouldn't have been able to imagine! I will be posting more videos in the future + write my trail journals on Facebook and Instagram, of course. As always, thank you, Jeanne!

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Awesome PCT video, one of my favorites that I've seen! Perfect length and great music!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, Bailey, means a lot. Will take those comments into my next films :)

[@skysky2945]

Thank U for sharing your amazing story:) I dont mind solo hikes but when U find a gruop is always more fun:) BTW what a wonderful human U are! Greetings from Poland

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, friend, your kind words are much appreciated :)) - Biz

[@tomsalter3570]

This was EXCELLENT!! Thanks so much. I'm sure it was a lot of work, just editing all the footage, etc. Thanks for giving us all some good memories!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you for the kind words, Tom - I had a ball editing it! Brought back all the memories, as you say. I'm glad you liked it!! - Biz

[@Narrowway7]

The view above the clouds tho. Legendary! Great video and congrats on your journey!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@QuinnWilliamWilson]

Great work Biz! You captured the feeling really well.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you so much!

[@carolbintorio4033]

Just absolutely amazing 💚🥾🏔🌲 this was an awesome video!! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing adventures!!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you so so much, Carol. Means a lot to me!!

[@stuartb9194]

Nice vid, great pace and not too gushy! Great effort when heading off solo too, fortitude brah!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks a lot, Stuart!

[@MAGICHORSEMAN]

Thank you for sharing this great video and great music too

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, man, much appreciated

[@RosserRuns]

I just found and subbed. I look forward to supporting the channel...

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, man, much appreciated. Will be a Norway thru-hike coming out some time soon.

[@_bearno]

Love it!

[@rodonthetrail5092]

This is a beautiful film! Congratulations on finishing such a challenging looking thru!!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, Rod - very kind of you. A memory for life.

[@mickbeckers]

Brilliant! loved this.

[@bigmarty11288]

Nice hitchhikers guide reference in the beginning

[@AlexKincade]

It was a pleasure hiking along side you, my friend. Much love and I hope you're doing well out there. - Alex "Kingslayer"

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Likewise, brother, really happy to share some tough and isolated miles with you.

[@matthewbroshat9633]

Fun seeing you in the video, Kingslayer! -Storebrand

[@BastardKitty]

Love your video! I met quite a few of you while living in Tehachapi and gave plenty of rides too. I loved all of you and enjoyed all the crazy stories.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Tehachapi was such a great stay. We stayed at the most wonderful woman, Brenda, who took such great care of us. Fond memories!

[@thibaudernotte4324]

Always awesome to look back, relive the memories. I was there in 2018. Best experience ever right? :)

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Certainly was - the adventure of a life time :)

[@dabbleonabike]

Amazing mate! Absolutely loved this. Cheers, Oberon.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, brother. Happy to have shared all of those miles with ya. Men of The North! - Biz

[@scottm9707]

Din’t expect that, Wonderful documentary

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you, Scott!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great video....

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you Michael!!

[@thomasjessen]

Fantastic inspirational video :-)

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, Thomas!! :)

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

thanks for the great video! makes me all the more eager to get on trail!!! PCT 2021 fingers crossed...

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Fingers crossed for you, friend. Thanks a lot.

[@chuckmckenney4491]

Excellent video, very well done! Congratulations on your thru hike.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks x 1000, Chuck!

[@gonewild1220]

Incredible!! Nice one 👣

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thank you so much!!

[@frederiksegaard7457]

Never felt more inspired to go. Good work dude!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Much appreciated, brother!

[@dannoringer]

Nice choices of music on the sound track. I would love to do the(whole PCT, I've done several sections but doing it all is a big accomplishment) PCT, but I fear the opportunity may never come. it's quite a hardship, but once completed, quite the accomplishment to look back upon. Congratulations for a good video, a good accomplishment, and all that it brings you. regards, Dan

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks for the kind words, Dan. Limits are only perceptions. You never know before you go!

[@yetibikeman]

Congrats bro 🤜🏼🤛🏼 that was epic 👍🏻

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Glad you say so, man - thanks!

[@rikkemandrup8720]

Super fed film Mikkel, og skal da lige love for, at der også er tænkt grundigt over valgte musiknumre ;O) Det er en tur, du altid vil huske!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

De er nøje udvalgt. Tak, Rikke - det vil jeg nemlig altid :-D

[@frederikfogt5664]

Fætter, absolutely incredible adventure and such an inspiring video! Knus FF

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Fætter - tusinde tak, det er jeg glad for du synes! Kram :)

[@swagstormduus9772]

Been waiting for this! Great work bro

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, brother!

[@jasonroxburgh9194]

Beautifully shot, I loved it

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks man, much appreciated. - Biz

[@zahidkhan04]

Massive massive massive respect🤟

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

I see what you did there! Thank you :D

[@christinak.8952]

Hvor er du bare skide sej, Mikkel! Det var sgu ikke lige det her jeg havde regnet med, at du skulle 6-7 år efter Starbucks! :D Sikke en sejr, sikke en film - og sikke et menneske! Kæmpe stort tillykke med dit eventyr; det har været fedt at følge med på sidelinjen!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Tusinde tak, Christina - det er søde & flotte ord. Jeg er vildt glad for du kunne lide den og har fulgt med. Håber videoen gav et lidt bedre indblik i hele oplevelsen!

[@Outback61]

Awesome film, brought back so many memories thank you for sharing.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks for your kind words, Jack.

[@allankristensen_youtube]

Lækker film Mikkel -mega inspirerende

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Tusinde tak, Allan - det betyder meget! :-)

[@OutdoorAhead]

Great video!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks again, my friend! :)

[@theheavyhiker]

Great job man! Congrats on your journey!

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Much appreciated, friend! :)

[@olewenkemann3404]

Awesome vid! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

My pleasure - thanks for watching!! :)

[@danielmenard3492]

Hi, Good video, question; what date did you enter the Sierra? Thx

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Hi man, thanks. I believe it was May 2nd! :)

[@Nature_by_Hikerbeard]

Dybeste RESPEKT 👊🏼

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Kæmpe TAK! :)

[@chefboy-ar-d6312]

He played braddah IZ right on bro! Great adventure although sams foot! You ever visit Honolulu hmu for a hike🤜🤛

[@rickcoulon890]

Great video Biz, I finished the AT in 2018 and can't wait to hike the PCT....I did the JMT in 2019 (mid July) the Sierra's were wicked then I can't imagine what they were like when you went through. When did you start at the Southern terminus?

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

I started on March 15th and entered the Sierras in end April or start May, can't quite remember, but... definitely too early, haha.

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

and thank you for the compliment!

[@IanPryor]

@ WOW!!! I DID THE EXAT SAME THING IN CHESTER C.A. in 16!!! LOL!

[@LasseHSchmidt]

Endnu bedre end v. 1 :)

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Mange tak, Lasse - rigtig pænt af dig ;-) Jeg sagde jo, den godt liiiige kunne få lidt ekstra kærlighed!

[@stormchaserdk]

Fantastisk video. God klipning og godt lydspor. Og jeg opdagede først at den var lavet af en dansker da jeg hørte dansk radio/podcast undervejs :-) Det er en seriøst sej udfordring og jeg har stor respekt for din præstation. Jeg har selv planer om at springe ud i det og tage turen inden for de næste 5 år. I øjeblikket suger jeg al viden om PCT til mig i form af KZbin videoer og bøger. Det skal lige siges at jeg er 55 år og vil i givet fald skulle tage orlov fra jobbet i 6 måneder. Jeg tænker at jeg først vil tage JMT for at få en forsmag. Hvad er dine tanker om det? Kan du anbefale andre 2-3 ugers hikes med telt og rygsæk?

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Tusinde tak for de venlige ord. Det betyder meget! Jeg synes det er ekstremt spændende med dine PCT-planer. Jeg mødte mange +40 og +50 årige, der elskede det på sporet. Ift. ture, uploader jeg en ny thru-hike film her omkring jul. Den omhandler min 2 ugers vandretur på MASSIV-ruten i Norge. 350 km. Den gav mange af de samme udfordringer som PCT gjorde! :) Kontakt mig endelig Facebook: 'Mikkel Mandrup Fogt' hvis du har flere spørgsmål.

[@BarryTaylor1993]

Hey man. Great video. You didn't temporarily misplace your phone in the Sierra did you? I recall bumping into a Dane who, when we started talking, realised he misplaced his phone and panic ensued. That wasn't you, was it?

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

I did! I misplaced on top of the very last pass before I finished my flip flop (Selden, I believe). You and your group helped me find it and I was so happy about it.

[@cheycasters]

The Rapture song!!

[@mariellevancann7390]

🥰

[@danielkoller1114]

What cam did you use i will hike the Pct next Year but i dont now what camera is good and light for backpacking Greatings from Austria

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

I used a Sony A5000, but I'm not an expert on cameras. See 'Darwin on the trail' or 'Nemo hikes', they're great w. trail photography and camera advice. Personally, I just use my iPhone 11 Pro now :)

[@HikesAndWildflowers]

En hel igennem fantastisk video om din tur ! Så inspirerende og FUCK hvor er du sej !! Jeg har MEGET længe ville gå noget af PCT, men jeg har svært ved at finde ud af hvad for en del af den jeg skal gå og ville høre dig ad. Hvis du havde en måned til at gå den flotteste del af stien (ifølge din mening) hvor ville det være være fra-til? Hilsen Trine :D

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Hey Trine! Mange, mange tak skal du ha'. Det er pæne ord! Jeg ville enten vælge Washington, Sierras eller ørken-delen. Det var mine tre favorit sektioner. Skriv til mig på Instagram eller Facebook så vi kan snakke nærmere. Find mig på @wildstray_hikes på IG eller 'Mikkel Mandrup Fogt' på Facebook. Bare skyd en besked! :)

[@htckylin]

Is it possible just to hike a few sections of PCT or is it mandatory to hike all of it?

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Hi Kylin, You can section-hike it for sure, I met a lot of people who section-hiked it. :) When you apply for a permit on PCTA, you can choose what miles/section you'd like a permit for :)

[@htckylin]

@@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793 thank you so much for your response! Much appreciated.

[@sophiannad9982]

Did Thor ever finish the trail?

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Yeah, he did! He took 7 days of rest for his feet to heal a little, got some proper boots and then got going again. He finished the trail a week or two behind me. Unfortunately, we didn't meet again on trail because I was in a bit of a time strain and had to make it home before my Graduate studies started. However, we've hung out back home in Denmark and are still in touch.

[@sophiannad9982]

@@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793 That's great!! I appreciate you sharing your journey - especially the snow part, because that is where I have the biggest amount of fear. My thru hike of the PCT won't be until 2024 after I finish my PhD studies, but planning a few smaller trails such as the Ozark Trail before then. Thanks again for sharing!

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Who makes your umbrella

[@titoschilon7730]

Have a look at euroschirm Ulm, they make ultralight hiking umbrellas

[@bifalmandal2492]

kiul

[@MamaBrook]

42! Lol

[@thelonegunman59]

Turn off the music....aaaaagh !

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Sorry, but, that's just my style of making trail docs :-D there's plenty of videos out there without music!

[@IanPryor]

@@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793 NO, DON'T DO IT!!! The music is perfect and the way you edited this video is awesome!!!

[@yetibikeman]

Congrats bro 🤜🏼🤛🏼 that was epic 👍🏻

[@wildstraybymikkelbizmandru5793]

Thanks, brother, I'm glad you liked it..!