If you have a mobility-related disability and are planning on traveling a folding walking stick can come in handy. Especially when flying, as it means you can fold the stick down and keep it beneath your seat rather than being made to put it in the overhead bin.
As someone with limited mobility, I hate having to put my walking aids in the overhead bin. I have to call a flight attendant whenever I need to leave my seat. Whereas by having the walking stick folded down, beneath my seat I can get up straight away without having to wait. I find it more convenient especially if needing the toilet.
Folding walking sticks are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them perfect for travel or everyday use. With so many different options available, it can be hard to choose the right one for your needs.
One of the most critical things to consider when purchasing a folding walking cane is the material it’s made of. The most common materials are aluminum and carbon fiber, both of which are lightweight and durable. Another essential factor to consider is the weight capacity of the cane.
You need to make sure that the cane can support your weight and provide the necessary stability. If you’re like me and need a cane that can weight bare then I recommend buying one that can support above your weight as this ensures it’ll be more stable.
After years of traveling, and testing different walking canes I’ve put together a list of ones that I have found to be reliable. These canes are easy to use, adjust to your height, and provide excellent support. Whether you’re looking for a walking stick/cane to use on a daily basis or just one for traveling, I’ve put together this list of the best walking sticks for traveling that collapse + are compact.
Vaunn Medical Easy Grip
If you’d like a sturdy walking cane that is easy to carry around, the Vaunn Medical Easy Grip Height Adjustable Folding Cane/Walking Stick is a great option.
The things I like:
- The folding mechanism makes it easy to store and transport. I find the included carrying case comes in handy when storing it away in another bag, to keep dirt from the bottom of the stick getting onto your other belongings.
- The adjustable height allows you to customize it to your height. So whether you’re tall or short like me, you can adjust this stick to a comfortable height.
- The non-slip grip handle is comfortable to hold and reduces pressure on the wrist, making it easier to use for extended periods of time.
The things I didn’t like:
- The cane is not as stable as some other options, so it may not be the best choice for people with balance issues.
- The locking mechanism can be a bit tricky to use at first, so it may take some practice to get the hang of it.
The Vaunn Medical Easy Grip Folding Cane is made from a high-strength anodized aluminum. This is a lightweight mateiral but also super sturdy. The self-locking mechanism ensures that the cane stays securely in place when unfolded so it doesn’t have any weakness in the joints like some other sticks.
The heavy-duty rubber tip can withstand rough terrain and bad weather. I find that the tips can run out quite fast on cheap canes, so having a heavy duty one is great. The cane is also corrosion-resistant, so it’ll last longer without tarnishing.
The handle is 5 inches long, and is a non-slip ergonomic handle. This helps with reducing the pressure on the wrist, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods of time. If you’re like me and tend to get hand cramps when using a cane, this really can help reduce that.
The cane is height-adjustable, with a range of 33 inches to 37 inches. Weight wise it supports up to 250 lbs (113kg). It also only weighs only 0.7 lbs (about 350 grams) making it a good lightweight option for carry-on luggage.
Vive Folding Cane
The Vive Folding Cane is a great option if you’d like a lightweight stick, that can be used on almost every surface. The slip-resistant rubber tip is handy as I personally find that some walking sticks slip on smooth surfaces – especially in the rain.
The cane provides excellent support and stability and supports a weight of up to about 250 lb (about 113kg). The handles ergonomic, and there’s a wrist strap so you don’t have to worry about dropping it.
The things I like:
- The Vive Folding Cane is collapsible and compact, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
- The lightweight and adjustable aluminum frame is durable and can support up to 250 pounds (113 kg).
- The ergonomic grip and wrist strap reduce fatigue and prevent muscle cramps, while the slip-resistant rubber tip enhances traction and stability.
The things I didn’t like:
- The cane may be too long or too short for some users, even with the adjustable height feature.
- The wrist strap may be uncomfortable for some users, especially if they have wrist issues.
- The cane may not be as stylish or aesthetically pleasing as other models on the market.
If you’re looking for a folding cane that’s easy to use and provides excellent support, the Vive Folding Cane is a great choice. Whether you’re traveling or just need a little extra help getting around, this cane is lightweight, durable, and easy to use.
The adjustable height feature makes it easy to customize the cane to your specific needs, while the slip-resistant rubber tip ensures that you can use it safely on any surface.
Switch Sticks Walking Cane
This Switch Sticks cane is a great option if you want a fashonionable cane. Most walking sticks are typicall plain black or bown, but this one is definitely more stylish. Typically canes are quite boring looking but this one has a gold pattern. But besides from being stylish it’s also one of the best folding cane for travel.
The adjustable height, slip-resistant rubber tip, and lightweight design make it a practical choice for those who need a little extra support while walking.
The cane has a real wood handle so if you don’t like the touch/feel of the typical rubber anti-slip grip this is a good option. Whilst it’s wood, it still provides a comfortable grip, and the included wrist strap helps prevent you from dropping the cane.
The things I like:
- The adjustable height is great for eliminating uncomfortable bending or slouching, allowing you to maintain good posture.
- The slip-resistant rubber tip provides extra safety and traction on most surfaces, so you can feel confident and stable while walking.
- The cane folds into four sections for easy storage and travel, making it lightweight and compact enough to fit into a bag or suitcase.
- Includes a hook & loop band to stop it from unfolding, so you can store it away easily for storage under your seat on the plane.
- Supports up to 264lb (about 119kg), so slightly higher weight limits than the previous two canes.
The things I didn’t like:
- The real wood handle, while ergonomic and comfortable, may not be as durable as other materials.
- More expensive than alternatives.
Akeoil Folding Walking Cane
The Akeoil Folding Walking Cane is made of high-strength aluminum alloy, which makes it both durable and lightweight.
The matte grip on the handle helps prevent it from slipping out your hand, while the anti-slip and wear-resistant rubber bottom helps minimize slipping on different surfaces. But I personally found, the stick slips on marble and other smooth surfaces especially when the floors are wet. It also has a low weight limit of 220lb (99.7kg), but the stick itself only weighs 0.5lb (230 grams).
The things I like:
- Cheap and more affordable than most other folding sticks.
- The adjustable height feature with five buttons allows you to customize the cane to your exact height for maximum stability and comfort.
- The T-shaped handle with an elastic bowl strap provides a comfortable and secure grip that won’t tire out your hands.
The things I didn’t like:
- The rubber tip can be a bit slippery on wet surfaces, so be careful when walking on slick floors (e.g. marble) or pavement.
- The handle is small so might be hard to use for those with larger hands.
- It makes some creaking noises when being used.
- Low max weight limit of 220lb (about 99.7kg)
The Akeoil walking stick is OK if you only need some extra balance but if you’re like me and need something suitable for weight bearing it’s best to spend the extra money and get something sturdier.
DMI Folding Walking Cane
If you’re looking for folding cane that’s sturdy but also colorful, then this one’s a great option. It’s easy to grip, adjustable, and can support up to 250 pounds. Plus it’s not even that expensive; you can pick this stick up for under $15 (or about £15).
DMI has a few design options available, so you could get different designs to match different outfits. In the US, you can pick between the cute pink floral option (shown above), a blue stripey option, or a blue spotty option. In the UK/Europe, the floral option is sadly not available right now. But you can pick from a copper swirl pattern, a blue strip option, a greeny stripey option, or a green spotty option.
The things I like:
- The cane folds compactly into 4 sections for easy storage or travel and can easily fit in a purse or bag when not in use. Storage sleeve is included to keep cane tightly folded.
- The derby grip handle is made of sleek and stylish smooth wood, which is comfortable and supportive for either the right or left hand.
- The cane can adjust from 33-37 inches in 1 inch increments to ensure the best individual comfort and stability.
The things I didn’t like:
- The handle may not be sturdy enough for those needing to weight bare.
- There’s no wrist strap. I found this caused me to drop the cane, and I’d need to prop it up when not using it. You can always buy a wrist trap off Etsy though.
The DMI Designer Folding Cane is made of strong anodized aluminum, so it’s super lightweight. The slip-resistant rubber tip provides a firm grip on flat surfaces.
This foldable cane also comes with a storage sleeve as a bonus so you can protect it whilst in transport to avoid getting the design scratched. To properly size the cane, have someone measure the distance from your wrist joint to the floor. This measurement is the height your cane should be set at.
YAMTHR Folding Walking Cane
If you’re looking for a sturdy and convenient folding walking cane, the YAMTHR Folding Walking Cane is a great option.
The things I like:
- The cane is adjustable, with 5 levels of height adjustment from 33 inches to 37 inches, so you can find the perfect height for your needs.
- The cane can be easily collapsed into 4 interconnected sections, making it easy to store in a tote bag, backpack, purse, or glove compartment.
- The contoured handle is comfortable to grip and has an ergonomic design to fit the shape of your palm, relieving pressure from your wrist.
The things I didn’t like:
- The rubber tip at the bottom of the cane can wear out over time and may need to be replaced.
- The cane may not be suitable for those who require a lot of support or have balance issues, as it is designed for light to moderate use.
- The cane may not be suitable for those who are taller than 6 feet, as it may not provide enough support at higher heights.
The YAMTHR Folding Walking Cane is a great choice for anyone who needs a lightweight and portable walking aid. The adjustable height and comfortable handle make it easy to use, and the collapsible design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The cane is made of strong and durable anodized aluminum, so it can support a weight of up to to 250 pounds. The slip-resistant rubber tip at the bottom of the cane provides additional stability on wet or uneven surfaces. Having a slip resistant rubber tip is really useful when traveling to places like Lisbon where the tile pavements can be slippery.
RMS Folding Cane
The RMS Folding Cane is another great option. It’s durable, adjustable, and comes with a comfortable grip handle and anti-slip rubber tip. It supports up to 250lbs so it can hold a decent weight as well.
The things I like:
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to store and travel with
- Adjustable height for a customized fit
- Smooth and ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip
The things I didn’t like:
- May not be as sturdy as non-folding canes
- Some users may find the handle to be too narrow
- The wrist strap may not be very secure
The collapsible cane design makes it easy to store in a walker bag, purse, or carry-on luggage. The adjustable height feature allows you to customise the cane’s height. The cane has a smooth and ergonomic handle providing a comfortable grip. The anti-slip rubber tip ensures stability and safety while walking.
However, the stick itself is quite narrow and doesn’t feel as strong as other folding canes, so if you are weight-bearing I’d say avoid this one. I found it does bend a little if I put all my weight on it. But if you’re looking for a lightweight and portable walking cane that is good fo helping you balance, the RMS Folding Cane is a good choice.
Sminiker Professional Folding Walking Canes
If you’re looking for a lightweight and adjustable walking cane that’s easy to store and carry, the Sminiker Professional Folding Walking Canes could be a great option for you.
The things I like:
- The anodized aluminum shaft provides maximum safety and endurance while remaining lightweight.
- The folding mechanism is easy and smooth, allowing you to snap the cane into four convenient parts.
- The height is adjustable from 33″ to 37″, making it suitable for users with different heights.
The things I didn’t like:
- The knob at the base is a hard plastic, which can be slippery on wet surfaces.
- The handle is small and might not be comfortable for people with larger hands.
- The rubber stopper at the bottom can be too slick on hard surfaces.
This cane is designed to provide maximum safety and comfort while remaining lightweight. The ergonomical handle fits the shape of your palm and relieves pressure from your wrist, so this helps you stop getting wrist pain. But the handle is a bit small so if you have larger hands, then you might find this hard to use. The stick has a locking mechanism that lets you easily fold/extend the stick. The walking cane also comes with a storage bag and a convenient wrist strap. If you’re like me and tend to drop things, the strap will save you from the hassle of dropping it.
The sticks height can be adjusted from 33 inch to 37 inch and can be easily folded into four sections and stored in the included storage bag. However, the knob at the base can be slippery on wet surfaces, and the rubber stopper at the bottom can be too slick on hard surfaces.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and adjustable walking cane that’s easy to store and carry, the Sminiker Professional Folding Walking Canes could be a great option for you. However, if you need a walking cane with a larger handle or better traction on wet or hard surfaces, you might want to consider other options.