Hiking exoskeletons certainly seem to be becoming popular. We’ve already reported on two exoskeleton launches so far this year (one from Hypershell, one from Dnsys) but this latest one is a little bit different. And no, noy just because you’ve actually heard one of one of the companies involved – Arc’teryx (though, be honest – knowing that Arc’teryx is on board does make us a little more inclined to take it seriously).
The Canadian outdoor apparel brand has teamed up with California startup Skip to bring you MO/GO. Apparently it’s short for mountain goat.
MO/GO is a pair of powered exoskeleton pants that give hikers a boost when they trek up and down hills and mountains. Arc’teryx have provided the pants; Skip have provided the carbon fiber wearable tech. That’s what different this time – the pants come as part of the package.
The MO/GO’s wheel – position next to the wearers’ knees – conceals the motors of the powered exoskeleton pants. As hikers move, the wheel spins or turns, depending on the movement, which triggers the boost when needed. The three-hour power pack sits at the belt line just above your backside.
Skip claim that the exoskeleton can give a boost to wearers’ legs by up to 40%, making them walk with less effort, which can also make them feel 30 pounds lighter as they move upward. When clambering down, they say, MO/GO will gently support hikers’ knees to prevent them from slipping and exerting too much effort.
All of which allegedly lessens muscle fatigue and joint discomfort by augmenting the wearers’ quadriceps and hamstrings.
The exoskeleton isn’t designed to make trails a breeze for the unfit. The company instead appears to be marketing the device as a kind of range extender, designed to help seasoned hikers go on for longer or for further, rather than something that will propel couch potatoes up slopes.
Skip is also clear that this isn’t a medical device: “We are not making any medical claims at this time. We are partnering with several leading clinics to develop a related product specifically designed to help people living with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease.”.
MO/GO pants aren’t commercially available yet, but when they do come on the market they will cost $5,000 (though there’s an onsite early bird price of $4,500 available). However, if you live in the western US or Canada you can take them for a test ride right now, for an $80 dollar rental fee.
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