looking for recommendations for packable walking stick for senior recovering from achilles surgery

And note. The stick would be in a checked bag, know that we can`t bring on board. Thanks for your thoughts

Mike
DC

Note that an assistive cane unlike a walking stick is permissible on board most aircraft. This type of medical device which is also available as a foldable type would provide you the options to either pack in your suitcase as you indicated or carry on board should the need arise. Although I’ve examined a foldable type late last year I am not able to recommend a specific one. It may or may not have the specific features that you desire.

You do not need to pack a walking cane. That type of mobility aid iis allowed through all security checkpoints. I've used a cane for almost 30 years and have never had any difficulty travelling. No need for it to be collapsible. And not to be confused with hiking sticks, which have a spike on the end and are not allowed throught security.

I travel with a hand carved and beautifully painted wooden walking stick from Mexico. At no time have I been questioned about it at TSA or on flights other than from interested fe!low travelers who inquired where they could get one. I have two of these - one from Mexico City and one from Guadalajara - the cost about $10.
Sometimes similar canes show up on eBay.

I just ordered and received a collapsable walking CANE from Amazon to take with me to Morocco in a few months. I read reviews and ordered one based off of features (strong, lightweight, collapsable, comfortable shaped handle, top reviews). It was not at all expensive and because it has a flat, rubber tip I will be able to carry it on in my (always) carryon luggage. There are lots to choose from on Amazon. The walking STICKS that the hikers in my family use have pointed tips and straight handles and would not be appropriate for me because I (with a new hip and wonky knees) need one for balance on city and village streets, not on nature trails.

I saw collapsable walking canes in the Walmart drug store section today.

I just flew back from Hawaii on a flight with three people using canes to get on board. Of course you can bring a cane on board - it's a medical device. Just not the hiking sticks. If she needs it to walk, she needs it. I've used a folding walking stick many times on trips and walked right through the airport on board with them, asking the TSA screener if OK just to be sure. Take a doctors note if you think it will be questioned.

And you can always buy one there if you need to.

We always pack a collapsible walking stick/cane “just in case.” I saw one for sale in our CVS pharmacy yesterday. Wishing you a full recovery!

A few years ago before my knee replacement, I took my collapsible cane on board flights to Italy.
It’s a brand called “Hugo”, bought at my local drugstore.
It’s very sturdy.
They did put it through the scanner at the airports.
It fits into a checked bag too if you don’t need it on board.

I have a fold up cane that I got online from Walgreens for about $25. I like my hiking poles for actually hiking and much prefer a cane in cities. The cane is sturdy and I like that its inexpensive so I don't have to worry about loss. I feel like when folks see me with a cane, they are more cautious, while people with walking sticks are not necessarily perceived as injured, if that makes sense.

Hi Mike,
I haven’t used it on a trip yet but I just recently bought a TaDa cane/chair on Amazon. I think it’s great. At the flick of a lever, there’s a small seat to take pressure off back, legs whatever. I bought it for an upcoming NYC museum trip where I know I will need to be standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time.

I bought collapsible cane at Walmart, goes in carryon but is actually my backup. Collapsible hiking poles from Amazon (many options, mine came as pair but I usually only pack one; came with multiple tips to go over the pointed end, I usually use the plain rubber tip. Because rubber tips removable, poles still go in checked luggage ), I prefer using hiking pole as walking stick. Never had any issues using pole (with rubber tip on) when visiting museums, churches , etc.

I have collapsible hiking sticks and a collapsible cane.

I put the hiking stick in the checked bag. Don't want to risk TSA taking it away.

I carry the collapsible cane on board.

My cane has an elastic cord running thru it. So all I have to do is hold it up and it unfolds and puts itself together.

I think mine came from Amazon or TravelSmith. Lots of patterns and colors.

I also bought some velcro straps on Amazon and have one attached to the cane to hold it together when folded. Mine came with a sleeve for that purpose, but the sleeve isn't attached to the cane. I'd have to put it in my pocket or purse when not in use. I also bought one of those under table purse holder hooks. There is a small metal ring on the wrist strap of my cane so I can hang it under the table instead of keeping it in my lap or leaning it against the table while dining.

Amazon has a number of folding walking canes. I use one all the time when I travel. It folds down enough to fit in the seat back pocket so I can use it at any point when I get up. Also fits in a day bag for times I feel strong enough to go without it but want it along just in case. It's a good idea to always have it, since the cobblestones are killer in Europe. (I've got a torn meniscus)
https://www.amazon.com/RMS-Folding-Cane-Lightweight-Collapsible/dp/B07JBY42X4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=folding%2Bcane&qid=1706377819&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Just as an aside, I've named my canes. Nova and Lido. Lido is the folding cane; Nova is the non-foldable home cane.