This Escape Pack Helps You Rappel Down a Burning Building

Image: Flickr, La Citta Vita

With the help of a new product from Israeli-based SkySaver, emergency evacuees can rappel down tall buildings just like daredevils and stuntmen.

The device, also called SkySaver, is worn like a backpack during emergencies, such as a fire. It is strapped on with buckles that wrap around the waist and between the legs. During an emergency, the user attaches the pack to a secure pre-installed anchor and rappels down the side of the building.

The SkySaver cable comes with either a 160-foot cable or a 260-foot cable.

There are a few drawbacks, however. Children under 12 and people that use wheelchairs or similar devices can't wear the device. Users must also weigh between 66 pounds and 290 pounds.

Additionally, safety doesn't come cheap. The version with the shorter cable will set you back $500, while the longer edition rings up at $850. SkySaver is also only designed to be used once: If it is deployed, the user sends it back to SkySaver in exchange for a replacement at no extra charge.

SkySaver is available here and ships to anywhere in the world at no additional cost.