With wearable tech, all the specs in the world don’t mean much if you don’t actually want to wear it.

A device can have a ton of amazing features, but if it’s heavy or uncomfortable or runs out of battery constantly it’s destined to eventually end up in your drawer, never to be part of your everyday life.

We all have our own graveyard of gadgets that looked impressive on paper but were just plain annoying in real life. I have more than I can count. Pretty sad, actually. 

And so, when I put a wearable exoskeleton to the test, it wasn’t just to see if it works, but to see if it could become part of my active lifestyle, as someone who loves walking, hiking, and occasionally running. 

A few weeks after incorporating it into my routine, I had my answer. 

The Weight Question

To be clear, we are talking about the VIGX π Plus AI-powered walking assistant. It actually helps you walk, run, hike, and ride, providing assistance but not moving you forward. Think of it like a little boost to do your favorite activity. 

Let’s start with the obvious. If you strap an exoskeleton to your waist and legs, it isn’t going to weigh nothing, right? But is it a burden? 

All told, the π Plus weighs about 4.6 pounds. That's around 2.1 kilograms. It’s hard to know what that means on paper. How does it actually feel out in the world?

Well, this thing has a waist module with controls, and a strap that goes around the back where the battery holsters are (there are two of those). Then you have the lightweight metal rods that run down to the leg straps, which attach just above the knee. The whole thing feels very secure and incredibly well-built. The build quality is actually great. I love how well-balanced the whole thing feels. 

About 30 minutes into my first walk, I realized I’d completely forgotten the weight. It wasn't dragging on me. It wasn't making me tired. More than anything, I felt lighter when I was done than when I began. 

Why is this? While I can’t be certain, my theory is that by taking the load off your lower body, the π Plus reduces overall fatigue, which would normally increase as you walk, hike, or run longer. Your legs feel fresher. Your steps feel easier. And, your brain perceives the whole experience as less effort, even though, yes, you are wearing an exoskeleton. 

It's a strange sensation. Like wearing a backpack that somehow lifts rather than weighs you down. You have to feel it to believe it. 

Wearing the VIGX π Plus 

Most of the comfort is in the design. It's not bulky. It's not awkward. It hugs and moves with you, instead of dragging stiffly against you. When I wear it, I have my full range of motion, whether lifting my legs, running, stretching to the side, sitting, or kneeling. Everything. 

The materials help too. The frame is made of lightweight, high-strength composites. It’s sturdy enough to provide real torque without feeling like you’re wearing a suit of armor.

I’ve worn it with a light down jacket, and the fabric can still lie smoothly underneath. My pants and coat don’t get bunched up, which is nice. I’ve always worn it under my coat, and the whole thing is small enough not to make you look like you have something huge around your waist. It is very low profile. If you didn't know someone was wearing it, you'd probably never notice, apart from the rods and straps around the legs. 

No Range Anxiety 

Wearable technology can pack a punch with its features. But another area where wearables often fall flat is battery life. Long hikes are the bane of many such devices. 

Not the π Plus. This exoskeleton lasts up to 24,000 steps with both batteries in. (That’s more than a full day’s worth of action for most people.) I’ve never even come close to depleting it, despite taking it on multiple several-mile walks and hikes. 

The batteries are also hot-swappable, and I’ve found them easy to handle. Since the design allows a module to be swapped out without shutting down the device, users can pop one module out and click in a new one. You don't lose your settings. You don’t have to stop, restart, or reset. You just keep moving. That’s great. 

This is more important than you might imagine. When you’re in the middle of a trail or an adventure, the last thing you want is to fumble with technology. That kind of annoying, small thing is what makes so many gadgets end up in the drawer. Being able to swap batteries, plus the crazy battery life, eliminates that worry. 

In my experience, this is a product that you can trust to keep going as long as you want to be active. 

Simple Controls 

Even though the π Plus is small, it’s loaded with advanced functions, and the controls are extremely easy to learn. 

Everything you need is on your belt. Pressing the plus button increases the level of assistance, while pressing the minus button reduces it. There's a power button, and when you turn it on, the onboard voice calls out the battery levels. If the belt or straps aren’t quite tight enough, it will let you know. The play button starts or pauses powered assistance. That's basically it for day-to-day use. Super easy. 

Install the app if you want a bit more control. 

Ultimately, it works because it’s simple. It’s important to be able to increase the assist without having to scroll through a menu. For active people, tactile buttons are the way to go, and that is where the VIGX π Plus excels. 

Quick Specs

• Weight: ~4.6 lbs (2.1 kg Including batteries)
• Torque: Up to 15 Nm (roughly 30% effort reduction)
• Battery life: Up to 24,000 steps with both batteries
• Hot-swappable batteries: Switch without powering down
• Materials: Lightweight, high-strength composites
• Controls: Plus/minus buttons on the belt, app optional

The Big Picture

Taking a step back, here’s why that matters beyond just features.

The VIGX is great for anyone who likes being active, and for anyone who wants to be even more active. For example, as we age, we may need even more support just to do the things we used to do easily. All too often, people have to give up hiking, running, walking, or even golfing. They would much rather keep doing all those things, of course. A device like the π Plus is a great solution. How many more years could you get doing all those things you love doing? 

Keep walking the golf course instead of switching to carts. Choose to get outside for a walk when you otherwise wouldn’t because of tiredness. 

That's what lightweight, long-lasting comfort enables. It's not about the specs. It’s about getting out there, whether you’re a retired golfer, an avid hiker wishing you could climb up more hills, or someone who loves running but doesn’t love the tiredness and recovery that comes with it. Or, honestly, anyone who just wants to be more active than they already are. 

After a few weeks with the π Plus, I am certain this device is not going to be one of my “drawer” tech products. It has already become part of my daily lifestyle, helping me on walks in the hills behind my house, giving me more endurance, and removing excuses not to go out.

It makes me more active, and that’s why I love it. 

It’s perfectly balanced and so lightweight. The battery lasts all day. It gets out of the way so that you can do your thing. 

Explore the VIGX π series at vigx.ai.