With the goal of building man-machine coordination and lightweight exoskeleton design, this study explored the application and method of topology optimization in the field of military individual exoskeleton design. Firstly, in combination with ergonomics and kinematics theory, the design direction was proposed by analyzing the usage requirements of military exoskeleton equipment and the design characteristics of existing equipment. Secondly, topology optimization method was introduced into the early design stage of exoskeleton equipment, and a design process with shape and structure optimization as the lead was established and applied to the design of military individual exoskeleton equipment. A military individual exoskeleton equipment with topological optimization shape was designed based on freedom of motion and gait of anatomy. In addition, the weight of optimized equipment components was significantly reduced while the structural performance was relatively ideal. The equipment shows good wearability, effective weight support and considerable motion assistance. Furthermore, the performance parameters reached the predetermined index perfectly. The design requirements of man-machine coordinated motion mechanism and high specific strength structure of military individual exoskeleton equipment can be met by topology optimization design method. Besides, the exoskeleton equipment designed based on topology optimization design method has good application prospect of military.