Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become more involved?

Great! We’re excited you’re just as stoked about SC Outfitters as we are! If you want to get more involved, you might want to consider:

See you soon!

How do I go on a trip?

We’re excited that you want to go on a trip with us! To learn more about the trip sign-up process, check out our Trips 101 page for an in-depth explanation!

When are the membership meetings?

Our membership meetings are typically scheduled on the last Wednesday of each month from 9.00pm to 10.00pm. Make sure to check your email for the latest dates and meeting locations!

Where does the money from trip fees and membership subscriptions go?

Our trips are indivdually priced at cost. Together with our membership subscription fees, all the money goes towards helping us cover transportation + gas, campground/wilderness permits, food and snacky snacks, equipment upkeep and administrative fees for each trip, as well as our general overhead costs, purchases for new equipment for you to use on our adventures such as backpacks and climbing gear, and long-term projects that allow us to continue to expand SC Outfitters to better serve you.

In no way do we profit from our trips. All of our guides volunteer their time to lead trips for SC Outfitters.

Can I rent gear from you guys?

Because of the large number of trips we run each month, we are unable to loan out gear out for use outside of an SC Outfitter trip. We want to be able to guarantee that all participants of our trips are adequately prepared with the right gear, that’s in good condition, for as low of a price as possible. Unfortunately, restricting our gear is the only way we are able to meet this goal at this time.

If you need to rent gear, we suggest Outdoor Adventure Rentals from USC’s Recreational Sports at the Lyon Center. Just head to the front desk at the Lyon Center and ask for their outdoor gear rentals!

Additionally, REI at Santa Monica offers outdoor equipment rentals as well.

Oh no! My toaster exploded! I can’t go on my trip anymore. How do I cancel?

It’s alright. It’s okay. We know toast is an important part of a balanced breakfast and would never ask you to jeopardize that for one of our trips.

If you need to cancel on a trip for whatever reason life throws at you, please let your guide know as soon as you can. Generally, we’re able to issue full refunds if we can find a replacement for your spot. For more information, check out Our Refund Policy.

Can I become a guide?

Absolutely! All of our guides are students and we’re always looking to add to our ranks. Currently, we only run guide recruitment during the Spring Semester, typically after Spring Break from late-March to mid-April.

If you’re interested in becoming a guide, we’d suggest going on our trips to learn more about SC Outfitters and our style of running trips, as well as to give us a chance to meet you as a participant!

When you’re ready for guide recruitment, know that we select guides from the USC student body based on their passion for the outdoors and a demonstrated ability to lead trips into the Los Angeles wilderness. We do recognize certifications from a variety of outdoor organizations; however, none are required to become an SC Outfitter guide.

I have questions about life, the universe, and everything. How can I contact you guys to find the answer?

42. But in case you need a more in-depth answer, feel free to contact us using Our Help Desk.