Hike Farther and Climb Easier With Outdoor Exoskeletons

Outdoor exploration may be easier for some now as exoskeletons have entered the outdoor adventure market. No longer just for work, exoskeletons are now helping people play.

Hypershell is a pioneer in what it calls a PowerSuit, which is based on exoskeleton technology. Its flagship suit, the Hypershell X series, lets users navigate challenging terrains easily, no matter their fitness level.

The main point? You can travel farther before fatigue starts to set in, enhancing endurance and reducing physical strain during outdoor activities. While appealing to any outdoor enthusiast wanting to push their limits, this technology seems to hold more promise for individuals recovering from injuries, dealing with mobility challenges, or simply seeking extra stability on uneven ground, potentially opening up outdoor experiences that were previously difficult or inaccessible.

At its core, the Hypershell X uses a combination of robotics, ergonomic engineering, and AI. It works by using an advanced MotionEngine algorithm where high-precision sensors calculate thousands of predictions per second. The system detects movement intentions in real time, delivering the right assistance precisely when needed. As time goes on, the AI learns your individual preferences, evolving into a personalized PowerSuit solution that adapts to your unique movement patterns.

The suit itself sits on your lower back with bars extending down around your thighs, secured by AeroFlex straps. An AeroFlex belt wraps around your stomach to keep it all comfortably in place. The AeroFlex straps are made of 10 layers of composite material and thick padding to offer support and flexibility. This material is elastic, waterproof, and breathable, designed not to stretch out over extended use. With 300 degrees of torsional freedom and adjustable sizing, it accommodates different body types and adapts to changing needs. Weighing 4 lb (2 kg), Hypershell states that it "integrates seamlessly with the body to create a natural, weightless sensation." I don't entirely believe that, since you will obviously feel the suit while wearing it and moving, but I imagine they've tried their best to remove any points of chafing, rubbing, or pressure areas through this design.

On the performance front, the Hypershell X features Direct Drive Technology via its M-One Exoskeleton Motor System, delivering up to 800 W of assistive power. According to Hypershell, this reduces muscle fatigue by increasing leg strength by 40% and reduces overall physical exertion by 30%. On a single charge, it claims to last for ~11 miles. It recognizes 10 distinct motion postures: Walking, race walking, up hills, up stairs, down hills, down stairs, gravel road, running, mountaineering, and even cycling, where it can provide speed assistance up to 12 mph (20 km/h). It can also be used in most environments, being IP54 rated and operating in temperatures of -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C). So yes, it seems ready for winter activities too.

It wouldn't be 2025 without an app, and the Hypershell X operates with one. The Hypershell+ app gives you control and insights such as real-time adjustments and multiparameter insights, letting you monitor your performance metrics.

Hypershell originally started through crowdfunding on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Within just one month of its crowdfunding launch, Hypershell raised over $1.3 million from over 2,900 backers.

Ultimately, the Hypershell X represents a notable step in bringing advanced exoskeleton technology to the consumer adventure market. By potentially reducing fatigue for seasoned hikers and offering crucial assistance for those facing mobility challenges, it stands to broaden access to the outdoors and hints at the growing potential for personal assistive technology in everyday life and recreation.

With that said, while I see the clear potential for those recovering from injuries or managing mobility issues, I'd personally approach long-term, frequent use with some caution if you don't have those specific needs. My thinking is—and I'm no medical expert—could consistently offloading effort inadvertently lead to weaker muscles or alter your natural gait down the line? We don't have years of data on how these devices affect able bodies over time. It just seems like something worth considering before relying on it for every single hike or active outing. I would venture to guess most people would be using this a few times a year, which wouldn't be an issue, though. I will be sticking to my hiking poles. 

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Created by the editors of New Equipment Digest and Plant Services, Fun Innovations Friday is a feel-good blog that showcases how advances in science, math, engineering, and technology are making our world more whimsical. Here's another post that's guaranteed to brighten your day.

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