REI Co-op closing its travel and classes ‘Experiences’ division

REI Co-op, a prominent retailer in the outdoor industry, has announced the closure of its Experiences division after four decades. This move aims to refocus the company’s efforts on its core retail operations.

Many RVers are familiar with REI Co-op. They sell a plethora of outdoor equipment along with books, supplies and apparel.

REI’s Experiences division

Established to offer adventure travel, day tours, and educational classes, REI’s Experiences division provided outdoor enthusiasts with guided trips and learning opportunities. These experiences ranged from local day outings to extensive adventure travel, catering to both novices and seasoned adventurers.

Features and offerings

The division’s offerings were diverse, including:

• Adventure travel: Organized trips to various destinations, both domestic and international, allowing participants to engage in activities like hiking, kayaking, and cycling.
• Day tours: Shorter excursions designed to introduce participants to outdoor activities and local natural attractions.
• Educational classes: Instructional sessions covering skills such as backpacking, navigation, and wilderness survival.

Costs

The pricing for REI’s experiences varied. The trip duration, destination and included amenities factored into REI’s somewhat pricey packages. Travel deals ranged from $759 to over $10,000 per person—often including park fees, meals, camping equipment, and professional guides. Day tours and classes were a bit more affordable, with some day tours starting at $155 per person.

Campgrounds and tours

REI also developed Signature Camps near national parks, offering comfortable accommodations and guided activities. These camps aimed to enhance the outdoor experience by providing amenities that bridged the gap between traditional camping and lodging. However, with the closure of the Experiences division, plans for new camps, such as the one near Grand Canyon National Park, have been canceled.

Behind the closure

The decision to discontinue the Experiences division stems from its lack of profitability. In 2024, the division engaged only about 40,000 customers, representing less than 0.4% of REI’s total customer base. Even at its peak in 2019, the division did not achieve profitability. Consequently, REI has laid off more than 400 employees associated with this segment, including 180 full-time and 248 part-time staffers.

Future focus

Despite this shift, REI remains committed to outdoor education and plans to innovate in this space throughout 2025. The company will continue to operate its extensive retail network, comprising more than 190 stores across 43 states and Washington, D.C., providing customers with a wide range of outdoor gear and apparel.

For customers with existing bookings through the Experiences division, REI has assured full refunds and is in the process of concluding partnerships with travel contractors. While this marks the end of an era for REI’s guided adventures and classes, the company’s dedication to outfitting and educating outdoor enthusiasts remains ongoing.

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