Imagine conquering steep trails and rocky terrain with the help of high-tech hiking pants. That’s the promise of the MO/GO exoskeleton pants, a collaboration between outdoor gear giant Arc’teryx and tech startup Skip. These innovative pants are designed to boost your hiking performance, making you feel up to 30 pounds lighter as you tackle challenging ascents. But this cutting-edge technology comes at a steep price: $5,000, or $4,500 with an early bird discount.
The MO/GO pants are the brainchild of Skip, a company that spun off from Google’s X Labs. Skip CEO Kathryn Zealand and her team initially developed the technology to assist workers and individuals with mobility issues. After securing $6 million in funding, Skip partnered with Arc’teryx to bring their vision of performance-enhancing hiking gear to life.
At the heart of the MO/GO pants are lightweight electric motors positioned at the knees and carbon fiber braces worn on the outside of each leg. A power pack is seamlessly integrated into the waistline. Despite the advanced technology, the pants weigh a manageable 7 pounds. The intelligent algorithm adjusts assistance in real-time based on your gait and leg movements, providing an intuitive and responsive hiking experience. Total battery life is about 3 hours or 6 miles (for most people). Much like an electric car, they will recharge when traversing downhill. Expert a boost of “up to 40% on the way up.”
The MO/GO pants have the potential to make hiking more accessible to a wider range of people, including those who may have been limited by mobility issues or lack of endurance. By reducing the strain on joints and muscles, these exoskeleton pants could open up new possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
If you’re eager to get your hands on a pair of MO/GO pants, be prepared to invest. The $5,000 price tag ($4,500 with the early bird discount) positions these pants as a luxury item for serious hikers. However, Skip and Arc’teryx are offering rental and demo opportunities in the Western US and Canada, allowing curious hikers to try before they buy. Preorders are expected to ship in late 2025.
Looking ahead, Skip has plans to develop a related product designed specifically to assist people living with neurological conditions. As this technology continues to evolve, it could have a significant impact on the hiking industry, making the great outdoors more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.
