The Hypershell X exoskeleton can help you save energy and go further

"Don't run if you can stand, don't run if you can walk, don't sit if you can lie down." This old adage is attributed to British wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, but is one that has been widely adopted by professional cyclists as a mantra for preserving energy before a hard race or aiding recovery following strenuous training sessions.

Of course, few of us who don't earn a living riding a bicycle have the luxury of being able to simply lie down after a ride. Instead, we're still required to spend time on our feet and exerting ourselves when – ideally – we should be giving our muscles some time to recover.

Imagine, then, if there was a product that could enhance the movement of your legs while reducing effort as you walk, climb, run or even ride. That's where the Hypershell X could come to your aid – it's the world’s first outdoor exoskeleton which uses state-of-the-art robotics to provide extra power to your body when you need some extra assistance.

While this does sound like something from a science fiction movie, our colleagues on leading tech and outdoor websites T3 and Advnture have all tried the Hypershell X for both everyday use and tough hiking and come away impressed.

You wear the Hypershell X over your clothes, with flexible, waterproof and breathable padding keeping it secure around your waist and thighs. Fit is adjustable, so it can be worn by people of any body size or shape and the top-of-the-rangeHypershell X Ultra weighs just 1.8kg, making it comfortable for hours of wear.

Powered by a fast charging battery – 0% to full in 88 minutes, the Hypershell X delivers up to 17.5km of range, a peak output of 800 Watts of power – equivalent to the 1hp a healthy human can make in short bursts – and 32 Nm of torque to your legs through the Electric Assist System. All of this, says Hypershell, will provide you with up to 40% more leg power with 30% less physical exertion.

As you'd perhaps expect with a piece of 2025's newest tech, artificial intelligence plays a part in its makeup. With Hypershell, this comes in the form of its AI MotionEngine which detects your intended movements in real time – less than 0.003 seconds – and automatically adjusts assistance to deliver the support you require.

While the Hypershell can certainly take the strain off any everyday activity you are doing, it's also capable of boosting your leg power when you want to do something more taxing such as taking on a long day hike in tough terrain or trying weather conditions. Check out Advnture writer Julia Clarke's article about using it to hike Britain's highest mountain!

It'll operate at temperatures from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius and is rated IP54 dust and water-resistant. And if you want something to take the strain when you're carrying heavy bags then the Hypershell X can offset up to 30 kg of weight.

Three of the Hypershell models – the X Go is the exception – have a cycling mode, which will be of particular interest to riders. This provides subtle assistance that, in the case of the Hypershell X Ultra, is claimed to reduce heart rate when riding by 42% and oxygen consumption by 39%. T

This means that while the Hypershell has the potential to help you to ride further for less effort, it also provides you with intelligent assistance when you need it most. Who doesn't appreciate a bit of extra help when tackling a long road climb, or attempting some technical off-road sections?

It doesn't stop there though – the more often that you wear the Hypershell, the more effective becomes at assisiting you. With every step, the MotionEngine is smart enough to adapt to your stride signature and biomechanics, evolving into a highly tailored, personalised exoskeleton.

An optional app allows you to control the Hypershell, but also shows you how it's been performing, complete with data visualisation and real-time controls. And the three strong Hypershell X range has between 6-12 bespoke Active Activity Modes, including climbing and descending hills and stairs, walking and running, cycling and specific terrain profiles such as gravel and mountain.

Hypershell X starts from $799 (around £625) and is available direct from the Hypershell X website.

Hypershell X - Range Explainer

• Hypershell X Go – designed to give you a gentle boost, making it ideal for daily tasks such as walking and climbing stairs.
• Hypershell X Pro – professional-level assistance, giving you the power to walk, run or even climb using less energy.
• Hypershell X Carbon – lightweight at just 1.8kg, and offering even more endurance for more extreme uses.
• Hypershell X Ultra – the ultimate exoskeleton with performance validated by SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification

Hypershell X – Features at a glance

• Durable: with a service life of 1,864 miles (3,000km) for the X Go and X Pro, and 2,485 miles (4,000km) for the Hypershell X Carbon
• IP54 dust and water resistant: your Hypershell is up to the demands of desert trails and rainy days.
• Battery range: up to 30km per charge (X Ultra) means you can hike for hours, or go for several short day hikes without charging in between.
• Battery charging time: 0-50% in 35 min; 0-100% in 88 min with 65 W PD fast charging.
• Operating Temperature: -4° to 140° F (-20­° to 60­°C)