I hit urban trails wearing the Hypershell X — is this the future of hiking?

For anyone who’s spent the week crammed into subway cars or hustling up stairs to catch a train, the idea of a weekend hike can feel...aspirational. I grew up in cities like Seattle and Minneapolis, so swapping views of the city for mountains isn’t foreign to me. 

But living in New York City now, just getting through the subway stations on the way to work feels like microdosing a sprint on the stair master. By the weekend, my joints are pleading for mercy despite craving trees, dirt, trail markers — anything that doesn’t smell like construction dust or hot trash. 

That’s why when I first saw a clip of the Hypershell X at CES, I was intrigued. It looked like something out of a sci-fi — sleek, robotic, and futuristic AF. A wearable exoskeleton designed to reduce effort and boost power while hiking, walking, or climbing? Cool, but it definitely sounded more like a shiny tech demo than real trail gear to me at first. 

I enjoy hiking for my well-being when I can get around to it, but I’m not always up for the soreness or recovery debt that comes with a solid trek out of the city. Not when Monday morning means diving back into the grind of living in a walkable city. 

Still, I couldn’t stop wondering if the Hypershell X could actually make those weekend treks through the wild trails of upstate New York feel more like glam-hiking. So I spent a few days testing the human exoskeleton to see if it could help me hike longer distances and reduce my post-hike fatigue. 

First impressions and setup

Out of the box, the setup was intuitive and took about five minutes to complete, using the Hypershell+ app and following the provided setup instructions. The entire gadget weighs just under 4 pounds (1.8 kg), but because of its distribution and strap design, it doesn’t weigh down on you like a backpack does. It sorta blends into your body; noticeable at first, but forgettable after just a few minutes.

I occasionally struggle with maintaining my balance when something unfamiliar is added, but the Hypershell X didn’t restrict my range of motion while it was off. I could jump-squat and lunge smoothly from right to left. If anything, I felt more stable and significantly more aware of how my quads, glutes, and lower back all work in sync to keep me moving.

Designed to be used while trekking solo, I didn’t need a second person to gear me up and strap me in, which was a conveniently efficient process. Once powered on, the app guided me through the different modes. I started in Eco mode and took my first steps.

A.I. Assist that adapts to you

When the Hypershell X arrived, I knew I wasn’t going to break it in on the rocky ridges of Cold Springs or Bear Mountain right away. 

I strapped it on for a loop around Prospect Park to get a feel before heading out to anything more rugged. Having spent considerable time in the park's wilder areas during the COVID-19 shutdown, I was familiar with its relatively flat yet varied landscape, which made it perfect for testing the suit.

The Hypershell X’s AI MotionEngine began learning my stride almost immediately, adjusting subtly and syncing with my movement. I felt a light push under my thighs when going uphill or up some steps. It wasn’t dramatic — more like a tailwind than a shove — but it made a difference. 

Ten steps felt like five, and jogging for over five minutes didn’t come with the usual impact from exertion. I toggled through the 10 adaptive copilot states, watching the system adjust seamlessly between inclines and flat ground. 

I’d switch to Transparent mode occasionally, just to compare with and without the assist. When it was off, it felt like I’d lost momentum to keep going as I became more aware of the weight of my limbs again (like getting out of a pool, but not so heavy). Transitioning into Hyper mode was quick, and the boost from it made the entire loop around the park feel more effortless the longer I wore the Hypershell X. 

I also didn’t feel like I stood out too much among NYC parkgoers, who’d likely seen enough eccentric interactions at the park to be shocked. But I did catch some interested glances.

Hiking Inwood Hill Park

Of course, the real test came on the trail. I headed to Inwood Hill Park and took on a 2-mile loop with some modest elevation and rocky terrain. That’s where the Hypershell’s 800W peak output really showed up. My pack contained a big liter of water, camera gear, and all my other essentials, weighing about 10 pounds in total. 

On the steeper stretches, the support was obvious. Not only did it simplify the hike, but it also improved my balance, making my steps significantly steadier and more stable. Hypershell claims up to 40 percent more leg strength and 30 percent less effort, and I believe it. I felt less tired, less sore, and way more willing to keep going.

The IP54 rating meant I didn’t worry if the trail got a little dusty or damp. I didn’t have to baby the gadget, and that’s a must for something that claims to be adventure-ready. I even jogged for a very short section of the incline just to get the motor going and it kept up instantly. The assist was smooth, not clunky or delayed, which matters when you’re trying not to faceplant into a pile of damp leaves.

And then, of course, in the spirit of testing, I turned the Hypershell X off mid-uphill hike. That gentle assist I’d gotten used to disappeared, and the hill I was climbing suddenly felt longer, heavier, and my legs noticed the extra load immediately.

Battery life and range

Battery life is always a big question with gear like this. Hypershell says you get a little over 10 miles per charge, and that matched my experience. After an hour of use, the battery had diminished by just a quarter. I packed the spare battery, but didn’t need it. Still, it’s worth always carrying if you’re out for a full day or expect to be at a higher elevation. 

Charging the Hypershell X was also straightforward: USB-C directly plugs into the pack, so no battery removal is needed. A 35-minute top-up gets you to about 50 percent, and it operates in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 140°F, so it’s ready for almost anything.

This isn’t just for elite mountaineers

If you’re someone who enjoys movement — hiking, running, biking — but sometimes feel limited by how far our bodies can go (or want to go), the Hypershell X is that girl. I can easily see this being helpful for city dwellers who walk a lot or anyone who regularly carries gear over long distances.

It’s not performance-replacing; it’s performance-extending, which is a big deal when you’re someone who likes walking trails but doesn’t always have the bandwidth to take on the big outdoors just to enjoy nature.

The Hypershell X really isn’t a far-off future concept

The Hypershell X is a real tool that makes movement feel more accessible, and perhaps more importantly, it redefines who gets to use this kind of technology. It’s not just human augmentation enthusiasts or endurance athletes looking for groundbreaking heights, but everyday people who want to go the distance and feel good while doing it.

I started skeptical, and ended up really impressed. The Hypershell X won’t come on every outing, but when I want to go further without burning out, it’s absolutely worth strapping on.

Hypershell’s summer sale is on through July 7 so snag the Go X for $999 with a free Intelligent Battery, the Pro X for $1,199 with a free Anti-Cold Battery Pro, or the Carbon X for $1,799 with a free Anti-Cold Battery Pro and Charging Hub, available at hypershell.tech/pages/summer-sale-2025. And if you're an Amazon shopper, mark your calendar: from July 8 to 11, Hypershell is offering 10% off the Go X, Pro X, and Carbon X for Prime Day.