1. 1Email store@nols.edu with your order number and the reason for the return.
2. 2Our team will confirm eligibility and provide the return shipping address.
3. 3Pack the item securely in its original packaging if possible. Use a trackable shipping method — NOLS is not responsible for packages lost in return transit.
4. 4Once we receive and inspect your return, we'll process your refund within 5–7 business days.

If your item arrived damaged or we made an error, we'll provide a prepaid shipping label at no cost to you.

Return shipping is the customer's responsibility for standard returns. If your item arrived damaged or we sent the wrong item, we'll provide a prepaid return label. We recommend using a trackable shipping method regardless, as NOLS cannot be responsible for packages lost in return transit.

Once we receive and inspect your return, refunds are typically issued within 5–7 business days to your original payment method. You'll receive an email when the refund is processed. Depending on your bank or card provider, it may take an additional 3–5 business days to appear on your statement.

We do offer exchanges, but they are subject to product availability. You are welcome to place an order yourself if you need the replacement item quickly. Contact store@nols.edu if you need help navigating this.

Yes, gifts can be returned within 30 days of the original delivery date, provided they meet our standard return conditions (unused, with tags, in original packaging). Refunds for gift returns are issued to the original purchaser's payment method. Email store@nols.edu with the order number (if you have it) and we'll help from there.

No — the NOLS store ships to US addresses only. If you're located outside the United States, we recommend using a US-based package forwarding service. Provide the forwarding service's US address at checkout, and they'll handle delivery to your international location. NOLS cannot be responsible for any forwarding arrangements or associated costs.

You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number once your order has shipped. Use that number on the carrier's website (UPS, USPS, or FedEx depending on your order) to track delivery. If you haven't received a shipping confirmation within 3 business days of ordering, reach out to store@nols.edu.

We ship via USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Standard shipping typically arrives within 5–7 business days. Expedited options are available at checkout for most orders. Orders are generally processed within 1–2 business days of being placed.

We process orders quickly, so changes or cancellations aren't always possible after submission. Contact store@nols.edu as soon as possible, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request before the order ships. Once shipped, the order will need to go through our standard return process.

No. We do not carry location-specific merchandise — such as items branded for individual NOLS campuses, course regions, or expedition locations. Our inventory reflects everything we carry. If you don't see it on the site, we don't have it and are unable to special-order it.

Many items are restocked seasonally. If something you want is out of stock, email store@nols.edu to ask about restock timelines, or check back periodically. Some limited-run or seasonal items may not return once sold out.

First, create an account at the NOLS store, then email store@nols.edu before placing your order with the following:

• Your state tax exemption or resale certificate
• The state(s) where the order will be shipped
• Your organization or department name

Our team will verify eligibility and provide instructions for completing a tax-exempt purchase. Tax exemption requests submitted after purchase may not be eligible for retroactive refund in all jurisdictions.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. We do not accept purchase orders, checks, or payment by invoice for online store orders.

No, guest checkout is available. Creating a store account makes it easier to track orders, view purchase history, and manage returns. Note that your NOLS alumni or course login is separate — you'll need to create a distinct store account if you'd like one.