Best Exoskeletons for Hiking and Walking in 2026
Updated 2026-11-03
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The best exoskeleton for most hikers in 2026 is the Hypershell X series: it is shipping now, starts at $999, and its hip motors, swappable 72 Wh battery and rated range of up to 30 km per battery (Ultra S/Max S, Eco mode) suit long trail days. If you want to spend less, the DNSYS X1 starts at $689, and if your knees are the problem, look at a knee-assist model like the DNSYS Z1.
We compare published specs, prices and who each model is for, using the manufacturers’ official pages as of the date above. We have not tested these devices hands-on.
Quick picks
| Pick | Model | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Hypershell X Series | $999 / $1,499 / $1,999 (Pro S / Max S / Ultra S) | Long hikes and everyday walking |
| Best value | DNSYS X1 | From $689 (Lite); $889 Carbon; $1,289 Carbon Pro | Lighter budget, hip assist |
| Best for knees | DNSYS Z1 | $1,299 sale (regular $1,499), Dual Joint | Stairs, steep climbs and descents |
| Best full-leg assist | Hypershell Halo | $2,299, pre-order | Heavy packs, hip + knee support |
| Best premium hiking pants | Skip x Arc’teryx MO/GO | $4,999, pre-order ($99 deposit) | Uphill boost with knee support |
| Best for flat walking | Dephy Sidekick | $4,500 Starter Pack | Everyday walks and travel |
Hypershell X Series: best overall
Who it’s for: hikers and walkers who want a proven hip exoskeleton they can buy and use today. See the full Hypershell X Series page.
Key specs:
- Three trims: X Pro S ($999), X Max S ($1,499), X Ultra S ($1,999) on Hypershell’s US store
- Hip assist with dual motors, up to 1000 W peak and 22 N·m per motor (Ultra S/Max S); 18 N·m on the Pro S
- 1.7–1.8 kg net, 2.5–2.6 kg with battery
- 72 Wh swappable battery; the Ultra S ships with two
- Up to 30 km per battery in Eco mode (Ultra S/Max S); the Pro S is rated lower
- 12 or 10 terrain modes depending on trim, IP54 rating
What’s good: the lineup lets you choose how much to spend. The Max S gets you the full-torque motors and the top range rating for $500 less than the Ultra S, while the Ultra S’s second battery is the easiest way to cover a full day without worrying about charge.
The catch: it only assists the hips. If your trouble is knee pain on descents, a hip unit will not directly unload your knees. The Pro S has less torque and a lower range rating than the other two trims, so check that it covers the trails you plan to hike.
Compare it: Hypershell X vs DNSYS X1, Hypershell X vs DNSYS Z1, Hypershell X vs Halo.
DNSYS X1: best value
Who it’s for: hikers, runners and skiers who want hip assist at the lowest price on this list. See the DNSYS X1 page.
Key specs:
- Lite from $689, Carbon $889, Carbon Pro $1,289 on dnsys.ai
- Hip assist, 500 W peak (Lite) or 900 W peak (Carbon, Carbon Pro)
- 1.6 kg mechanical weight (Carbon), 1.8 kg (Lite)
- Swappable 240 g smart battery; the Carbon Pro ships with two
- 15 km per battery, 30 km with the Carbon Pro’s two batteries
- AI gait algorithm, Aqua resistance mode, IP54 rating
What’s good: the Carbon version is the lightest hip unit here by mechanical weight, and the small battery is easy to carry as a spare. The Aqua resistance mode adds a training option if you want to work harder rather than easier.
The catch: the rated range per battery is half of the Hypershell X’s best figure, so long days need a second battery. The Lite’s 500 W peak is a clear step down from the Carbon models. DNSYS also states the X1 does not help with balance.
Compare it: DNSYS X1 vs Hypershell X, DNSYS X1 vs Z1.
DNSYS Z1: best for knees
Who it’s for: hikers who struggle on stairs, steep slopes and long descents, where the knees do most of the work. See the DNSYS Z1 page.
Key specs:
- Z1 Dual Joint at $1,299 sale price (regular $1,499) on dnsys.ai
- Knee assist, 900 W motors, up to 50% motion assistance
- 680 g per leg (Carbon), 640 g per leg (Pro)
- Swappable PowerPlus battery; the Dual Joint Pro ships with two
- Up to 15 km per battery, 30 km with two
What’s good: it drives the thigh and calf to help with climbing, descending, squats and standing up, which is where many hikers feel strain. It can be worn alone or paired with the DNSYS X1 for hip and knee assist together.
The catch: a two-leg knee setup adds weight at the legs rather than the waist. The $1,299 figure is a sale price, so the cost may return to $1,499. Pairing it with an X1 for full-leg assist pushes the total well past a single all-in-one unit.
Compare it: DNSYS Z1 vs Hypershell X, DNSYS Z1 vs Hypershell Halo, DNSYS Z1 vs X1.
Hypershell Halo: best full-leg assist
Who it’s for: hikers carrying heavy loads, people who want knee protection, and outdoor workers. See the Hypershell Halo page.
Key specs:
- $2,299, pre-order, shipping from late November 2026
- Hip and knee assist, 4 motors, 1490 W peak
- 2.6 kg excluding battery and wearable system; 3.2 kg with the wearable system
- 72 Wh PocketVolt battery, 370 g, removable
- Up to 20 km rated range
What’s good: it is one system that assists both hips and knees, including squats and sit-to-stand, so you do not have to combine two products.
The catch: it is a pre-order, so there are no shipping units to judge yet. It is heavier than the hip-only units and its rated range is lower than the Hypershell X’s best figure.
Compare it: Halo vs Hypershell X, Halo vs DNSYS Z1, Halo vs Skip MO/GO, Halo vs Dephy Sidekick.
Skip x Arc’teryx MO/GO: best premium hiking pants
Who it’s for: hikers with knee discomfort and older walkers who want assistance built into technical outdoor clothing. See the Skip x Arc’teryx MO/GO page.
Key specs:
- $4,999 total, pre-order with a $99 refundable deposit; ships Spring 2027
- Knee assist from 2 powered modules, up to 40% leg boost uphill at max assistance
- About 3 kg full system
- 2 swappable packs, 3+ hours of uphill walking
- Typically 5–6 miles (uphill)
What’s good: the knee motor modules sit on carbon-fiber cuffs worn with Arc’teryx Gamma pants, so it is designed around hiking from the start. It assists uphill and supports the knees on the way down.
The catch: it is the most expensive option here and will not ship until Spring 2027. The typical range of 5–6 miles uphill is well short of the hip units’ ratings, though uphill and flat ratings are not directly comparable.
Compare it: MO/GO vs Hypershell Halo, MO/GO vs Dephy Sidekick.
Dephy Sidekick: best for flat walking
Who it’s for: everyday walkers, older walkers and travelers rather than serious trail hikers. See the Dephy Sidekick page.
Key specs:
- $4,500 Starter Pack: pair of devices, 2 batteries, charger and shoes; HSA/FSA eligible per Dephy
- Ankle push-off (plantarflexion) assist, brushless motor per leg
- 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) per side including battery
- 2 swappable batteries, 1.5 hours for a full charge
- Up to 5 miles per charge at Power Level II
What’s good: it comes from the maker of the military ExoBoot and adds a boost at each push-off, which is where walking effort starts. The starter pack includes everything you need, and Dephy says it is HSA/FSA eligible.
The catch: it works with Dephy’s own carbon-plate shoes, so you cannot wear your hiking boots. Its rated range of up to 5 miles per charge and its ankle-only assist make it a better fit for town walking than for rough or steep trails.
Compare it: Sidekick vs Hypershell Halo, Sidekick vs Skip MO/GO.
How to choose
- Match the joint to where you struggle. Hip units (Hypershell X, DNSYS X1) help drive each stride and suit long, steady miles. Knee units (DNSYS Z1, Skip MO/GO) target stairs, steep climbs and descents. Full-leg systems (Hypershell Halo, or X1 plus Z1) cover both at a higher price and weight.
- Check range against your longest day. Rated ranges run from about 5 miles to 30 km per battery, and they depend on mode and terrain. Swappable batteries matter more than the headline number: a spare in your pack can double your day.
- Count the full carried weight. Compare weights with the battery and wearable system included. The difference between under 2 kg and over 3 kg adds up over a long hike.
- Factor in availability. The Hypershell X, DNSYS X1, DNSYS Z1 and Dephy Sidekick are on sale now. The Halo is a pre-order shipping from late November 2026, and the Skip MO/GO ships in Spring 2027.
- Watch for sale pricing. The DNSYS Z1’s $1,299 is a sale price against a $1,499 regular price. Check the maker’s store before you buy.
A note on safety
None of these products is a medical device. Their makers sell them as consumer, lifestyle or wellness products, and DNSYS states the X1 does not help with balance. If you have a medical condition that affects how you walk, talk to your doctor or physical therapist before using one. Readers with clinical mobility needs, such as rehabilitation after a stroke or spinal cord injury, should look at the clinical models in our exoskeletons category, which are built for supervised medical use.
FAQ
Do exoskeletons actually help with hiking? They are designed to reduce effort by adding power at the hip, knee or ankle. Makers quote figures like up to 40% leg boost uphill (Skip MO/GO) or up to 50% motion assistance (DNSYS Z1). How much you notice will depend on the terrain, the assist level and your own fitness.
How long does an exoskeleton battery last on a hike? Rated figures range from up to 5 miles per charge (Dephy Sidekick) to up to 30 km per battery in Eco mode (Hypershell X Ultra S/Max S). Every model here uses swappable or removable batteries, so carrying a spare is the simplest way to extend a long day.
Can I wear an exoskeleton in the rain? The Hypershell X Series and DNSYS X1 both carry an IP54 rating, which covers splashing water and dust. That is not full waterproofing, so avoid submerging them.
Is a hiking exoskeleton covered by insurance? These are consumer products, not medical devices, so insurance coverage is generally not expected. Dephy says the Sidekick is HSA/FSA eligible. If you need an exoskeleton for a medical condition, ask your doctor about the clinical models in our exoskeletons category.