At SnowBrains, some links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our editorial content or recommendations. Thank you for your support.
Arc’teryx, the renowned outdoor gear company, has partnered with robotics startup Skip to develop MO/GO, the world’s first pair of A.I.-powered hiking pants. This innovative wearable technology aims to revolutionize outdoor mobility by assisting hikers and those facing physical challenges.
The MO/GO pants feature a lightweight electric motor at the knee, designed to boost leg strength during uphill climbs and absorb impact while descending. Weighing approximately seven pounds with the power module and rechargeable batteries attached, the system integrates seamlessly with Arc’teryx’s Gamma hiking pants.
Skip, a spinoff from Google’s X Labs, claims the MO/GO pants can make wearers feel up to 30 pounds lighter. The exoskeleton monitors the user’s gait and leg movements in real-time, adjusting assistance as needed. Users can also manually increase or decrease support with a simple button press.
While not intended as a medical device, the MO/GO system aims to make challenging hiking trails more accessible to a broader range of outdoor enthusiasts. The technology could extend users’ hiking ranges, similar to how e-bikes have transformed cycling.
The MO/GO pants have a premium price tag of $5,000, reflecting their advanced technology. However, an early bird discount is available for those who preorder with a $99 deposit, bringing the price down to $4,500. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2025.
For those interested in testing the technology before purchasing, Arc’teryx and Skip are offering eight-hour rentals on select trails in the Western United States and Canada for $80.
As wearable technology advances, the MO/GO pants represent a significant step forward in merging outdoor gear with robotics. This innovation could open up new possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, allowing more people to experience the joys of hiking in challenging terrain.
