Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking – Appalachian Trail & Beyond

At REI, we love to get outside and play, and we know first-hand the importance of quality outdoor gear. We stand behind all our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we design our own line of award-winning REI brand gear and clothing. Whether you're new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned pro, we gladly share our enthusiasm for our products—and the trails, slopes and waterways where we play.

Each year, REI donates millions of dollars to support conservation efforts nationwide and sends dedicated teams of volunteers—members, customers and REI employees—to build trails, clean up beaches, restore local habitats and more. Through responsible business practices across the company, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint.

What began as a group of 23 mountain climbing buddies is now the nation's largest consumer cooperative. But no matter how large we grow, our roots remain firmly planted in the outdoors. Our passion for outdoor adventure is clear, whether you visit any of our stores across the country, phone us, or interact with us online.

By staying true to our roots, we've earned a place on Fortune magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" every year since the rankings began in 1998. We work hard to earn our reputation for quality and integrity every day. Our core purpose guides everything we do: we all work to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.

Why has REI offered adventure travel trips for more than 25 years? To get people outdoors! It's really that simple. For us, getting people outdoors is our mission, our goal, and our passion. And it's been that way for over 75 years! So whether you dream of cycling the winding roads of Zion National Park, exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands, trekking through the Himalayas, or joining us for a close-to-home weekend getaway, we're here to help you live that dream. With more than 150 different trips on every continent, you're sure to land on the trip of a lifetime, every time you travel with us.

REI Style Defined

Fantastic Travel Companions:

One of the best parts of travel is who you meet along the journey. With an REI Adventures trip, you have a head start because you're traveling with fellow REI members who more than likely share your values and your passion to explore the world around you. Not only will you make connections with local people across the globe, you'll be traveling with new friends that you'll want to keep for life.

Active Trips that Explore the World:

We can take you to all the places you've always wanted to go, to do the activities you love. You will be immersed in the natural beauty and culture of a place. And we do it in the REI way, welcoming those serendipitous travel moments that can't be planned and ultimately result in your best stories and memories from a trip. Chance encounters with wildlife, conversations with local residents, camaraderie with active like-minded travelers—these are the hallmarks of an REI Adventures trip.

Guides Worth Following:

Travel with us and you'll get to know a place like the back of your hand. You'll plunge into a region with access only a resident guide can offer. Our guides are musicians and scientist, Sherpas and chefs, each one passionate about the outdoors. Follow our guides away from the beaten path and you'll discover the unexpected. There's a world of truth and beauty waiting out there that's not found in any guidebook.

Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff:

Every REI Adventures journey begins with one of our travel-savvy staff. When you call, you'll get first-hand knowledge about your trip. Not only can REI tell you what to bring and how to prepare for your adventure—we do know a thing or two about gear—we'll also share our own passion for the destination and the activities you'll be doing. You can trust our knowledge and attention to detail to make your trip the best you've ever taken.