Would you rather cut your hike short or try this $800 gear?

Will my next hike include the Hypershell? I went to CES 2025 to find out.

It's the first official day of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, where around 4,500 exhibitors showcase their devices, applications, technologies, and more.

During the event, many companies encourage attendees to test out their innovations. So, when I first found out about Hypershell, an outdoor exoskeleton made for hikers, I was curious to try it out, especially as a person who enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.

Hypershell was created to support hikers by boosting their lower limb strength and reducing physical fatigue.

Despite the company's promising aim, I had my doubts about the product, and the only way to clear it up was to try the exoskeleton myself.

Easy and fast setup

I was given a Hypershell PRO X, which took only a few minutes to set up. The device comes in one size and is easily adjustable, with the representative explaining that you only need to do it once. For more accurate measurements, users can use an app to enter their height and weight to ensure that the device fits their body perfectly.

While users can control the exoskeleton through an app, it can also be managed via a button on the right side so you don't need to spend time looking at your phone while in the great outdoors.

First impressions break my assumptions

One of the things I was skeptical about was the device's weight. Those who like to go on long hikes that take a whole day or even longer know that you have to be careful with what you pack. Because after a while, it feels like even the smallest thing in your backpack can break your back.

The device weighs around two kilograms, which sounds like a nightmare, especially when I remember how I felt in the middle of my 70-kilometer hike. During that hike, I would've easily agreed to chop off my arm rather than add some more gear.

To my surprise, once I put the device on, it wasn't that heavy, and I could instantly feel it supporting my lower back and knees.

Before testing the exoskeleton, I wondered why the company had chosen to focus on these two areas. I later realized that these are the two body parts that, at least in my case, are the first to "give up" during an outing.

How does it feel to walk with an exoskeleton?

At first, walking with it felt weird, as the device would give me a little push. It was explained that this push is powered by built-in sensors that allow me to use less muscle strength. In a way, it felt like someone else was moving my legs for me.

I also learned that you can walk and run with it, but it's better to refrain from jumping as the device won't provide support. At least, not this generation's Hypershell.

Since the device is placed on the lower back, I was curious if that meant I would have to get myself a smaller backpack since I go with the one that covers my whole back. I was assured that users could wear their backpacks and wouldn't feel any discomfort.

What do hikers think?

When I first heard about Hypershell, one of the things I thought about was how hiking and trekking are not only about admiring nature but also building stamina.

So, does using devices like exoskeletons constitute "cheating"? Yingjie Pan from Hypershell shared that while some people prefer to rely on their strengths, others admit that the device helps them.

"This product is made to include more people in hiking and daily activities. To make it more enjoyable and not wanting to roll down the mountain," said Pan.

This got me thinking about whether I would buy it. Considering that the exoskeleton's starting price is $800, and I take pride in being able to walk 50-70 kilometers in one go, I want to keep it as an option for when I no longer want to torture myself.

Could it help people with disabilities?

Given that the device helps users move with less strain, could it help people with mobility issues or even be considered a medical device in the future?

Pan explained that while some people with injuries or disabilities could use the device, it cannot be considered a medical device. For it to be considered such, the company would have to shift its focus to a different user group and center its resources on medical research.

For now, the company is interested in ensuring that more people are familiar with its current innovation.

Hypershell X series exoskeletons are already available to preorder, with shipments starting this month.