Tour Divide Resupply Guide: Ultimate Strategy for Food and Water Planning

Welcome to The Project’s Tour Divide Resupply Guide. Designed to help you navigate the essential details of resupply, uncovering the hidden gems and crucial stops that can impact your journey, the Tour Divide Planning Aid has you covered. Resupplying for the Tour Divide is one of the more straightforward aspects of the race, but it still requires careful planning to ensure success. Despite its relatively accessible resupply options, knowing where to find key resources along the route can make a huge difference.

Effective resupply planning is critical for both racers and tourers. My own experience taught me the importance of thorough research—I missed out on some crucial locations simply because I hadn’t prepared adequately. To streamline your planning, I’ve created detailed Tour Divide planning aids that offer comprehensive information on key resupply points, water sources, and more. With the information provided in this guide and the linked resources, you’ll be well-equipped to strategize your food and water needs, enhancing your chances of a successful Tour Divide adventure.

For additional insights, consider consulting the Adventure Cycling Association’s maps and participating in Facebook forums

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FOOD RESUPPLY OPTIONS

This Tour Divide Resupply Guide provides key information on food resupply points, meal planning, and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished on your journey from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining energy and stamina throughout the grueling Tour Divide. Understanding where to find food and how to manage your supplies can make a significant difference in your Tour Divide experience.

Key Areas with Limited Food Availability

While the Tour Divide route passes through many towns and resupply points, there are certain stretches where food options are sparse. Here are some areas where you need to be particularly prepared:

  1. Great Basin: This section in Wyoming is not only dry but also lacks frequent resupply points. Stock up on non-perishable, high-calorie foods before entering this area.
  2. New Mexico: As you approach the southern end of the route, resupply points become less frequent. Plan your food supplies carefully to ensure you have enough to sustain you.

Planning Your Food Strategy

To effectively manage your food needs, consider the following tips:

  • Research Resupply Points: Use the detailed information in our Tour Divide Planning Aids to identify towns and stores along the route where you can restock your supplies. Knowing where and when to resupply can help you avoid running low on food.
  • Pack Efficiently: Prioritize foods that are lightweight, non-perishable, and high in calories. Proper packing can help you make the most of your limited storage space.
  • Stay Flexible: Since most resupply locations are small and offer limited healthy options, be prepared to adjust your food strategy based on availability and conditions. Carry extra snacks for emergencies and be adaptable if your planned resupply point is closed or out of stock.
  • Nutrition: Have a plan for selecting versatile, nutrient-dense foods that can sustain you through long stretches between resupplies. While you can’t carry all your food in advance, packing a few key items like snacks or supplements can help you manage when healthier options are scarce.

With careful planning and adaptability, you can ensure you stay well-nourished throughout your Tour Divide adventure.

Meal Planning and Resupply Tips

Effective meal planning for the Tour Divide involves balancing convenience, nutritional value, and weight. Here are some tips and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished throughout your journey:

  • High-Calorie, Lightweight Foods: Opt for foods that provide a high calorie-to-weight ratio. Nuts, dehydrated meals, energy bars, and jerky are excellent choices. Pack efficient, lightweight, and non-perishable items to make the most of your limited storage space.
  • Regular Resupply: Plan to restock your food supplies at major towns along the route. Use our Tour Divide Planning Aids to identify key resupply points and avoid running low on food. Research and plan your stops in advance to ensure you have access to necessary supplies.
  • Variety: Incorporate a variety of foods to prevent menu fatigue and ensure a balanced diet. Include sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Mixing up your meals can help maintain morale and energy levels.
  • Meal Frequency: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Snacking regularly and having more substantial meals at resupply points can keep you fueled and prevent energy dips.
  • Cooking vs. Non-Cooking: According to the Tour Divide Survey, while some riders carry small stoves for cooking, most rely on ready-to-eat foods to save time and reduce the need for additional gear.

By following these tips and utilizing our Tour Divide Planning Aids, you can effectively manage your food supplies and stay well-nourished on your Tour Divide adventure. Proper meal planning and resupply strategies are crucial for maintaining energy and stamina throughout this challenging route.

Tour Divide Planning Aids

Welcome to The Project’s Tour Divide Planning Aids, designed to bridge the gap left by the lack of high-quality planning tools within bikepacking. As a Triple Crown thru-hiker, I’m accustomed to comprehensive planning resources, and I noticed that bikepacking needed similar quality tools. That’s why I developed these resources to make your Tour Divide adventure as smooth and well-prepared as possible.
Our planning aids include four distinct styles to help you plan your ride:

  • The Data Sheet: Offers the most detailed information, including distance, elevation +/-, resupply options, notes and more for key POI.
  • Town List: provides cumulative distances between POI, and does the math so you don’t have to.
  • Mileage Chart and Elevation Gain Chart: are simple graphs showing cumulative mileage and elevation gain between POI.

Additional Resources

  • Why Use Our Planning Aids: Check out the “Why Choose Our Planning Aids” tab below for an in-depth explanation of their value, including how they simplify preparation, save time, and provide clarity bikepacking adventures and racing.
  • Tour Divide Maps: Explore our companion Ride with GPS maps section below, to visualize the route, identify POIs, and download files for offline navigation.

Explore our offerings to find the perfect combination for your needs and get ready to conquer the Tour Divide! Don’t forget to checkout our online Tour Divide Resources as well.

BUNDLES

Small Bundles:

Big Bundles:

The Small Bundle includes our two most popular planning aids, giving bikepackers essential route data in a streamlined format. With key logistics, cumulative mileage, and resupply details at your fingertips, this bundle simplifies planning and keeps you focused on the ride.

  • Data Sheet – The most comprehensive planning tool, packed with mileage, elevation gain/loss, resupply points, and key logistics.
  • Town List – Cumulative mileage and elevation gain between POIs, helping track progress and plan stops efficiently.

The Big Bundle provides the most complete set of planning tools, ensuring you have everything needed to plan effectively and ride with confidence.

  • Data Sheet – Detailed mileage, elevation, and resupply information for comprehensive planning.
  • Town List – Cumulative distance and elevation tracking for easy route management.
  • Mileage Chart – Quick-reference breakdown of distances between key points.
  • Elevation Gain Chart – Clear elevation changes to help anticipate climbs and descents.

Available in both SOBO and NOBO versions, as well as both US Standard and Metric units.

Small Bundle – $40.00  *You save $10 when you bundle!

Big Bundle – $60.00  *You save $20 when you bundle!

This website is awesome, very professionally done and has been a great resource.”

Craig, I wanted to let you know that your bikepacking guides are incredibly well done and useful.

DATA SHEETS / TOWN LISTS

Data Sheets:

Town Lists:

The Data Sheet is our most comprehensive planning tool, packed with detailed route data, including mileage, elevation gain/loss, resupply points, key logistics, and more to support every aspect of your ride. Designed to be the ultimate resupply tool, it ensures bikepackers have the critical information needed to plan their route efficiently and make informed decisions on the go.

The Town List provides cumulative distances and elevation gain between multiple POIs, helping bikepackers track progress and plan resupply stops with ease. By doing the math for you, it saves time and lets you focus on the ride.

Data Sheet ONLY available in SOBO version, as well as both US Standard and Metric units.

Town Lists are ONLY available as part of the Small or Big Bundle.

Data Sheet – $25

Town List (ONLY available as part of the Small or Big Bundle.)

This website is awesome, very professionally done and has been a great resource.”

Craig, I wanted to let you know that your bikepacking guides are incredibly well done and useful.

MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

Mileage Charts:

Elevation Gain Charts:

The Mileage Chart provides a quick-reference breakdown of distances between key points along the route, helping bikepackers plan resupply stops and daily targets efficiently.

  • Shows bike shops.
  • Works for both directions.
  • Key water sources.

The Elevation Gain Chart delivers a clear view of total elevation changes, allowing riders to anticipate climbs, descents, and overall route difficulty at a glance.

    • Shows bike shops.
    • Works for both directions.
    • Key water sources.

The Mileage and Elevation Gain Charts are ONLY available as part of the Big Bundle.

Mileage and Elevation Gain Carts are our available as part of the Big Bundle.

Big Bundle – $60.00  *You save $20 when you bundle!

This website is awesome, very professionally done and has been a great resource.”

Craig, I wanted to let you know that your bikepacking guides are incredibly well done and useful.

Why Use Our Planning Aids?

Our Tour Divide Planning Aids for bikepacking and hiking are trusted by experienced bikepackers, endurance riders, and hikers because they simplify preparation and provide clarity where it matters most. With our Tour Divide Planning Aids, you can:

  • Plan with Confidence: Know exactly what’s ahead, from water stops to elevation changes, whether you're on two wheels or exploring on foot.
  • Save Time: Get all the key route details in one organized place—no more piecing together scattered info, whether you're planning a ride or a hike.
  • Stay Focused on the Journey: With your prep done, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the experience, whether you're riding or hiking.

What Are Planning Aids?

Our  Tour Divide Planning Aids are comprehensive resources designed to assist bikepackers in effectively planning and navigating their adventures. Whether you’re tackling challenging bikepacking routes, or exploring scenic trails, these aids deliver critical route data and information to simplify your preparation and keep you focused on your journey.

From mileage data to key resupply points and water sources, our Tour Divide Planning Aids provide the essential details to help you stay on track and fully experience the trail. We aim to support your success, no matter how you choose to explore the outdoors.

What You Get

When you choose our Tour Divide Planning Aids, you gain access to reliable and organized route-specific data, including:

  • Point-of-Interest (POI) Data:
    • Mileage markers, cumulative distances, and key stops along the route.
    • Locations for resupply points, water sources, bike shops, and other critical services.
  • Route Metrics:
    • Elevation gain/loss, max/min elevations, and pavement mileage.
    • Detailed charts to help you anticipate climbs, descents, and varying terrain.
  • Practical Notes for Riders:
    • Guidance for navigating remote areas, staying prepared for dry stretches, and hitting resupply points.
    • Finish targets and other planning details to set achievable goals for each ride.
  • Convenient Formats:
    • Delivered as easy-to-use PDF files, available in both SOBO (Southbound) and NOBO (Northbound) formats where applicable.
  • Free Updates Throughout the Year:
    • Planning Aids include the most current data available at the time of purchase and are valid through December 31 of that year. If new information becomes available, you’ll receive free updates via email to ensure you’re always using the latest data.

This website is awesome, very professionally done and has been a great resource.”

Craig, I wanted to let you know that your bikepacking guides are incredibly well done and useful.

Tour Divide Maps

Ride with GPS Maps

Plan Smarter with the Tour Divide Maps and Planning Aids

The Tour Divide is one of the most challenging bikepacking routes in the world, stretching thousands of miles through remote terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Proper preparation is essential for success, and these interactive maps, based on the official race route, are designed to complement the One of Seven Project's Tour Divide Planning Aids, giving you a powerful combination of tools to streamline your planning process.

  • Route visualization: Use the maps to explore the route, identify Points of Interest (POIs), and understand the trail's layout. Icons represent water sources, resupply points, towns, and bike shops, offering a high-level view of critical stops along the way.
  • Downloadable backup: By downloading these maps from Ride with GPS, you’ll have a reliable backup GPX file to use if your GPS device runs out of battery or breaks.
  • Detailed insights: Dive deeper into the Planning Aids for essential data like mileage, elevation gain/loss, resupply strategies, and water details—organized to help you tackle the unique challenges of the Tour Divide with confidence.

Together, these resources provide everything you need to map out a realistic strategy for tackling the Tour Divide, whether you're racing or touring. Start planning your adventure today!

To the right, you’ll find our free resource with essential tools for your Tour Divide adventure, including a Mileage Difference Chart, Gear List, Bike Shop List, Planning Checklist, Itinerary, Mail Drop Planner, and Food Planner. This free version offers a solid starting point to kick off your planning.

For those seeking comprehensive and in-depth guidance, our full Tour Divide Planning Aids are your go-to resource. These detailed tools provide the most complete information available, helping you to plan and execute your ride with precision. Check them out for a thorough preparation and maximize your chances of success. Best of luck on your journey!

Tour Divide Town List Example

This spreed sheet is available on Google Docs, Please go to “Edit”, then select, ” Copy”. When pasting use Control(Command) – Shift – Paste or it won’t work. You’ll have to adjust column sizes. Then make all the changes you like! Happy planning and trails.

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WATER RESUPPLY OPTIONS

Proper hydration is crucial for a successful and safe Tour Divide experience. The route, spanning from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, covers diverse terrains and climates, each presenting unique challenges in sourcing and managing water. This guide aims to provide you with essential information about water sources, filtration methods, and the best practices for carrying water.

Key Areas with Limited Water Availability

Several stretches of the Tour Divide are notorious for their lack of reliable water sources. Here are some areas where you need to be particularly vigilant:

  1. Great Basin: This arid region in Wyoming is infamous for its scarcity of water. Plan to carry extra water and know your resupply points in advance.
  2. New Mexico: The final leg of the journey can be quite dry, especially as you approach Antelope Wells. Ensure you have a sufficient water supply and know the locations of available sources.

The maps from Adventure Cycling Association are a great place to find water resources and much more.

Pro-Tip

NOTE that these are just a general list.  Do your own research based on the time of year and year you’re attempting the route.  Water conditions vary constantly and it’s up to you to ensure your own safety.

Insights on Water Carrying Capacity and Delivery Systems

Use your best judgement, filter unknown sources, do your research before you go. According to the responses from the Tour Divide Survey, riders use various strategies to manage their water needs:

  • Water Carrying Capacity: The majority of riders carry between 2 to 4 liters of water. Some carry up to 6 liters, especially in the more arid sections of the route.
  • Preferred Delivery Systems:
    • Hydration Bladders: These are favored for their convenience and capacity. They allow for easy sipping without stopping.
    • Water Bottles: Many riders use a combination of hydration bladders and water bottles to balance convenience and capacity.

Planning Your Water Strategy

To effectively manage your water needs, consider the following tips:

  1. Research Water Sources: Use the detailed information in our Tour Divide Planning Aids to identify reliable water sources along the route. Knowing where to find water can help you plan your daily water intake and carrying capacity. The maps from the ACA are another great source.
  2. Monitor Weather Conditions: Weather can significantly impact water availability. Stay updated on weather forecasts and adjust your water strategy accordingly.
  3. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your plan if you encounter unexpected conditions or if a planned water source is dry.
  4. Include Electrolytes: Ensure you have a strategy for replenishing electrolytes, especially during hot or strenuous sections. Electrolyte tablets or powders can help maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration.

With the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure you stay hydrated and safe throughout your Tour Divide adventure. For more detailed information and planning tools, consider our comprehensive Tour Divide Planning Aids, which offer the most thorough guide available to help you successfully navigate this epic journey. Best of luck!

Tour Divide Rider Survey

The Project conducts an ongoing rider survey to assist new riders in selecting the right gear for the Tour Divide. Embarking on an adventure like the Tour Divide can be daunting, and the planning process overwhelming. We hope this survey will aid new riders in their preparation and execution of their Tour Divide ride, ensuring they are better equipped for their adventure.

If you haven’t taken the Tour Divide Rider Survey yet, we encourage you to participate through the links below.

***Please pay close attention to the examples provided for questions requiring typed answers. If responses are not entered exactly as shown in the examples, I will need to correct them, which can skew the results. Thank you in advance!

Tour Divide Rider Survey Example

Covers: bikes, suspension, tires & wheels, drivetrain, and Components.

Covers: navigation planning, camping, logistic/travel, clothes, and more.

More Helpful TD Resources

Everything you need to plan a bikepacking trip on the Tour Divide.

Tour Divide Planning Aids: Resupply, Mileage, and More

Checkout our full line of Tour Divide Planning Aids at our store. Choose from NOBO and SOBO / US standard and metric.

Tour Divide: My Prove Triple Crown Bikepacking Gear

  • Proven Bikepacking Gear | Tested on the Tour Divide & Triple Crown

A detailed look at what I used on the Tour Divide, what worked and what didn’t.

Tour Divide Gear: What Worked Well and What’s Even Better

In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, Tour Divide | What Worked Well and What’s Even Better.

Tour Divide Rider Survey: Essential Gear Insights for New Riders

Curios to know what gear other riders used to get to the finish line? Checkout our Rider Surveys to find out what works or to take the survey yourself.

Ultimate Guide to Tour Divide:

Route, Resources, and More

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.