From Couch Potato to Conqueror: How the Hypershell X Ultra Turned Berlin's Devil's Hill Into a Breeze

As a tech journalist whose fitness routine primarily involves typing and chasing deadlines, the idea of tackling a steep hill typically fills me with dread. My relationship with inclines is, to put it mildly, adversarial. My breath shortens, my quads burn, and the top always feels impossibly far away.

So, when the opportunity arose to test the Hypershell X Ultra – an exoskeleton designed for the most intrepid adventurers – on Berlin's notorious Teufelsberg (Devil's Hill), I approached it with a mix of skepticism and morbid curiosity. Could this futuristic device really make a difference for someone decidedly out of shape?

Teufelsberg, an artificial hill built from post-World War II rubble, is not just a landmark; it's a testament to endurance.

Its winding paths feature inclines that can reach a brutal 30 degrees, culminating in the fascinating, dilapidated former Cold War listening station. For me, it promised to be a grueling ascent. The Hypershell X Ultra, however, promised something else: up to 90W of assistance, transforming a hike into a stroll.

Weighing a manageable 1.8kg, it straps onto your waist and thighs, designed to seamlessly integrate with your natural movement.

Donning the Hypershell X Ultra felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie. A slight whir, a gentle push as I started walking – barely noticeable on flat ground. "Is this it?" I wondered, a pang of skepticism nudging at my initial hope.

But as the path began to steepen, the device truly came alive. It wasn't a forceful shove, but rather an incredibly nuanced, consistent boost. It felt like an invisible butler was gently, yet firmly, pushing me uphill, anticipating my every step and effort.

The difference was astonishing. Where I would normally be huffing and puffing, feeling the tell-tale burn in my quadriceps and calves, I found myself ascending with a newfound ease.

My legs still worked, of course – this wasn't a magic carpet – but the strain was dramatically reduced. I could focus on the breathtaking views of the surrounding Grunewald forest and the intriguing graffiti-covered structures at the summit, rather than solely on my next labored breath. Reaching the top, I was surprisingly fresh, a far cry from the jelly-legged, winded wreck I usually become after such an endeavor.

The Hypershell X Ultra also features a downhill mode, which intelligently provides resistance.

This wasn't just about preventing a runaway descent; it engaged my muscles in a controlled manner, enhancing stability and reducing the impact on my knees. With a battery life claiming around 25km of assistance, it's clear this device is built for serious mileage, not just a single hill climb.

My experience on Teufelsberg was nothing short of revelatory.

While the Hypershell X Ultra is marketed towards hardcore adventurers and trail runners, my journey proved its immense value for anyone facing a challenging climb, regardless of their fitness level. It democratizes difficult terrain, making the inaccessible accessible, and turning dreaded ascents into genuinely enjoyable experiences.

For this out-of-shape tech journalist, it didn't just help me climb a hill; it helped me conquer it, and perhaps, a little bit of my own self-imposed limitations.