Ollie Whalley’s Tour Divide Gear List plus pics and links
Ollie Whalley completely slayed the Tour Divide 2012 this year. It was amazing feat of strength and endurance and I can only hope that I do about a quarter as good as him.
I know nutrition and fitness are two big components of finishing such a feat of endurance but what about gear? And who doesn’t like picking apart gear anyway – it’s fun!
Ollie was nice enough to post his gear and I have posted it here complete with links to everything.
| Item | Storage Location | Weight (grams) |
| Sleeping | ||
| Z Packs Hexamid Cuben Fibre Tent | Rear | 480 |
| Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite | Rear | 350 |
| Western Mountaineering Highlite | Rear | 550 |
| Sleeping bag liner | Rear | 100 |
| Clothing | ||
| Mont Bell Thermawrap UL Jacket | Front/Body | 300 |
| Gore Phantom GT AS | Front/Body | 260 |
| Ground Effect Helter Skelters | Front/Body | 160 |
| Ground Effect Merino vest | Rear | 100 |
| Defeet merino arm warmers | Front pocket L | 80 |
| Defeet merino knee warmers | Front pocket L | 120 |
| Defeet merino gloves | Front pocket L | 60 |
| Socks Ground Effect Merino | Wear | 80 |
| Socks SealSkin Waterproof | Front body | 100 |
| Ground Effect Exocet Shorts | Wear | 180 |
| Ground Effect High Five Gloves | Wear | 100 |
| Buff | Wear | 40 |
| Ground Effect Baked Beanie | Wear | 40 |
| Sunglasses | Wear | 20 |
| Parts | ||
| Tubes x 2 | Front pocket C | 300 |
| Spare spokes (270x2, 292x2) | Tanglebag | |
| Carbon Drive Belt | Rear/Parts | 100 |
| Spare bolts | Rear/Parts | |
| Puncture repair | Rear/Parts | |
| Brake pads x 2 | Rear/Parts | |
| Duct tape | Rear/Parts | |
| Tire boot | Rear/Parts | |
| Tubeless plugs | Front pocket C | |
| Valve stem and adapter | Rear/Parts | |
| Zip ties | Rear/Parts | (total 200) |
| Other | ||
| USB battery | Rear electronics | 240 |
| USB Power adapter | Rear electronics | 40 |
| Minty Boost USB charger | Rear electronics | 100 |
| Spare spot batteries | Rear electronics | 20 |
| Water purification | Front pocket R | 100 |
| Phone Motorola Defy+ | Front pocket R | 140 |
| Sunscreen | Front pocket R | 20 |
| Anti chafe | Front pocket R | 40 |
| Chapstick | Front Pocket R | 5 |
| Toothbrush | Rear health | 10 |
| Toothpaste | Rear health | 10 |
| Vitamins, No-doz | Rear health | 10 |
| Fixomull | Rear health | 5 |
| SPOT tracker | Bike | 140 |
| Maps, credit card, passport | Tangle bag | 280 |
| Exposure Diablo mk.2 (light) | Front pocket L | 120 |
| Charging cords | Rear electronics | 10 |
| Garmin Edge 800 | Bike | 100 |
| Tools | ||
| Leatherman Skeltool CX | Front pocket C | 140 |
| Topeak ratchet rocket lite | Front pocket C | 102 |
| Spoke key | Rear Parts | 5 |
| Pump Lezyne mountain drive | Front body | 120 |
| Food | ||
| Wiggle 600ml bottle (x2) | Bike | 160 |
| Camelbak 3L bladder | Tangle bag | 200 |
| Bags | ||
| Front custom | 360 | |
| Revelate Viscacha | 390 | |
| Revelate Tangle Medium | 200 | |
| Bike | ||
| Ventana El Commdante (complete with aerobars, Rohloff, Carbon drive belt etc.) | 11800 |
The Gear plus links
Z Packs Hexamid Cuben Fibre Tent
The Hexamid is a six sided pyramid style tent for a solo hiker. It is made from the lightest materials available; .51 oz/sqyd cuben fiber, and optionally .7 oz/sqyd ultralight insect netting.
There is currently a waiting list of about 4 to 6 weeks for backpacks, shelters, and sleeping bags.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
From REI: Once again shattering the ceiling of low weight, surprising warmth and packability, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad sets a new standard for gram-counting backpackers and adventure racers.
Western Mountaineering Highlite
Everything in the HighLite’s design is intended to reduce weight and promote compressibility. First, the .9 ounce ExtremeLite™ shell fabric goes without saying. No other shell fabric is this light or packed with so many threads per inch. This specialized ExtremeLite™ bag uses a one way #4 1/2 YKK coil zipper that is cut to half length. While the horizontal seams are sewn-thru, the vertical seams are baffled with 1 1/2″ netting to allow unimpeded loft so the effect of its 850+ goose down is fully realized. Its efficient cut not only reduces bulk and weight, but reduces excess internal volume so quick heating is realized! At only 16 ounces total weight, no other bag is as light, as warm, as well made or as handsome as our HighLite.
Montbell U.L.THERMAWRAP PARKA MEN’S
The evolution of our U.L. ThermawrapTM Series continues. Updates to these well traveled pieces are based on beta received from countless wilderness devotees. We have sourced a new type of 15-denier Ballistic Airlight nylon for the outer shell that retains the same ultra-light weight and impressive tensile strength, but is far less shiny, has a softer hand, and makes less noise with movement. Cuffs on the jacket and parka now feature a wedge shaped stretch panel for increased comfort and durability. Similar elastic wedges have also been added to both sides of the hem on the jacket and vest creating a more refined fit. Rest assured, while we have tweaked some details, the ThermawrapTM concept remains the same: simple, light weight, synthetic insulation that remains thermally efficient when wet. Whether it be a cool fall bike commute into the office or a harrowing belay high on the Compressor Route, our ThermawrapTM Series will keep you covered.
Gore Phantom GT AS
Versatile for a wide range of riding needs, the wind-proof Gore Phantom II for men is a jacket and functional jersey. When overheated, you can unzip the detachable sleeves and wear it as a short-sleeved jersey. It has a slightly slanted back pocket at side for better access, stretch inserts for optimum freedom of movement, and three-compartment patch pockets on the back. Other features include wear-resistant elastic binding on sleeve-hem and on hem, zip-underflap and zip-port, and reflective printing. Machine wash on warm, do not tumble dry or bleach.
Ground Effect Helter Skelters
The 3/4-length Helter Skelter shorts are waterproof, but not really designed for planned wet rides – they’re more for changeable weather days.
The waterproof Hydrofoil shell shorts roll up into their own zip rear pocket, so they’re ideal for storing at the bottom of your riding pack for deployment as an over-layer.
You could go with just a liner underneath, but the fabric feels a bit odd so they’re better over other shorts. If it’s raining you probably ought to opt for something like the Altura Attacks, which are waterproof riding shorts rather than waterproof over-shorts.
Ground Effect Merino vest
Woolly underwear for keeping winter chills at bay. Throw the Submerino on under your Frosty Boy and discover the unrivalled properties of merino wool against your skin to keep you warm, dry and comfy. Dive dive.
DeFeet Armskins
In parts of Northern France and Belgium there exist roads made of cobblestones that have lasted for centuries. DeFeet made ArmSkins? to stand up to the punishment that these roads and the inclement weather dish out. ArmSkins? Stayfast cuff and secure binding keep them right where you put them no matter how bad the conditions get. ArmSkins? are also excellent for running and hiking. Made from either CoolMax? or wool. Sizing: Small/Medium – Under 5’9″ & under 160LBs. Large/Extra Large – Over 5’9″ & Over 160LBs,
Ground Effect Baked Beanie
Scare your friends during Halloween or sneak in as an extra on a Vincent Ward movie. Made from micro-fleece 100, the Baked Beanie occupies minimal room under your helmet while its microFoil lining saves your ears from biting winds.
SealSkin Sock (waterproof)
An improved design and better fitting sock, this is sock has been developed specifically for trekking and hiking in more arduous conditions. Similar to the Thick Mid Length Sock but with olive trim and designed for the Outdoor market.
Merino wool inner gives exceptional thermal and wicking performance. Deep padded loop pile around toes, sole, heel and achilles provide extra protection. Elasticated arch and ankle provide support and ensure a close, comfortable fit, with minimal friction within the shoe.
Defeet merino knee warmers
Kneekers wool protect cyclists pistons by keeping the quadriceps, knees, and calves warm while riding in cool weather. Made from the finest Merino wool, this version of Kneekers is a valuable part of every cyclists kit. Make sure to pack a pair every time you leave for a ride and you’re not certain what conditions you might face.
Defeet Merino wool gloves
Duragloves™ are made for aerobic sports like cycling and running. Like all DeFeet products, their usefulness comes from what they are not as much as from what they are. Duragloves™ are not made to climb Mt. Everest. They are made to climb mountains at a hard pace, descend the other side, and do it over and over until your ride is done. Thin enough to ride at your maximum effort and still give you dexterity to fiddle around in your jersey for food. Thick enough to keep frostbite off your fingers at 50mph down alps still laden with snow. This is the Merino Wool version, which is the right choice whenever cooler temperatures and/or moisture are in the forecast. Destined to become a staple in your cycling and multi-sport wardrobe.
Carbon Drive Belt
The carbon cords inside the patented Gates Carbon Drive™ belt offer, for the first time, the necessary tensile strength and high modulus to provide the smooth, clean, and long lasting ride advantage of a “belt” driven system in a bicycle application. The specially designed tooth pitch and meticulously engineered pulley profile afford the belt efficiency equal to that of a standard chain, with the low tension necessary to prevent unnecessary bearing load on other components.
Minty Boost USB Charger
(I’ve totally ordered one of these things)
This project details a small & simple, but very powerful USB charger for your mp3 player, camera, cell phone, and just about any other gadget you can plug into a USB port to charge! (See below for compatibility tests)
The charger circuitry and 2 AA batteries fit into an Altoids gum tin, and will run your iPod for hours! 2.5x more than you’d get from a 9V USB charger! (See Process for math/calculations) You can use rechargable batteries too.
Motorola Defy+
With it’s large display and access to thousands of app,s the Motorola Defy is certainly boredom proof. It’s dustproof as well, and water and scratch resistant. It’s life proof, you might say. And with MOTOBLUR, automatically receive messages or status updates, filtering what’s not a priority.
Fixomull
Fixomull stretch is coated with a hypoallergenic* polyacrylate adhesive. The backing material is made of transversely stretchable non-woven polyester. Fixomull stretch adapts well even to highly contoured parts of the body. Constriciton, congestion and distrubances of blood circulation are prevented. Fixomull stretch is very well tolerated even by patients with sensitive skin.
Spot Tracker
The SPOT Personal Tracker raised the safety factor for millions who took to the outdoors each year. SPOT notifies friends, family or an international rescue coordination center with your GPS location and status based on situation and need – all with the push of a button.
Garmin Edge 800
Make the most of every ride with Edge 800 — the first touchscreen GPS bike computer. Providing navigation and performance monitoring, Edge 800 is ideal for touring, commuting, competitive cycling and mountain biking. It has a built-in basemap and tracks your distance, speed, location and ascent/descent. Use it with an ANT+™ heart rate monitor¹, speed/cadence sensor¹ or compatible power meter² for a finely tuned analysis of your ride.
Leatherman Skeletool CX
The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics… very cool basics. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that’s all you need. With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you’re set. Lightweight, low volume, perfect size. The Skeletool CX: Who says more is better?
Topeak Rachet Rocket Lite
All the speed and convenience of our original Ratchet Rocket™ reversing ratchet in a tighter and lighter package. The Ratchet Rocket™ Lite features a fine tooth ratchet mechanism with reverse lever and thumb wheel for quick rotation and control in tight spots and includes CrV hardened steel tools in 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex, T25 torx and #2 Phillips bits. All this repair capacity fits into a tiny nylon case.
Spoke Key
Park’s Four-Sided Spoke Wrenches grip 4 sides of the spoke nipple so they offer an excellent grip and won’t slip or round nipples when turning even the tightest spokes and/or aluminum nipples. These popular wrenches also have easy-to-hold vinyl-coated loop handles that are color-coded according to spoke size for easy identification. The loop handle makes them easy to hang on your tool board too.
Pump Lezyne mountain drive
Lezyne’s lightweight, powerful HP Drive mini-pump quickly inflates your tires so you can get back on your bike. Its aluminum barrel and no-slip nylon handle help you get pumped up to 120 psi in a flash. And, making your inflation experience even easier is a Presta/Schrader-compatible hose that stows inside the handle when not in use.
Camelbak 3L bladder
CamelBak’s innovative Antidote Reservoir is lighter, thinner and has a wider mouth, making it even easier to get your hand in for cleaning. Perhaps its greatest feature is the quarter-turn lid — no more struggling to open your bladder up, just a quick turn to open and you’re ready to fill. A center baffle reduces bunching and makes it a cinch to get the bladder in your pack and helps keep the water from sloshing around when you’re out on the trail. Plus, the Antidote uses the Quick Link system, an auto-shut off mechanism that lets you disconnect the bladder from the drinking tube for easy filling. And, integrated fold-out drying arms let air in for fast drying.
Revelate Viscacha
The Viscacha™ (vis-KA-cha) does it all. Take it on the Great Divide Route, the Iditarod trail, or long day trips.
The roll down opening allows the bag to easily expand or compress in volume. A removable internal compression strap aids in packing and closure, dual seat post gripper wrap attachments give a super stable attachment. High density foam stiffens up the seat post connection and a flexable plastic bottom sheet adds support along the bags length.
Beefy where it needs to be, lightweight where it does not.
Carbon seatpost friendly
Revelate Tangle Medium
Tangle bags™ are adjustable, rectangular-shaped frame bags that leave room for both water bottle mounts on the frame. Designed to fit a variety of bike frames, these bags can be used for everyday riding & commuting, and really any adventure big or small.
The main compartment features an exit port for a hydration tube or battery wire and the zippered left side pocket holds tools and maps. Attachment is made with reinforced velcro along the top tube, other attachments are made with webbing and low profile camlock buckles with strap keepers. All attachment points bartacked for strength.
Ventana El Commandante SS 29er
“The Commander”.
El Comandante, Ventana’s 29” wheeled rigid single speed with eccentric BB and international standard disc brake mount is their most capable offering ever in Ventana’s renowned heritage of one speed racers. Smooth rolling in the rough, and unbelievable traction are the two main attributes of 29” wheels, and El Comandante exploits them to the fullest. Full wishbone seat stays and S-bent chain stays with integral yolk yield unmatched lateral stiffness. Sloping top tube-seat tube extension gusset allows for optimal standover height.
Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
The Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 has been developed for both pros and performance oriented hobby cyclists who can appreciate it because of its reliability, perfect single gear ratios, wide range of gears, low maintenance and easy operation; its weight and efficiency are ideal even for pro racing.
The sealed gearbox ensures reliability and durability even under the toughest conditions. The even increments of 13.6% from gear to gear make it possible to always ride at the performance peak. The overall range makes sure that you have the right gear in every situation. Pure fun is guaranteed.











27 Jun 2012
Posted by Scott Thigpen
























9 Comments
Awesome, thanks for pulling this together, Scott! Scanning UL gear lists (whether for bikes or backs) is pure fun, so thanks for the stoke.
Ron (TDR’13 hopeful)
Thank you so much for posting this list, makes it so much better to understand what they are taking with them. Really enjoyed the info.
Diana Fahrenbruck
you are so welcome Diana, it was a blast getting to pick through all his stuff and see what it he carried over the course of 2700+ miles!
Looking in to his blog – you can add a Niner fork http://www.ninerbikes.com/carbonfork
and Gates Carbon Drive system instead of standard chain http://www.carbondrivesystems.com
I had considered a Niner Rigid fork for the trip – still on the fence about that
I guess the duct tape doubled as his first-aid kit?
Thanks for putting this together. It’s great to see what the winners are carrying and how they are reducing what they carry to the minimums.
Thanks for posting this, nice view of everything to think about for 2013!
[...] down the continental divide) Hell – just use his whole setup as sweetly described with links here: Ollie Whalley's Tour Divide Gear List | Divide Bound __________________ 75 911S Targa – Now Mine! <ALL DIY> Brakes/Wheels '01, [...]