Can I get a discount on trekking poles by joining the Go Outdoors membership card?
Yes, absolutely. Joining the Go Outdoors Membership Card is one of the most effective ways to save money on trekking poles—and on a wide range of other outdoor gear. The card costs just £5 per year and unlocks exclusive "member prices" that are often 10–20% lower than the standard retail price. For a pair of premium trekking poles from Leki or Black Diamond, the savings can easily cover the cost of the membership several times over. This guide explains exactly how the membership works, how to maximise your savings, and whether it's worth it for your next pole purchase.
How the Go Outdoors Membership Card works
The Go Outdoors Membership Card is a loyalty scheme that gives you access to discounted pricing on most products in store and online. Unlike a traditional loyalty card that offers points or cashback, this card gives you an immediate, upfront discount on the marked price. The standard price you see on the shelf is often the "non‑member" price; the "member price" is what you pay when you scan your card at the till.
For trekking poles, the difference can be significant. For example, a pair of Black Diamond Trail Pro poles might be priced at £120 for non‑members but £100 for members. A Leki Makalu might drop from £130 to £110. These discounts apply across the board—whether you're buying entry‑level Decathlon‑branded poles or high‑end models.
The "Price Match + 10%" promise
One of the standout features of the Go Outdoors membership is the "Price Match + 10%" guarantee. If you find a lower price on the same product from a UK‑based competitor (including Amazon UK, Cotswold Outdoor, or other outdoor retailers), Go Outdoors will not only match that price but beat it by 10% of the difference. This is a powerful tool for securing the best possible deal on your poles.
For example, if you find a pair of poles online for £95 and Go Outdoors has a member price of £100, they will reduce the price to £95 and then take off an additional £0.50 (10% of the £5 difference). You end up paying £94.50—cheaper than the online price. The price match applies to both in‑store and online purchases, though you may need to present proof of the lower price (e.g., a screenshot or web link) at the time of purchase.
How to maximise your savings on trekking poles
1. Sign up before you shop
The membership card costs £5 per year. If you're buying a pair of poles, you'll likely save more than £5 on your first purchase alone. Sign up online or in‑store before you hit the checkout.
2. Check the member price online first
Go Outdoors's website clearly displays both the standard price and the member price. You can compare prices and see exactly how much you'll save before you even leave the house. This also allows you to check stock availability at your nearest branch.
3. Use the price match
If you find a better price elsewhere, don't hesitate to use the price match promise. It's one of the most generous policies in the UK outdoor retail sector.
4. Look out for clearance and sale events
Go Outdoors frequently runs clearance events, and the member discount often applies to sale items as well. Keep an eye on their "Offers" page for additional savings.
5. Consider the annual card if you buy regularly
If you're a regular walker and plan to buy other gear (boots, jackets, tents) during the year, the £5 card pays for itself many times over. For a one‑off purchase, it's still often worth it, but you should weigh the cost against the discount you'll get.
Is the membership worth it for a single purchase?
For a single pair of mid‑range or premium trekking poles (say, £80‑£130), the member discount typically saves you between £10 and £25. After subtracting the £5 card cost, you're still saving a meaningful amount. For budget poles (under £40), the discount might be smaller, so you might want to check the numbers before committing. But for most walkers buying a quality pair, the membership pays for itself on that first purchase.
Other benefits of the membership
Beyond the pole discount, the Go Outdoors membership card offers:
- Access to exclusive offers and clearance events.
- The ability to collect points (though this is not the primary benefit).
- Free standard delivery on online orders over a certain threshold.
- Priority access to some flash sales.
Comparing to other retailers
Cotswold Outdoor does not have a paid membership scheme, but they do have a free loyalty programme (the "Cotswold Outdoor Club") that offers occasional discounts. Decathlon offers a free loyalty card that gives you a 10% discount on a future purchase after spending a certain amount. However, Go Outdoors's paid membership offers the most immediate and substantial discount on trekking poles, especially when combined with the price match guarantee.
Final verdict
Yes, joining the Go Outdoors Membership Card is a highly effective way to get a discount on trekking poles. The £5 annual fee is a small investment that typically saves you more than that on a single pair of poles—often £10‑£25 or more. Combine this with the price match promise, and you can secure the best possible price on a premium pole. For any walker planning to buy a quality pair of poles, the card is a no‑brainer. Sign up online or in‑store, check the member price, and enjoy the savings. Happy walking!
