FEEDBACK
Your survey responses are collected by Hypershell for analysis, to better serve you. You may refer to the Privacy Policy for more details.
At 60, with asthma making hills increasingly difficult, Robert thought his days of long-distance walking were behind him. Then came six days on Scotland's West Highland Way where Hypershell changed everything.
When Your Body Says No, But Your Spirit Says Go
Robert McComb, a Scotland native, had walked Scotland's West Highland Way before—all 96 grueling miles from Milngavie to Fort William. But this time, it felt different. At 60, with asthma making the steep ascents increasingly challenging, he wondered if this might be his last major trek.
The West Highland Way isn't the type of trail one could tackle on a whim. Scotland's first official long-distance footpath attracts walkers from around the world who come to test themselves against some of the country's most dramatic terrain. Starting in the lowlands near Glasgow, the route winds through ancient forests, alongside the shores of Loch Lomond, across the desolate beauty of Rannoch Moor, and through the shadow of towering peaks in Glencoe before finishing at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
It's a trail that demands respect. The terrain shifts constantly—from gentle lowland paths to boulder fields, from boggy moorland to steep mountain passes. Weather can turn brutal without warning, transforming manageable sections into treacherous challenges. Many who attempt it underestimate just how punishing those 96 miles can be.
"I was pretty much giving up on distance walking," Robert admits. "I thought this is no longer possible for me."
That was before Hypershell.
Elevation profile © West Highland Way, the-route
Day One: A Brutal Reality Check
The first day nearly broke him. Twenty miles across mixed terrain, carrying camera equipment and a drone, Robert made a mistake that would be a tough lesson learned for his treks with an exoskeleton.
"I only brought two batteries," he recalls. "At 19 miles, right at the top of Conic Hill, I ran out of power. Suddenly I felt the full weight of my backpack again. My legs turned to jelly—I had to sit for half an hour just to recover."
Conic Hill, overlooking Loch Lomond, is where the West Highland Way shows its true character. After nearly 20 miles of relatively gentle terrain, walkers face a steep ascent that has broken many dreams of completing the full route. For Robert, dehydrated and facing this climb without assistance, it became a harsh lesson in preparation.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Once Robert knew having three batteries would likely give him peace of mind, he began tinkering with the assistance level. Through trial and error across varied Scottish terrain, he discovered his optimal setting: Eco 45%. At 88 kilos (194 lb) and 5'7", Robert found this setting to be perfect for his build and the challenges on the trail.
"I tried everything—35%, 55%, even dropping down to 15% on flats to conserve battery. But Eco 45% was magic. It got me through floods, rock fields, brutal ascents, and never overheated. Not once."
With three batteries and his newfound sweet spot, Robert averaged 20 miles per day across some of Scotland's most challenging terrain. More importantly, he had energy left over at each day's end.
Fuelling the Machine
Robert learned that even with Hypershell's assistance, nutrition and hydration strategies remained crucial.
"It's not a miracle—you need to provide the fuel for Hypershell to do its best job," he explains. "I focused on anything high in protein, plus protein bars with some sugar. At the halfway point each day, I could feel energy dropping. As soon as I ate a protein bar or protein-rich sandwich, my energy levels started rising again."
The 100-mile test revealed another challenge: "I lost weight I couldn't recover on previous trips. I gained strength, but I needed to focus on calories because of the extreme distance. That's important for people doing long walks. You will gain huge strength with Hypershell, but you need to watch calorie intake, eat regularly, and drink fluids."
When the Impossible Becomes Routine
By day two, something remarkable happened. The jelly legs disappeared. Robert's body had adapted, but more than that—he not only made peace with the mountains, but found a new spark of joy.
"I started looking forward to the hills," he says, still amazed. "Everyone else struggled on the steep sections. I marched through them. People couldn't believe I didn't need breaks."
This transformation became most apparent on day five—the notorious 21-mile stage from Rannoch Moor through Glencoe. This section includes the Devil's Staircase, a zigzagging climb through a mountain pass that has earned its fearsome name. It's here that many walkers hit their physical and mental limits.
The final day brought Scotland's notorious weather: flooding paths, driving rain, and winds that would challenge any hiker. The ascent out of Kinlochleven—a soul-destroying climb that breaks many walkers—became just another hill.
"Under my poncho, I was completely dry, the Hypershell kept doing its job. It somehow knew when to reduce support as I clambered over rocks and tree trunks. How does it know? That's the engineering miracle."
An Unexpected Bonus
Along the way, Robert discovered a pleasant surprise. As someone who has dealt with asthma on challenging climbs, he noticed something different during this trek.
"I don't even need inhalers with a Hypershell," he notes. "For the last two years since I've been using Hypershell regularly, I don't use the medicines. It's just a byproduct—a health payoff of using Hypershell."
The weight offset proved equally transformative. Despite carrying a heavy pack with camera gear, water, and supplies, Robert felt fresh after a full day of walking. "The three batteries felt like nothing because they offset everything else."
The Bigger Picture
Standing in Fort William after 100 miles, with Ben Nevis looming overhead, Robert gave his Hypershell a pat and said, "Well done." It had never let him down, never overheated, never failed when conditions got brutal.
But the real victory was personal.
"The impossible is now possible," Robert reflects. "I was worried about giving up the things I love—the fresh air, the mountains, the sunsets and sunrises. Why should you give that up just because your body lets you down? With Hypershell, your body doesn't need to let you down."
What's Next: 600 Miles to the End of the World
Robert considers this 100-mile hike a test run. In April 2026, Robert plans to walk 600 miles from St. John, France to Finisterre, Spain, following the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. This time, he'll take both his Carbon and the new Ultra, sharing the trail with friends from Brazil, Australia, and the US.
"Last year I did those 600 miles without Hypershell. I lost so much body weight I couldn't recover. This year will be different. This year, I'll have my best friend with me."
For Those Still on the Fence
Robert's message to skeptics is simple but profound:
"Don't fear technology that gives you so much more. If you feel your strength isn't there anymore, this is an incredible way to extend your life in the mountains. Fresh air, feel-good moments, good health from walking. Why give that up because of fear?"
At 60, Robert isn't slowing down. He's speeding up, exploring further, and proving that the right technology enhances your capabilities so you can enjoy the moment.
The impossible? It just became routine.
Robert completed the West Highland Way using Hypershell X Carbon at Eco 45% mode, averaging 7 miles per battery across varied Scottish terrain. His story demonstrates not just what's possible with assistive technology, but how the right approach can transform limitations into launching points for greater adventures.
Continue reading
Fall Hiking Recommendations🍂
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." It's the best time to enjoy the cozy fall vibe and explore fall colours with a hike! Here are some unforgettable hiking recommendations🍂🍁 the United States 📍Silver Falls State Park Route: The Trail of Ten Falls (12km) As the name suggests, the trail takes you on a journey...
Ride Smarter, Ride Stronger: Maximizing Cycling Performance With Hypershell X
Maximizing cycling performance isn’t about pushing harder at every moment—it’s about timing your effort and letting the exoskeleton work for you. Use bursts of power on steep climbs, sprints, or technical sections, and rely on assist for steady pacing on longer stretches.