What REI Adventures offers and how trips are structured

REI Adventures is the tour division of REI Co-op, the outdoor retail and membership organization. REI Adventures runs guided trips focused on hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, water sports, and international travel — mostly in groups of 8 to 20 people, led by professional guides employed or contracted by REI.

Each trip has a published itinerary that lists the daily schedule, the physical difficulty level, what gear you need to bring, what REI provides, and the total cost. You book through REI's website or by calling their trip desk. Most trips run on fixed dates throughout the year, though some are offered seasonally or on request for larger groups.

REI Adventures trips range from single-day local hikes near major cities to multi-week international expeditions. A day hike near Seattle might cost $75 to $150. A week-long backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada typically costs $1,200 to $2,000. International trips to places like Peru, Iceland, or New Zealand often run $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on length and location.

Key Takeaways

  • REI Adventures trips are led by professional guides and range from day hikes to multi-week international expeditions, with prices varying by duration and destination.
  • Each trip publishes a detailed itinerary showing daily activities, physical difficulty, required gear, what REI provides, and the exact cost before you book.
  • REI Co-op members receive a discount on most trips, typically 5 to 10 percent off the listed price.
  • Trip costs usually cover the guide, group meals (on multi-day trips), and some gear rental, but not airfare, personal gear, or travel insurance unless stated in the itinerary.
  • Most trips require you to cancel at least 30 days before the start date to receive a refund; cancellations within 30 days typically forfeit the full payment.

How REI Adventures prices trips and what is included

REI Adventures sets the price for each trip based on guide labor, transportation to the trailhead or destination, meals, permits, and insurance. The published price is what you pay, though REI Co-op members (who pay an annual membership fee) receive a percentage discount at checkout — usually 5 to 10 percent depending on the trip type.

What the price covers varies by trip. On a day hike, it typically covers only the guide and trailhead transportation. On a multi-day backpacking trip, it usually includes the guide, all group meals, camping fees, and sometimes a shared tent or sleeping pad. On international trips, it often covers the guide, in-country transportation, lodging, and meals, but almost never covers airfare to the departure city.

What you pay separately depends on the trip. You are responsible for your own hiking boots, backpack, sleeping bag, and other personal gear unless the itinerary explicitly states REI provides it. Some trips offer gear rental through REI's rental department at an additional cost. Travel insurance is not included and is your choice to purchase.

Difficulty levels and who these trips are designed for

REI Adventures rates each trip on a difficulty scale that describes both the physical demand and the technical skill required. A "light" or "straightforward" rating means short daily distances (under 5 miles), minimal elevation gain, and no rock climbing or water crossings. A "moderate" rating means 5 to 10 miles per day with some elevation gain and possibly stream crossings. A "strenuous" rating means 10+ miles per day, significant elevation gain, or technical skills like rock climbing or mountaineering.

The itinerary also states the age range REI recommends — some trips are family-friendly, others are adults-only, and some require previous experience with a specific activity (rock climbing certification, for example). REI does not require you to prove fitness or experience, but the itinerary description is meant to help you decide whether the trip matches your abilities.

REI Adventures also offers beginner-focused trips designed for people new to backpacking or climbing. These trips have shorter daily distances, more rest time, and guides trained to teach basic skills. They cost the same as comparable trips of similar length and difficulty.

How to find and book a specific trip

REI publishes its full trip calendar on its website, organized by activity type (hiking, backpacking, climbing, water sports, international), region, and season. You can filter by difficulty level, trip length, and price range. Each trip listing shows the dates, the itinerary day by day, the difficulty rating, what to bring, what REI provides, the total cost, and how many spots remain available.

To book, you create or log into your REI account, select the trip, choose your departure date if multiple dates are offered, and pay the full price upfront. REI accepts credit cards and debit cards. You receive a confirmation email with the trip details, a packing list, and instructions for what to do before the trip starts (such as when to arrive at the meeting point).

Some trips fill up weeks or months in advance, especially popular summer backpacking trips and international expeditions. If a trip is full, you can join a waitlist, and REI will contact you if a spot opens.

Cancellation and refund policies

REI Adventures allows you to cancel your booking and receive a refund if you cancel at least 30 days before the trip start date. The refund is the full amount you paid, minus any non-refundable deposits that REI paid on your behalf (such as permits or lodging that cannot be recovered). In practice, most day hikes and short trips are fully refundable if you cancel 30 days out.

If you cancel between 14 and 29 days before the trip, you typically receive a 50 percent refund. If you cancel fewer than 14 days before, you forfeit the full payment. Some international trips have stricter cancellation windows — for example, 60 days for full refund, 30 days for 50 percent refund, and no refund within 30 days.

The exact cancellation terms are listed in the trip itinerary before you book. REI recommends purchasing travel insurance if you are concerned about having to cancel for medical or personal reasons, though REI does not sell insurance directly.

What happens on the trip and what guides do

REI Adventures guides are trained outdoor professionals who lead the group through the itinerary, manage safety, teach skills, and handle logistics like camp setup and meal preparation. On a day hike, the guide leads the route, points out landmarks and wildlife, and ensures the group stays together. On a multi-day backpacking trip, the guide chooses campsites, cooks group meals, treats minor injuries, and teaches skills like bear canister use or water filtration.

Guides are not personal trainers or therapists, but they are trained in wilderness first aid and CPR. If someone in the group becomes injured or ill, the guide assesses the situation and decides whether to continue, slow down, or call for evacuation. On trips in remote areas, guides carry satellite communicators to contact rescue services if needed.

The group dynamic varies by trip. Some trips are social and include group dinners and evening activities. Others are more focused on the activity itself with less socializing. The itinerary usually describes the expected group size and the guide's approach.

How REI Adventures differs from other tour companies

REI Adventures is owned and operated by REI Co-op, so it is integrated with REI's retail stores and membership program. If you are already an REI member, you get a discount on trips. If you are not a member, you can join before booking to receive the discount — the membership fee may pay for itself on a single trip.

REI Adventures focuses on outdoor skills and education, not luxury or convenience. Guides teach you how to navigate, set up camp, and move safely through wilderness. Meals on backpacking trips are often straightforward camp food, not restaurant-quality cuisine. Accommodations on international trips range from basic lodges to tents, depending on the destination.

Other tour companies may offer more upscale accommodations, smaller group sizes, or specialized focus (photography, birding, yoga). REI Adventures prioritizes accessibility — trips for beginners, trips in popular areas near cities, and competitive pricing compared to luxury tour operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an REI member to book a trip?

No. You can book any REI Adventures trip without membership. However, REI Co-op members receive a discount of typically 5 to 10 percent off the trip price. If you plan to take multiple trips or shop at REI, membership may pay for itself quickly.

What if I am not in good physical shape?

REI offers trips at all difficulty levels, including beginner and straightforward-rated trips designed for people new to backpacking or hiking. Read the itinerary carefully to understand the daily mileage, elevation gain, and pace. If you are unsure whether a trip matches your fitness, contact REI's trip desk by phone and describe your experience — they can recommend appropriate trips.

Can I bring my own food instead of eating group meals?

On day hikes, you typically bring your own snacks and lunch. On multi-day trips, group meals are part of the package and are included in the price. You are expected to eat with the group. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, contact REI before booking so the guide can plan accordingly.

What happens if the weather is bad?

REI may postpone or cancel a trip if weather creates unsafe conditions. If a trip is cancelled by REI, you receive a full refund or can reschedule to another date. If weather is poor but safe, the trip usually proceeds as planned — bring appropriate rain gear and expect wet conditions.

Do I need experience with the activity before I sign up?

No. REI offers beginner trips for most activities, and guides teach basic skills during the trip. Some advanced trips (rock climbing at high difficulty levels, mountaineering expeditions) do require previous experience or certification, and the itinerary will state this clearly.