A serene atmosphere is what one expects from a hiking trail. However, my recent hiking experience was disrupted by a whirring noise – the sound of me wearing the Hypershell Pro X exoskeleton. This device is designed to assist with walking, running, biking, or hiking, and it does its job remarkably well. In fact, it was so effective that it left me feeling devoid of the exercise and calm I normally get from hiking.

After wearing the $1,000 Hypershell Pro X on a day hike, I felt like I could do the same 3-hour route multiple times without getting tired. It was as if I was wearing a tireless machine, similar to those found in science fiction movies like Edge of Tomorrow. Removing the Hypershell was like losing a part of myself – I felt lethargic and heavier, despite the weight reduction. The Hypershell Pro X is a 4-pound device that resembles an early Iron-Man prototype.

I hiked with two friends, and they couldn’t resist making jokes about my exoskeleton. I felt like a tutorial character in a video game, with a walk speed slightly faster than the player character. The constant whirring sound and the feeling of being pulled by a machine detracted from the peaceful atmosphere of nature. People on the trail couldn’t help but stare at me.

The experience was more awkward than it should have been. I rarely have time for hiking, and when I do, I want to enjoy the scenery and the physical challenge. However, there are people who can greatly benefit from this device. If you want to tackle challenging hikes but lack the physical ability, the Hypershell may be the solution – even if it means your friends will tease you about looking like a cyborg.

The Hypershell Pro X Makes Hiking Almost Too Easy

Wearing the exoskeleton felt more invasive than expected. The battery and rear support wrap around your back and clamp around your waist, while the leg bands strap around each thigh. The device is designed to fit multiple waist sizes, but it may not fit every body type.

The Hypershell detects your leg movement and provides 125 W motors to assist with propulsion, with a maximum torque of 32 Newton-meters. The feeling of your legs being assisted takes getting used to, especially on higher torque settings. The device has minimal latency, and I got accustomed to its speed of operation.

My hiking group took on the Anthony’s Nose trail near Fort Montgomery, NY. The trail promised a 3-hour hike with a total elevation gain of 888 feet. Compared to the steeper Breakneck Ridge, this hike was relatively tame.

The device makes it easy to switch between torque settings with just a few presses of the power button. On the steepest incline, I didn’t feel any burn in my thighs after 10 minutes of continuous climbing. The exoskeleton was comfortable, with no chafing or riding up, thanks to its effective rear and side padding.

I normally hike with a wide stance and centered weight, but the Hypershell limited me to a more straightforward gait. At one point, I heard a mechanical sound and the power indicator light began blinking red. Unseating and reattaching the battery fixed the issue, and I didn’t experience any further mechanical problems.

The battery life was impressive, with around 30-40% depletion after a 3-hour hike. I even had a backup battery in my backpack, which was unnecessary. The company claims an operating temperature range of -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but I didn’t test it in extreme temperatures.

Hypershell claims its device offsets 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of weight. Walking without the device reminded me of its actual weight – just under 4 pounds. The motorized assist carries both the device’s weight and the user’s.

Who is the Hypershell Pro X Actually For?

There are three versions of the Hypershell: the $900 Hypershell Go, the $1,000 Pro X, and the $1,500 Carbon X. Unless you plan to tackle challenging peaks, the cheaper options may suffice. The Hypershell is relatively affordable compared to similar exoskeletons like the Arc’teryx Mo/Go exoskeleton pants, which start at $5,000.

Based on its promotional materials, Hypershell seems to target a young audience with disposable income. However, the device is actually geared towards those who cannot or do not often exercise outdoors due to physical limitations. This exoskeleton can’t be for everyone, especially those with certain knee injuries or those who require a larger hiking backpack. For those who cannot enjoy nature due to physical constraints, the Hypershell offers a way to experience the outdoors.

I may not use the Hypershell myself, but I know of people who could greatly benefit from it. The device’s ability to assist with movement and provide a sense of freedom can be life-changing for those who need it.