Forget about those cumbersome kayaks you've got to strap on top of the car or drag around on a trailer. The era of the foldable kayak is here. When folded, it slings over your shoulder like a messenger bag, at the ready in case you stumble across an unexpected stream you want to explore.

The Oru folding kayak transforms from the compact bag to a 12-foot, 25-pound, water-tight kayak in about five minutes. The unusual adventurer's accessory is made with corrugated plastic with structural reinforcements.

The over-the-shoulder kayak is reported to be perfectly seaworthy — though I'd probably describe it as "water-worthy," as it is recommended for mild waters.

The Oru is expected to go into production soon and to retail for around $500. There's a mailing list you can sign up for if you want to know right when it's ready.

Check out the video below to see this origami-esque product transform from an item you could pack in your trunk to your own 12-foot kayak.

Oru Kayak, via GearPatrol