Graphis Journal 383 delves into the evolving language of design with the unveiling of the Pontos Packable Kayak. Moving beyond mere functionality, this folding kayak reinterprets portable watercraft through a rugged, expedition-inspired design lens. Contrasting with the graceful, origami-inspired Oru Kayak, the Pontos introduces a new aesthetic rooted in the bold simplicity of deconstructed form—challenging traditional ideas of what a foldable design can be.
Written by Maxim Sorokopud
This time last year, Graphis featured a folding kayak, the Oru Kayak. Now, a similar product, the Pontos Packable Kayak, has caught our attention. These two differing products initially sound the same, but a number of interesting differences show that there are endless ways to realize a concept.
In terms of inspiration, the Oru Kayak and the Pontos Kayak vary significantly. While the former applies the elegance of origami to watersports, the latter enacts the rugged escapades that tents inherently convey. Pontos is certainly being brazen by claiming that its product “is the first truly packable kayak,” but the company justifies this statement by citing its ability to reduce down to a size comparable to that of a deconstructed two-person tent and having a weight of just seven pounds. For comparison, when folded, the Oru Kayak is the size of a check-in suitcase, and the lightest possible variant weighs 17 pounds. These size and weight differences may seem insignificant, but for those with a passion for outdoor exploration, it makes all the difference, as the Pontos Packable Kayak can be taken on any length of expedition with ease.
