A load-bearing exoskeleton capable of supporting at least part of the weight of a shielding garment. Additionally, some of the users upper-body weight, resulting from the rotational moment about the hip caused by the users trunk in flexion, may be supported. The load-bearing exoskeleton may be a completely passive orthosis, or it may include one or more active orthotic elements. The exoskeleton may include one or more sagittally-extending load-bearing structures that provide a supportive force to counteract at least some of the weight of the shielding garment. The exoskeleton may include a shielding garment attachment mechanism, a pelvis assembly, and one or more leg assemblies that are configured to allow for user movement when in one or more unlocked positions, while facilitating a greater transmission of weight of a shielding garment when in one or more locked positions.
