Frequently asked questions

Search for a class or event, select one that looks interesting, and sign up for a date that works for you. If the date that you want to sign up for is full, click “Join the waitlist” and we’ll email you if a space opens up.

Pre-registration and payment are required for all classes.

Visit our cancellation page for details on how to cancel your registration or transfer it to another date.

When an instructor for a class needs time to prepare sometimes we will close sign ups so they have time. If you'd like to find out if there’s still space for a class that appears to be closed, please contact us at experiences@rei.com.

Once you’re registered we’ll send an email with the equipment we provide and what you’ll need to bring with you.

All our in-person outings require you to bring your own food and water. We’ll provide major equipment such as bikes, boats, and GPS units.

Depending on the program we may also provide carbon neutral transportation to and from the course from a central meeting point.

Most of our public offerings can be arranged for a private group. To make an inquiry, please email us at experiences@rei.com with your contact information and the course you're interested in.

Prior to your event you will receive an e-mail with final details about your upcoming experience which includes where to meet your instructor(s).

Tipping is optional and at the discretion of individual trip members. Please remember, the following suggestion is merely a guideline, not an expectation. If you feel your guide(s) did an outstanding job and would like to reward them for their efforts, a suggested guideline is 10-20% of the trip price. The guide team will divide all gratuities equally among themselves. Your guides may have access to an electronic form of payment such as Venmo or PayPal, however this is not guaranteed. We still recommend having cash on hand in order to cover any gratuities you may wish to give. Credit cards cannot be accepted.

Every REI guide has wilderness medicine and CPR training. If needed, they can provide immediate aid to participants. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, participants could be evacuated from the trip to a medical facility or other nearby location to receive advanced care. Any additional costs associated with medical treatment, evacuation or transportation would be your responsibility, which is one of the many reasons we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Trained and certified service animals are welcome — just let us know beforehand so we can make any necessary accommodations.

Pets and non-service animals are not permitted on any REI Co-op experience.

TripAssure Travel Insurance Services has specialized in travel insurance programs since 1961. For unforeseen circumstances that may arise, we strongly recommend the purchase of the Day Trip Plan. TripAssure offers Trip Cancellation Insurance for REI Classes and Events. This pays for forfeited trip costs due to covered unforeseen circumstances or death, injury or illness of you or a family member.

Yes, our programs are designed to support a wide range of experiences and abilities. We understand that each participant is unique, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Our experienced guides are trained to handle various health situations; in addition, we'll work closely with you to try to address any specific concerns or requirements related to your condition. If you have any of these pre-existing conditions, including but not limited to pregnancy, diabetes, seizure disorder, cardiac conditions, recent injury, severe allergies, serious mobility problems, or any condition which might necessitate a medical evacuation, please consult with your health care provider to decide if our program is suitable for you. If you have specific questions or require accommodations related to your pre-existing medical condition, please contact us during the registration process. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience safe and fulfilling outdoor adventures; choosing the best trip for you and your condition is where that starts.

Our guests are no longer required to test for COVID-19 if they exhibit flu-like symptoms during their trip. Depending on your level of concern, you may wear a mask or stay at a distance from another guest with flu-like symptoms. Should anyone in the group test positive for a respiratory illness during the trip, CDC recommendations regarding respiratory illness such as COVID-19, influenza, or RSV will be followed. In the event a medical practitioner recommends you discontinue travel or not join your trip due to an illness, we recommend trip insurance to help protect your travel investment. Since Covid-19-era travel restrictions have been removed, COVID-19 will be treated in the same way as any other illness when resolving claims.