High-Tech Hiking Pants That Promise Effortless Outdoor Adventures

These MO/GO pants could soon become a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• August 22, 2024

Hiking up a steep trail could soon feel like a walk in the park with the MO/GO powered pants, a revolutionary exoskeleton developed by Skip, a startup that originated from Google's secretive X Labs. These innovative pants, designed in collaboration with outdoor gear giant Arc'teryx, are poised to transform the way people experience the outdoors.

By boosting leg strength by up to 40%, they make strenuous uphill climbs and tricky descents significantly easier, all while reducing muscle fatigue and joint discomfort.

The MO/GO, which stands for Mountain/Goat, combines the best of both worlds: advanced exoskeleton technology and rugged, stylish outdoor wear. The hybrid soft/rigid design integrates seamlessly into a pair of durable hiking pants, with knee-joint motors providing crucial assistance to your quads and hamstrings.

This technology allows hikers to tackle tough terrain with less effort, making the great outdoors more accessible to everyone, from seasoned adventurers to those just starting out.

But the MO/GO is not just about functionality. The outer design ensures that these pants are as comfortable and stylish as they are powerful.

Built to withstand the most challenging outdoor conditions, they also look great on the trail. The ultralight carbon fiber cuffs efficiently transfer power from the motor to your legs, maximizing the benefit as you walk, while also being breathable and adjustable for the perfect fit.

The real stars of the MO/GO system are the compact motors at the knees.

These motors don’t just provide extra "horsepower" for your legs; they also absorb the impact on your joints with each step.

This feature is particularly beneficial for those who experience knee pain during hikes.

The MO/GO pants are designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface that includes just three buttons: on/off, more assistance, and less assistance.

This simplicity ensures that you can focus on your surroundings rather than fiddling with settings.

What truly sets the MO/GO apart is its smart movement software.

This AI-driven technology adapts to changes in your activity and walking style in real-time, learning your preferences with every step you take.

Trained on some of the world’s most challenging terrains, the software ensures that you receive the optimal level of support, no matter where your adventures take you.

Behind this groundbreaking product is Kathryn Zealand, the visionary who founded Skip after leaving Google’s X Labs.

Zealand faced significant challenges when Alphabet, Google’s parent company, began cutting resources.

Determined to see her project through, she secured $6 million in funding and spun Skip off as an independent startup.

The result is the MO/GO, a product that is not just for hardcore hikers but also has the potential to help those with mobility issues.

Though the MO/GO pants are not currently classified as a medical device, they have already shown promise in clinical trials for conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

And while the initial price tag of $4,500 might be steep, Skip plans to offer rentals for around $80 a day at popular hiking destinations. As the technology advances and becomes more accessible, the MO/GO pants could soon become a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia