REI Returns To Adventure Travel

It was less than a year ago that REI Co-op, the specialty outdoor retailer headquartered near Seattle, decided to leave the adventure travel business entirely, citing it as unprofitable and shuttering REI Experiences, the adventure travel arm of the business.

Apparently, they’ve had second thoughts. REI Co-op, the nation’s largest consumer co-op, has just announced a new partnership with Intrepid Travel to launch small-group, locally guided active trips for REI members and customers. It’s a quick return to the world of guided adventure travel, which REI has always seemed well-suited to offer, given its member base and the continued growth of adventure travel.

“These trips are designed to bring together REI members’ deep appreciation for familiar outdoor spaces and the thrill of discovering the unknown, while reflecting the co-op’s core values of time outside, inclusion, and sustainability.”

Intrepid Travel is well-known company, a world leader in responsible travel for more than 35 years. It’s a collaboration that promises to connect Intrepid’s established domestic and international adventures with REI’s core values. That includes giving back. Both companies have strong track records in non profit work around the globe.

“We are pleased to introduce immersive travel experiences in partnership with Intrepid that allow our customers and members to foster meaningful connections with new cultures and landscapes in bucket-list destinations,” Susan Viscon, REI’s chief new ventures and impact officer, said in a press statement. “These trips are designed to bring together REI members’ deep appreciation for familiar outdoor spaces and the thrill of discovering the unknown, while reflecting the co-op’s core values of time outside, inclusion, and sustainability.”

REI Exclusive and REI Recommended Trips

REI travel, operated by Intrepid, will connect REI’s outdoor expertise – which is not just gear but solid, in-store advice on what to purchase for an adventure – with Intrepid’s years of travel expertise. Starting in January 2026, two collections will be available – REI Exclusive and REI Recommended trips.

The REI Exclusive collection will include more than 25 trips exploring destinations in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania, and iconic destinations in the United States. The itineraries will range from three to 14 days, and each adventure, which could include alpine hikes, multi-sport adventures, women-led expeditions, and wildlife encounters, will be guided by Intrepid’s local experts.

The REI Recommended collection will include more than 50 trips offered across 32 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America. These itineraries will range from four to 15 days in length. Some of these trips will offer premium accommodation and signature experiences.

“By combining REI’s deep outdoor expertise with Intrepid’s recognized approach to responsible and locally-led tourism, we’re making it easier for curious members to seek out the unknown and experience the world.”

These trips will be available for anyone to book, but REI members will receive a 15% discount on Exclusive trips. Members who buy a Recommended trip will receive a 20% off coupon to use toward a future REI gear and apparel purchase. A lifetime REI membership costs a one-time fee of $30. REI Exclusive and Recommended trips will be available at REI.com/travel, while Recommended trips will also be sold through IntrepidTravel.com.

“By combining REI’s deep outdoor expertise with Intrepid’s recognized approach to responsible and locally-led tourism, we’re making it easier for curious members to seek out the unknown and experience the world,” Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, said in a press statement.

One percent of trip sale proceeds will support the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which launched in 2021 and has invested nearly US $36 million in more than 500 nonprofits across the country doing essential work to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive. This complements Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel through The Intrepid Foundation. Founded in 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported more than 160 partners across 73 countries by funding projects that reflect its mission to create positive impact.