Having a backup for anything is always a good idea! You can have one with you and keep the other one in your room or you can even carry the folding cane in your bag.

I prefer a telescoping cane. My personal favorite is from the NFB. If you are looking to try a rigid cane I believe the national Federation for the blind does give one free cane per year. You may have to check their website though.

I use a folding cane. I also have a folding back up as well. It's good just in case something happens to one of them. I also have a holster for it to clip onto my pants or bag strap.

I like that better than having to sit on it or prop it up against a wall somewhere. I don't lay it on the ground. The holster also keeps it folded unlike when I put it in the bag.

Rigid is technically the best option for the best feedback, but a folding is way easier to deal with, especially if you have a sighted guide!
Always have two canes with you, and always own at LEAST 3 canes!

I use a nose-high folding graphite cane and a shoulder-high LED fiberglass folding cane. I prefer the former and use the latter on night walks so I don't get hit by a car.

I've heard that rigid canes can give you more information through vibration/echo, but I've only ever used folding canes.

Go for the folding cane every time. I'm just going off my wife's opinion. She actually prefers the weightier aluminum canes because they are less "bouncy". I accidentally got her one of the carbon fiber canes ones and she didn't like it because it was too light. She does use it when we are hiking in the woods.

If weight is your main issue, try the carbon fiber version. I just think it's nice to be able to fold that sucker up when it's not needed.

I personally prefer the nfb cane for rigid canes, but I miss being able to fold my cane. Have a second is a fine idea, yes!

I personally always use a folding cane just for convenience. I’m never sure what to do with a rigid cane when I sit down in lecture, at a restaurant, etc. unless there’s a wall to lean it against, but maybe that’s a me problem haha

If I were a full-time cane user, I'd probably go with a rigid cane, because they can be so lightweight and they just feel so nice to use, but I'm not, so being able to store my cane in my bag when I don't need it is super important to me. So folding it is.

If you're in the US and want to try out a rigid cane, you can request a free one from the NFB. They're pretty nice! The only downside is that you can't change the tip on the free canes.

I haven't used a ridgid cane in years. I always have a folding one with me. Mainly, because it can be folded up and stored on my belt when not in use.

I usually keep an old cane at home for a backup. I also have one at work just in case I needan extra.

If you're looking for something between a folding cane and a rigid cane, a great option is a telescopic cane! They're usually easier to break down, too.

You can find this one $1 on Amazon. It has solid reviews and might be worth a look.

Best of luck!

Having both couldn’t hurt. Personally, I like the filling canes. Easier to throw into a back pack or tuck away when not in use (ie: sitting at a desk). My ex hated folding canes. Felt they got super dirty super quick. He had a cane that twisted into itself, similar to how a folding canes has section. Think, telescope style. When that one broke, he got a solid, non-twisting, non-folding cane. He really liked the twisting one, then the solid one, then the folding one.

Having a backup is wonderful. Me on the other hand, I've got a folding cane because I got mine Susie in FB. I don't use it very often and in fact I mainly got mine because I haven't legally blind person use a participation purposes and if I'm out somewhere like a strip mall I'll use it if I'm by myself so people can see me when I'm crossing the street. Akshay full thing it's better there a little bit awkward but the rigid ones are it is portable.

I use a rigid cane because the folding makes my wrist hurt. It’s also much better for tactile feedback, and as a DeafBlind person who relies mostly on tactile feedback from my cane this is essential. I cant remember if it’s graphite or fiberglass. It’s been a few years since I bought one. I like my canes long because I’m a fast walker, and it was just too heavy. I have a folding and a rigid one though.

I don’t find the rigid overly annoying to deal with. I use it on trains, subways, busses, and taxis and it’s ok. It’s only a problem on planes. So if you’re flying bring a folding cane back up as carry on. The rigid can be stowed in cabin and they’ll give it back at the end.

I have an Identification cane also, for when I’m working my guide dog. Bus drivers always pass me up and taxi/lyft drivers are kind of dense and don’t realize it’s a guide dog. The identification folding cane helps.