Folding

We've seen quite a few portable, free-standing hammocks lately, but Pondell's QNUX distinguishes itself in a rather interesting way. The whole thing packs down into a tube-like carrying case, which also serves as part of the hammock.

If you want a kayak (that isn't inflatable), you typically also need a car with a suitable roof rack. German product designer Daniel Schult has come with an alternative, however, in the form of a folding kayak that can be carried like a backpack.

Samsung gave us a glimpse of the Galaxy Z Fold2 last month, but now we've got the full picture. The foldable follow-up to the original Galaxy Fold is going on sale from September 18, with pricing starting at US$1,999.

Taiwanese firm Tern has graced our pages with some highly practical ebike designs, and the newly launched version of its family-friendly GSD stays true to this ethos with a sturdier frame, easier step-through geometry and a few new bells and whistles.

Given that they have to incorporate hinges, latches and other structural considerations, folding bikes tend to be heavier than their regular counterparts. Nonetheless, a British designer has built one that tips the scales at just 6 kg (13.2 lb).

Although there are many insects with wings that fold down beneath covers when not in use, the earwig's wings fold the most compactly. Scientists have now copied that folding mechanism, with an eye towards using it in human technology.

The brush-clearing power of a machete packed down into handheld flashlight size, the new Gerber Doubledown is a different style of folding knife. The butterfly-style tool works as a hatchet, machete or knife before folding down to half-size.

In early November 2018, a little known Chinese company launched one called the FlexPai. Now Royole has announced its latest flexible display and the phone in which it will launch, plus a partnership with ZTE.

While kayaks are great for exploring your local waterways, they're also pretty awkward to transport – especially if you don't have a car-top carrier. The Tucktec is designed with that in mind, as it folds together from a single sheet of plastic.

If you've ever been to Vietnam, then you'll have seen the rickshaw taxi-trikes in which the pedaler sits behind the passenger. Well, the Companion Bike is a carbon fiber version of those, that folds inwards for storage and transit.

With their laidback seating, recumbent bikes are often more comfortable than uprights, although they're also longer and thus more awkward to store and carry. The Speed Bent addresses that problem by folding, and utilizing a shaft-drive drivetrain.

Although the bulletproof shields used by police officers are definitely life-savers, the things are also quite heavy and bulky. The origami-inspired Swift Shield offers an alternative, as it folds down into a lightweight package when not in use.