A Folding walking stick is a device used by many people to facilitate balancing whilst walking.

Walking sticks, also called trekking poles, pilgrim’s staffs, hiking poles or hiking sticks, are used by hikers for a wide variety of purposes: to clear spiderwebs, part thick bushes or grass obscuring the trail; as a support when going uphill or a brake when going downhill; as a balance point when crossing streams, swamps or other rough terrain; to feel for obstacles in the path; to test mud and puddles for depth; and as a defence against wild animals. A walking stick can be improvised from nearby felled wood. More ornate sticks are made for avid hikers, and are often adorned with small trinkets or medallions depicting “conquered” territory.

• White canes: specially for assisting the visually impaired, these are longer and thinner and allow the user to “feel” the path ahead. They also alert others, such as motorists, to know the user is blind and therefore use caution.
• Folding canes: have several joints, allowing them to be folded into a shorter length when not in use.
• Quad canes: have four legs at the bottom, allowing them to stand freely, and offering a more stable base for standing.
• Tripod canes: open in tripod fashion. Often available with an attached seat.
• Adjustable canes: feature two or more shaft pieces for a telescoping effect that allows the user to lengthen or shorten their walking cane to fit to size.