Gear
Accessible travel gear
Small things that make a hot trail, a long concourse or a wet coast easier, grouped by need. Each one is suggested in at least one guide, tied to what that place is actually like. I haven't tested these specific products; they're widely sold options to compare. Check with your doctor or physical therapist before choosing a mobility aid.
☀Heat & sun⚲Walking & rest☂Rain, water & wet ground☺Kids & sensory◎Power & views
Affiliate links: the Amazon links here are tagged, so I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. They're suggestions for this kind of trip, not products I've tested, and prices change, so I don't list them. Disclosure
☀Heat & sun
Arizona's heat is the hardest part of traveling here. Shade you carry, cold water and a wet towel do more than any gadget.
⚲Walking & rest
Support for hills, long concourses and long lines, and a way to sit down when there's no bench.
Walking & rest
HurryCane Freedom Edition Folding Cane
A cane that folds small enough for a carry-on or a daypack, and stands up on its own when you need both hands for a boarding pass or a coffee.
- Three-point SteadiGrip base
- Handle height 30.5 to 37.5 in
- Folds to about 13.7 in
- Aluminum
Keep in mind: It doesn't stand reliably on gravel, sand or slopes. If balance is the main issue, ask a physical therapist which cane type suits you before you buy any.
Suggested in: Phoenix Sky Harbor at your own pace: wheelchair help, walking distances and quiet spaces
Walking & rest
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles
On Japan's Kumano Kodo I walked with trekking poles, and on hills they do a lot of the work balance can't. This carbon pair is a widely sold, lightweight option; I haven't tested this specific model.
- Carbon fiber shafts
- Quick-lock length adjustment, 26 to 54 in
- Sold as a pair
Keep in mind: Practice adjusting them at home: a little longer for going down, a little shorter for going up. Rubber tips are kinder on paved paths.
Suggested in: Portland's Japanese Garden and Rose Garden at an easy pace
Walking & rest
Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator with Seat
A rollator gives you something steady to push and a seat that goes everywhere you do. On long paved routes it can turn a half-day outing into a full one.
- Padded seat and backrest
- Listed 15.4 lb, supports up to 300 lb
- Side-folding to fit most car trunks
- Height-adjustable handles, folding basket
Keep in mind: Rollators are for paved, fairly level routes. On steep hills, gravel or stairs, check the guide's access notes first, and practice using the brakes on a slope at home.
Suggested in: Portland's Japanese Garden and Rose Garden at an easy pace
☂Rain, water & wet ground
For the Oregon coast, Oak Creek and the splash pad: staying dry, keeping your footing on slick rock, and keeping your phone safe.
Rain, water & wet ground
Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella (2 pack)
A small umbrella that opens with one button, so you can keep a hand free for a cane, a railing or a child.
- Compact, folding
- Auto open and close
- Fiberglass frame
- Sold as a 2 pack
Keep in mind: In strong coastal wind an umbrella is more trouble than it's worth. Switch to a hooded rain layer there.
Suggested in: Portland's Japanese Garden and Rose Garden at an easy pace
☺Kids & sensory
For the youngest travelers and anyone who finds crowds and noise hard: moving air in the stroller and quiet when it's loud.