Collapsible Kayak Goes From Backpack to Water in 5 Minutes Flat

You gotta know when to fold 'em

March 9, 2017 9:00 am

When we were kids we folded airplanes, now we’re folding boats (and bicycles and smartphones and HD televisions).

At least if an Indiegogo campaign to raise funding for an 18-pound foldable kayak called the HYPAR that’s set to kick off next month proves successful.

With a sharp bow and wide stern that are designed to pierce the water and eliminate drag, the convertible kayak — which can unfold from backpack to water-ready in under five minutes — is also able to be used as a rowboat, sailboat or solar-powered motorboat.

Featuring a streamlined hull made from a custom polypropylene material that was specifically made to handle marine conditions, the HYPAR looks like a solid option for solo water treks and a sustainable one at that as each model is fully recyclable and will be replaced if damaged.

Folding Kayak (4 images)

“HYPAR is well suited for several environments from open sea to narrow streams and it can survive in gail wind and breaking wave situations despite possessing an elegant and modern profile,” according to the boat’s designers.

Foldable up to 20,000 times, the first HYPAR will initially be priced at $750 and the firm also plans to roll out a sailing model complete with sails, riggings and foot-controlled fin rudders.

You gotta know when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em, when to walk away and when to paddle.

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