Does REI Offer Gear Rentals, Classes, and Outdoor Events?

Updated

Yes. REI's site describes the co-op as offering "top-brand gear, clothing—and outdoor adventures," and explicitly lists rentals, classes, events, and expert advice alongside its online and in-store shopping. The practical catch is that these services are organized by location and program type, so what you can rent or sign up for depends on the store or event near you rather than on a single nationwide catalog.

What REI Lists as Available

According to REI's own site description, the co-op provides:

  • Gear and clothing from top brands, sold online and in stores
  • Rentals — outdoor gear you can borrow instead of buy
  • Classes — instructional sessions
  • Events — organized outdoor activities and gatherings
  • Expert advice — guidance from staff

This confirms the categories exist as part of REI's offering. It does not confirm specific items, dates, prices, or availability, which the site summary does not detail.

How to Find Rentals, Classes, and Events Near You

Because REI presents these as location-based services, the useful next step is to look up your local store or the specific program page rather than searching the homepage alone.

  1. Start from rei.com and look for the store locator or the section covering classes, events, and rentals.
  2. Select your nearest REI store to see what that location supports — not every store necessarily runs every program.
  3. Check the specific listing for the class or event you want, including date, cost, and how to register.
  4. Confirm rental details with the store, since rental inventory and terms are set locally.

Expected result: you should end up on a page tied to a specific store or program that shows actual dates, availability, and sign-up instructions.

What to Verify Before You Commit

The site summary is a general description, not a service catalog. Before planning around a rental or class, confirm:

Question Why it matters
Does my local store offer this program? Services are organized by location
What are the dates and times? Classes and events are scheduled, not always-on
Is there a fee, and how do I register? The summary does not state pricing for these services
What gear is available to rent? Rental inventory is not detailed in the site description
Do I need a membership? REI is a co-op; membership terms are not specified here

Bottom Line

REI does present gear rentals, classes, outdoor events, and expert advice as part of what it offers, so it's reasonable to treat rei.com as a starting point for all four. The deciding factor is your local store and the specific program: check the store page and the individual class or event listing to confirm availability, cost, and registration before you make plans.