The hiking trail is meant to be a tranquil environment. While the sounds of a babbling brook and the wind rustling through the treetops fill the air, an unexpected whirring interrupts the calm. That whirring is me, powered by my Hypershell Pro X exoskeleton, charging along the muddy path like a determined machine. The Hypershell is designed to aid in walking, running, biking, or hiking, and surprisingly, it delivers nearly all it promises. While it performs admirably, it robbed me of the exercise and tranquility I cherish during my hikes.
After a day hike donning the $1,000 Hypershell Pro X, I felt capable of repeating the same 3-hour route two additional times before fatigue set in. It felt as though I was strapped into a relentless war machine akin to something out of Edge of Tomorrow. Removing the Hypershell made me feel sluggish, heavier despite a lighter load. Weighing in at 4 pounds, the design resembles an initial Iron-Man prototype.
Hypershell Pro X
This exoskeleton simplifies long hikes, but the price (and weight) may be a concern.
Pros
- Light, sturdy, and comfortable design
- Various torque settings to enhance workouts
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Finding a comfortable sitting position can be challenging
- Gives off a cyborg-like appearance
- High cost, particularly for infrequent use
I hiked with two friends, who were eager to poke fun at my expense. I felt like a tutorial NPC from a video game, moving slightly faster than them, necessitating frequent stops to wait for their slower pace. Every step produced an audible whirring sound, and the artificial assistance detracted from the natural tranquility. Fellow hikers on the trail did their best to avoid staring at my unusual setup.
This made the hiking experience feel more awkward than it should have. With limited free time for outdoor adventures, I hoped to savor both the scenery and the physical exertion. Yet the Hypershell could benefit many who wish to explore nature without the physical strain—especially those unable to hike traditional trails due to age or injury, despite the potential teasing about my robotic appearance.
The Hypershell Pro X Makes Hiking Almost Too Easy
Wearing the exoskeleton proved more intrusive than I anticipated. The battery and rear support strap around your waist, placing weight on your hips, while leg bands attach around your thighs. Each clasp requires a tighter fit than you’d think, particularly to avoid chafing through your pants. Although the straps adjust to accommodate various waist sizes, it might not fit everyone perfectly.
The Hypershell utilizes sensors to detect leg movements, offering assistance through its 125 W motors, generating up to 32 Newton-meters of torque. While I didn’t use max settings constantly, the sensation of losing control of my legs took some getting used to—on high torque settings, my leg seemed to lift with minimal effort. This felt more awkward on flat terrain than on inclines, shifting my gait from a relaxed stroll to an exaggerated lift with each step.
