Imagine trousers that could assist you to experience and enjoy the outdoors and trek again even if you are facing mobility issues, well we have good news for you and everyone at Tranquil Kilimanjaro is excited…The world of outdoor gear has seen its fair share of innovations, but the latest development might just redefine what it means to hike. Enter the MO/GO, a pioneering product from the collaboration between Arc’teryx, known for its high-end outdoor apparel, and Skip, a startup specializing in wearable robotics. This isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s the world’s first fully functioning electronic hiking pants, designed to assist those with mobility challenges in experiencing the great outdoors more comfortably.
This revolutionary gear is designed to assist people with mobility challenges by boosting leg muscle function, allowing them to stay active and conquer challenging terrains, such as Mount Kilimanjaro.
The MO/GO™ provides a 40% boost to your quadriceps and hamstrings while offloading pressure from your knee joints. It’s comparable to an electric bicycle, where you still need to pedal, but the bike makes it easier—MO/GO™ helps with every step, but you’re still in control of the movement. This natural feel makes it an ideal companion for long hikes like Kilimanjaro, amplifying your walking without taking away the effort.
Each pair of MO/GO™ pants is adjustable, offering a customized fit that can be tailored to individual needs on any given day. The pants can last for over 3 hours of continuous uphill walking with maximum assistance and automatically recharge during downhill descents. This feature is a game changer for climbing Kilimanjaro, where challenging uphill climbs are followed by lengthy descents, maximizing the gear’s efficiency.
For more extended hikes, like Kilimanjaro, you can easily swap out the battery packs on-the-go, with each standard battery providing power for about 6 miles of intense uphill walking. Plus, with the ability to recharge during descents, your range is extended even further.
Why This is a Game Changer for Kilimanjaro Climbing
The MO/GO™ technology represents a massive shift in accessibility for climbers, especially those with mobility issues. Kilimanjaro is known for its tough and varied terrain, and the boost provided by the MO/GO™ can make a significant difference in reducing strain on leg muscles and joints, especially during steep ascents. With the ability to recharge during descents, this gear maximizes efficiency and extends the distance climbers can travel without additional strain.
This innovation could open up Kilimanjaro to a broader range of adventurers, helping those who might have previously found the climb too physically demanding to take on this iconic challenge. Whether you’re dealing with joint issues or simply want a bit of extra assistance on the journey, MO/GO™ makes Kilimanjaro more accessible than ever before.
The Concept Behind MO/GO
MO/GO, an acronym for “Mountain Goat,” is not just a name; it’s a promise. This innovative gear aims to provide users with the agility and endurance reminiscent of mountain goats, known for their remarkable climbing abilities. The system integrates an exoskeleton into a specially designed pair of Arc’teryx Gamma pants, enhancing the wearer’s mobility through electronic assistance. This technology is particularly aimed at individuals who face difficulties due to aging, fatigue, or injury, allowing them to hike with less strain.
Exoskeletons, while sounding like a product straight out of science fiction, have roots dating back to the 1960s, initially developed to aid in lifting heavy objects. Over the decades, this technology has evolved, finding applications in medical rehabilitation, military use, and now, outdoor recreation. The MO/GO represents the latest in this lineage, tailored specifically for hiking. Previous models like the Dnsys x1, reviewed by GearJunkie for its effectiveness on steep terrains, and the Hypershell Exoskeleton, which successfully raised over $1 million on Kickstarter, have paved the way for this new venture.
Design and Functionality
The MO/GO is a marvel of modern engineering. Each leg of the exoskeleton weighs less than 2 pounds, powered by a sophisticated motor system that can be detached from the pants when not in use. The pants themselves are crafted from durable materials typical of Arc’teryx’s high standards, ensuring they withstand the rigors of outdoor environments. Carbon fibre cuffs inside the pants ensure energy from the motors is efficiently transferred to the user’s legs.
The dual-function motors not only provide additional power for uphill climbs but also absorb impact, reducing strain on the knees during descents. According to Skip, this setup can make users feel up to 30 pounds lighter, offering a 40% increase in power when ascending. What sets MO/GO apart is its predictive technology; a computer module anticipates the user’s movements, adjusting assistance to make the experience as natural as possible. Users can tweak the level of assistance via a simple three-button interface, allowing for a customized hiking experience.
The Making of MO/GO
The journey of MO/GO began with Skip’s founders, Anna Roumiantseva and Kathryn Zealand, who, after witnessing the impact of mobility issues, started their venture at Google X before branching out. Their collaboration with Arc’teryx was sparked in 2020, leading to the creation of a new product category for Arc’teryx called “Movewear.” The design process involved extensive user research, focusing on knee support due to frequent feedback about difficulties with inclines and knee pain.
Pricing and Accessibility
At an MSRP of $5,000, MO/GO is positioned as a premium product, reflecting its advanced technology and specialized market. However, for those interested in being early adopters, a $500 discount is available for preorders, with shipping expected by late 2025. For those hesitant to commit without trying, Skip offers demo units in select locations across the U.S. and Canada, allowing potential buyers to experience the technology firsthand.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Inclusive Outdoor Experiences
The introduction of MO/GO into the market signifies more than just technological advancement; it’s a step towards making outdoor activities more inclusive. By addressing mobility challenges, MO/GO opens up the natural world to those who might otherwise find it inaccessible. Arc’teryx’s vision of “the mountains make us better” finds new resonance with MO/GO, promising not just to aid in physical mobility but to enhance mental well-being and quality of life through nature’s embrace.
As we look towards the future, products like MO/GO could become standard, not just for those with mobility issues but for anyone seeking to explore the outdoors with less physical strain. This collaboration between Arc’teryx and Skip might well be remembered as a pivotal moment in the evolution of outdoor gear, where technology meets nature to empower the human spirit.
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