How Wearable Mobility Technology Is Expanding Access to Outdoor Adventure While Opening New Possibilities for Everyday Life

For many people, the decision to skip a hike or shorten a trip has little to do with motivation. Joint pain, arthritis, reduced stamina, or the physical effects of aging can gradually make activities that once felt routine seem increasingly difficult. While outdoor accessibility is often discussed in terms of trails, parks, and infrastructure, MacClain Figueroa, founder of Radventurers, believes physical mobility deserves equal attention. From his perspective, helping people move more comfortably could enable many to continue hiking, traveling, and exploring long after mobility challenges begin.

That perspective has shaped the direction of Radventures, an outdoor mobility company that introduces people to wearable mobility technologies designed to support walking, hiking, travel, and other physically demanding activities. Rather than developing a single device, the company brings together a range of mobility solutions, including AI-powered walking assistance, lower-body support systems, upper-body load assistance, and other wearable technologies that help users remain active in outdoor environments while also demonstrating broader applications across industries. According to Figueroa, the long-term vision extends beyond recreation to occupations and daily activities where additional mobility support could improve comfort and endurance.

Industry trends suggest the conversation is timely. According to a report, a record 175.8 million Americans, representing 57.3% of the U.S. population aged six and older, participated in outdoor recreation during 2024, reflecting continued growth in demand for active lifestyles. As participation increases, questions surrounding how more people can comfortably access outdoor experiences are also becoming increasingly relevant.

Figueroa’s interest in mobility technology developed through personal experience rather than product development alone. An avid mountain biker, snowboarder, and outdoor enthusiast, he explains that arthritis in both hips and knees gradually limited his ability to enjoy the activities that had defined much of his life. Following surgery, even walking became difficult for a period, prompting him to explore mobility technologies that could help him remain active while rebuilding strength and confidence.

“Outdoor adventure has always been a big part of my life, and I wasn’t ready to give that up because my mobility changed,” Figueroa says. “These technologies helped me stay moving, and over time, they helped me regain the confidence to return to activities I genuinely enjoy. That experience convinced me that many other people could benefit from learning what is already available.”

According to Figueroa, those experiences also influenced how Radventurers presents wearable mobility technology. Rather than positioning the equipment as medical devices, he explains that the company focuses on helping people remain engaged with travel, hiking, and other adventures they may otherwise avoid because of physical limitations. He believes that practical demonstrations, education, and guided experiences can help individuals understand how different mobility technologies fit different goals while encouraging informed conversations with healthcare professionals when appropriate.

Figueroa explains that wearable mobility technology now extends across a range of applications, from AI-powered walking assistance, such as the Hypershell Exoskeleton and Shift Moonwalker, to systems that support lower-body movement or help reduce upper-body strain when carrying heavy loads. He believes bringing these innovations together through a single platform helps people better understand how different solutions can support different lifestyles, activities, and mobility needs.

He says the idea became even more tangible during a family trip to Japan. Long walking distances and steep stairways at many cultural landmarks highlighted how mobility can shape the travel experience. Returning later with wearable mobility technology, he found himself navigating the same routes with greater comfort and confidence. The experience strengthened his belief that these solutions could help more people stay active while also contributing to Radventures’ expansion into Japan.

“Japan reminded me that mobility influences so many parts of everyday life,” Figueroa says. “Whether someone wants to hike, explore a historic site, or simply keep up with family during a trip, staying mobile changes the experience. I want more people to keep doing the things they love for as long as possible.”

According to Figueroa, outdoor recreation is a natural starting point because adventure has always been central to Radventures’ mission. He also sees broader potential for wearable mobility technology in physically demanding roles, including agriculture, logistics, and public safety. Through its developing Mobility Lab, the company aims to help people discover and learn how different mobility solutions can support their individual goals and lifestyles.

“The future of mobility is about helping people stay engaged with the activities that give their lives meaning,” Figueroa says. “If technology helps someone continue exploring, traveling, or simply moving with greater confidence, then it has the potential to expand opportunities well beyond the outdoors.”