This $380 foldable kayak fits in my Prius and goes from backseat to lake in 10 minutes

After disappointment with both conventional kayaks and inflatables, I’ve found a third option that offers the best of both worlds. Photograph: Alan Truly

I love the calm of kayaking. I enjoy being close to the water, the soft slap of waves against the hull, the sound of birds in the trees, and the way a river keeps offering one more curve and pebbled bank to explore.

But I’ve never wanted the gear or hassle of the typical boating lifestyle. I don’t own a truck or a trailer. I don’t want to hoist a heavy boat on to a roof rack, ratchet it down, then drive around nervously glancing upward every time the wind gusts. I want to check the weather, pack a lunch, toss a boat in my car and get out on the water.