Frequently asked questions
We’ve added answers to some of the questions we get the most. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, please get in touch.
FAQs
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 your local store.
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 your private group. Please reach out to your local REI field team for assistance.
Your confirmation email will tell you where to meet your instructors along with the class location. In many cases, these are the same place. If they aren’t, we will call the location where you should plan to meet your instructors, “Meeting Location“ and the location where the class will actually happen, “Event Location.“
We will give you directions to the Meeting Location. If the Meeting Location is not a REI store, look for the REI signs to find your instructor.
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.
REI strives to provide the best outdoor education programs possible. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures that our classes and outings at REI Outdoor School meet your high standards—or we will gladly offer your choice of a refund or a chance to re-take the class/outing.
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.
