You’re probably asking right now, “Why am I reading about a life preserver on a gadget blog?” That’s a great question! The reason, however, is a simple one. Some of the coolest tech and gadgets out there are not AI-powered robots, laptops or smartphones. Some of the coolest tech I have looked at since starting GadgetSyrup.com has been outdoor techs such as the Skycamp from iKamper, HURU’s all-weather backpack and the BioLite CampStove 2.
I recently came across another really interesting outdoor piece of tech; OneUp. Check it out below.
What is OneUp?
OneUp is the billed as “World’s Most Compact Self-Activating Life Float” and comes in can the size of a Monster Energy drink.
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What Does OneUp Do?
It is fairly obvious based on the description, but OneUp, when thrown into the water, rapidly transforms into a full-sized inflated life preserver. The process is quick too, according to OneUp the device takes only 2 seconds to transform from its energy drink sized can into the life preserver.
OneUp is pretty impressive device too, given its size. As I mentioned, it is no bigger than an energy drink can and weighs less than one pound, but when inflated can hold up to 330 lbs or 150 kg.
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How Does It Work?
Using tech commonly used with aeronautical & naval safety and security, OneUp is equipped with a small salt pod and a CO2 sensor that is triggered by contact with water.
When the OneUp lands in the water, the salt pod instantly dissolves, revealing the CO2 inflation sensor and therefore, causing the rapid release of CO2 into the contained inflation device.
What makes OneUps life preserver even more fascinating is its reusability. Deflation and repack into its container takes a little over a minute and but you will need to replace the salt pod and CO2 cartridge after each use.
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What Else?
According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional deaths globally, with an estimated toll of 360, 000 lives or 42 deaths every hour. That is a staggering number.
Being equipped with a device, like that of the OneUp, water safety can be dramatically improved no matter where you are, be it the beach, the local swimming pool or when traveling by boat on a large body of water.
Saúl Arteta, CEO of OneUp, has said that the mission of “OneUp is to improve water safety forever while giving people an easy-to-use tool they can rely on during any water activity.”
“Until now, life
preservers have been bulky and difficult to manage. With our new device, people can still enjoy
their time on the water and trust that if an issue arises, OneUp is there to save anyone in just
seconds.”
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Finally, a little fun behind the name. OneUp was selected as the name of this device as a throwback to classic video games of the ’80’s and ’90’s because extra lives were commonly referred to as “OneUps” And that is exactly what OneUp is; it is an “extra life” approach to aquatic safety. It is nice to see a company using a little nostalgic fun with their naming conventions.
Where to Buy OneUp?
Early-bird pricing is available today, April 4th, on Indiegogo for $49. OneUp plans to ship their life-saving device sometime this summer.
For more information head over to OneUpSaves.com.
What are your thoughts on the OneUp? Is it a game-changer for you? Personally, for myself, a father of 3 small children, I absolutely plan to purchase a few of these to keep on hand. You never know what is going to happen when out on open water. In a perfect world, you never need to use a device like OneUp, but I would rather have it on hand and not use it, then need it and not have it.
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