Outdoor Adventure Trips

Q: Do I have to be a student to join an adventure trip?

Nope! Any Universities of Wisconsin students, faculty, or staff are welcome to join in on Adventure Trips! Currently, we cannot accept members of the general community on adventure trips.

Q: What equipment is supplied for trips?

We will supply all necessary equipment and most meals for each trip. Participants are responsible for are their own clothes, snacks, medications and hygiene items. For example, on a typical canoe trip we'll provide your canoe, paddles, life jackets, dry bags for equipment, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook set, cooking utensils, stoves and fuel.

Q: How do I register for a trip?

Simple! Either stop in at the Outdoor Adventure Center (in the Shorewood Center building) and speak with our friendly staff. Or view our current trips and register on our outdoor program page. You'll also be able to see our free and local events at this page.

See Outdoor Programs

Q: How far in advance should I register for trips?

You should register as soon as you know you want to go. Most trips fill up quickly, and our most popular offerings can fill within the first couple weeks of classes. Follow our social media and check our trips regularly for the latest offerings and updates.

Q: Can I bring my own equipment?

Certainly! As long as it is appropriate for the given activity, you are more than welcome to bring your own equipment.

Q: How hard are the trips?

It varies. Some outdoor adventure trips are easy nature outings and some include activities that are exceptionally rigorous. To help you choose the right activity level for you, each trip has a different physical activity rating—mild, moderate, strenuous or very strenuous. The rating levels are defined as follows:

• Mild: Day hikes, camping near a vehicle, outings involving walking, potentially over uneven terrain, some uphill and downhill, carrying little or no weight.
• Moderate: Shorter backpacking and paddling trips, hiking on potentially uneven terrain with uphills and downhills or paddling in potential small waves and headwinds, may involve short periods of difficult or higher energy activity, may be carrying weight from 10-50lbs during the primary activity.
• Strenuous: Backpacks or hikes on difficult trails. Terrain may be rugged, with many uphill and downhill sections. These trips are for energetic, adventurous individuals who may have some experience in the outdoors. May include exposure to uncomfortable cold, wet conditions. May involve exposure to altitude.
• Very Strenuous: Difficult backpacks on rugged trails with sustained sections of up and downhill. Potential long exposure to cold, hot, or wet conditions and exposure to high altitude. May be carrying 10-50lbs during difficult activities. Previous experience and pre-trip workout regimen recommended.

UREC Outdoors provides all necessary equipment free of charge, meaning your registration price does not include any charge for equipment and there is no discount for bringing your own gear.