Imagine hiking up a steep mountain trail, feeling like you’re carrying 30 pounds less weight. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s the promise of Arc’teryx’s new powered pants, developed in partnership with Skip, a spinoff from Google‘s X Labs.

These aren’t your average hiking pants. Embedded within their sleek design is a sophisticated exoskeleton powered by electric motors. These motors, strategically placed at the knees, provide an extra boost when ascending, transforming the arduous task of climbing into a more effortless experience. And when you’re descending, the pants absorb the impact of each step, cushioning your knees and reducing fatigue.

The MO/GO pants, as they’re called, are a marvel of engineering. Weighing in at around seven pounds with the power module and batteries attached, they’re not exactly lightweight. But the benefits they offer could be worth the extra heft. The carbon fiber braces that hold the power module in place are cleverly concealed beneath a layer of Arc’teryx’s signature hiking pants, ensuring a relatively sleek profile.

The idea behind the MO/GO pants is to expand the horizons for hikers. It’s not about creating a shortcut to the summit, but rather about making challenging trails accessible to a wider range of people. Think of them as the e-bike equivalent for your legs.

Of course, this level of innovation comes with a price tag. The MO/GO pants are expected to retail at a hefty $5,000. However, an early bird discount is available for those eager to be among the first to experience this futuristic gear. For those who are hesitant to commit to such a substantial purchase, Skip and Arc’teryx are offering eight-hour rentals in select locations.

While the concept of powered pants might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, it’s clear that the technology is rapidly advancing. Whether or not the MO/GO pants will revolutionize the hiking industry remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly represent an exciting step forward in wearable technology.