NeoSomaTech
Does a walking exoskeleton help when going downhill?
The answer in detail
Powered walking exoskeletons are mostly presented for climbing, but some also mention descents. The information available differs by brand and model: there is no single answer.
Hypershell's official X Series page lists a "Downhill" mode for all its models (six modes for the X Go, ten for the Pro and Carbon). On our Hypershell Go X page the text, however, states that during downhill or flat phases, the system switches to a smart passive mode. That means the device provides no powered help in those phases. Another model from the brand, the Pro X, was described differently by a tester, as we see below.
How it works in practice
These devices use sensors to analyze your gait and the slope, then adjust hip assistance. What the device does when the slope reverses depends on the programming each brand chooses.
- Hypershell X Series: a "Downhill" mode listed by the official page for all models; our Go X page speaks of a smart passive mode downhill or on the flat. The two descriptions are not identical, so check with the manufacturer.
- Hypershell Pro X: an autoevolution tester reports that the device brakes on descents to make them smoother, without any input from them.
- VIGX π Plus: the manufacturer states energy recovery downhill and when decelerating.
- Dnsys X1 Lite: our product page describes an Eco mode and a Sport mode, without stating behavior on descents.
Who it is for and when
Going downhill loads the thighs and knees with braking. If you mostly want help on descents, check what the manufacturer states precisely for the model you have in mind, because two models from the same brand can behave differently.
For a passive spring-based exoskeleton designed for skiing, the principle is different: see our guide to the ski exoskeleton. For powered hiking, read our hiking feature.
Limits and precautions
The data are limited. The test we cite covers a single model, the Pro X, carried out by one person over a month on varied terrain, walking, running, cycling and on stairs. It also reports drawbacks: padded areas that get hot under effort, limited range of motion when seated, and a hip hinge click judged distracting.
- Only one independent source read on descents.
- The other information comes from manufacturers.
- Downhill behavior can change with updates and the chosen mode.
- Try it on a slope before a long hike, if you can.
Key takeaways
A walking exoskeleton can have a dedicated downhill mode: Hypershell lists a "Downhill" mode on the X Series, a tester noticed braking on the Pro X and VIGX states energy recovery, while our Go X page speaks of a passive mode. This information is partial and comes mostly from manufacturers. Before buying, ask the manufacturer what your exact model does on descents. To compare ranges, read our Hypershell vs Dnsys comparison.