Christian Goes Hiking in the ActiveMX

For Christian Roberge, the journey from bariatric surgery to endurance athlete has been built on thousands of hours of movement, training, and outdoor adventure. Along the way, one challenge remained constant: finding gear that provides comfort, support, and confidence during long days of activity. That's why ActiveMX has become an essential part of his routine. Whether he's training, hiking, or simply staying active, ActiveMX helps reduce movement, improve comfort, and provide the support needed to focus on the experience instead of the distractions. After months of putting it to the test, Christian shares his experience in his own words. 

There is something I particularly enjoy about endurance sports and outdoor activities: a piece of gear can be excellent without necessarily being the best choice for every situation. 

As an ambassador for Bariatric Technologies and ActiveMX, I've had the opportunity to test the product in a variety of settings over the past few months. My latest adventure, however, led me to an interesting realization. 

For me, ActiveMX has become an essential part of my gear for training, day hikes, and sports activities where I can easily manage my equipment after the effort. 

Support That Shows Up on the Trail 

When we think about hiking, we often think about the kilometers, elevation gain, shoes, or backpack. 

But there's also everything that happens to our bodies during several hours of movement. 

For me, ActiveMX first provides a feeling of support and stability. It helps keep everything in place while I'm moving, reducing the movement of loose skin during activity. 

And over several hours, that can make a real difference. 

Imagine walking for eight hours. 

That's not just eight hours of walking — it's also eight hours of repeated movement, climbing, descending, and impact, with your skin moving along with every step. 

ActiveMX helps keep everything more securely in place, somewhat like the feeling you get from wearing a triathlon suit. 

Everything stays in place. 

For me, that creates a level of comfort that becomes particularly noticeable when the activity lasts for several hours. 

Better Support While Moving 

Another benefit I notice is the postural support and the way the garment helps distribute the load. 

When you're carrying a backpack, some of the weight naturally rests on your shoulders and upper body. The support provided by ActiveMX helps create a more consistent feeling of support through the torso and lower body. 

I wouldn't say that ActiveMX "takes the weight off" your backpack — that would be an exaggeration. 

But it does provide a greater feeling of stability and support, especially when I'm moving for several hours. 

And I think this benefit isn't limited to people doing eight-hour hikes. 

Even for someone doing a more casual two-, three-, or four-hour hike, having less movement and more support can simply make the experience more comfortable. 

That's one of the reasons I now consider ActiveMX an essential part of my gear for day hikes. 

One Honest Note From a Longer Adventure 

This summer, Christian also took on a very different challenge: the Traversée de Charlevoix, a 69 km self-supported, multi-day hike. For a trip like that — where every gram and every bit of easy care matters — he made different gear choices than he does for day hikes and training. 

It's exactly the kind of real-world, honest feedback Bariatric Technologies values from its ambassadors — and it's already helping shape future versions of ActiveMX. 

The Gear That Matches the Adventure 

My latest hike reminded me of something I sometimes forget: when you're outdoors, the best gear is often the gear that actually matches the adventure you're about to take on. 

For a few hours on the trails, my priorities aren't the same as they are for a multi-day adventure. And that's okay. My gear evolves with my challenges. 

After all, a few years ago, I never would have imagined thinking about what I should put in my backpack for a 69 km self-supported hike. Today, that's part of my life. 

And honestly? That's probably what I love most about this journey. Always trying, learning, adjusting… and heading out toward the next challenge. 

See It for Yourself 

Curious how ActiveMX could support your own day-to-day movement — a morning walk, a workout, or a full day on the trail?