There’s a strange stage in building ultralight gear where a pack is technically “finished” — but you know it isn’t ready yet.
That’s where the Ghost 30 currently lives.
Over the last few months, I’ve been deep in the process of refining details, testing prototypes, adjusting patterns, and pushing materials harder before the first proper release. Every version gets closer to what I want this pack to be: something simple, reliable, and genuinely built for long-distance hiking.
Not a gear closet ornament.
Not another overbuilt “ultralight” pack.
A tool built for movement.
Why Small Batch Matters.
neutrinogear is self-funded and handmade in the UK, which means releases happen in small drops.
That’s intentional.
I’d rather make fewer packs properly than rush production and compromise the design. Small batch production also means every iteration can improve from real-world use instead of locking into mass production too early.
The upside is freedom. freedom to test new ideas, tweak details, and evolve the pack naturally through actual miles on trail.
Current Prototype Testing.
Right now, most of the work is focused on refinement rather than reinvention.
The core philosophy hasn’t changed:
Carry everything, feel nothing.
The Ghost 30 is still a frameless, hipbeltless 30L ultralight rucksack built for hikers who already know their systems. The people who cut labels off gear, trim excess straps, and know exactly what earns its weight.
But the smallest details matter most in use.
What’s Currently Being Refined.
Load Stability.
The tapered shape has been one of the strongest parts of the design so far.
Keeping weight high and close to the back massively improves stability, especially when moving quickly or scrambling. Current testing is focused on how the pack behaves at different load volumes — particularly when carrying lower food weight near the end of longer trips.
A frameless pack should still carry cleanly when half empty.
That sounds obvious, but many don’t.
Pocket Access While Moving.
The bottom pocket and shoulder pockets are being adjusted repeatedly during hikes.
Small changes in angle, tension, and opening size completely change how usable they are when moving without stopping. The goal is simple: less digging, less stopping, more walking.
The front pocket has also gone through multiple revisions.
The current version uses a structured 5L zipped design that keeps its shape even when fully loaded, making organisation easier and preventing the sagging mesh-pocket issue common on many ultralight packs.
Handmade in the UK.
Every prototype is currently being cut, sewn, tested, unpicked, resewn, and rebuilt by hand here in the UK.
That slower process is actually one of the best parts.
It means every design choice gets questioned properly:
- Does this seam actually need to exist?
- Can this panel do two jobs instead of one?
- Does this improve movement or just add complexity?
- Is this lighter and stronger?
Ultralight gear should feel intentional. Not fragile.
What Happens Next.
The plan from here is straightforward:
- more trail testing
- more refinement
- more prototypes
- small production drops when ready
Alongside the Ghost 30, I’m also working on other accessories and trail gear — including ultralight spirit stoves, fuel bottles, and other small essentials designed around the same philosophy: simple, durable, repairable equipment made for actual use.
No huge launches.
No giant warehouse stock.
Just steady improvements and carefully built gear released in batches.
Follow the Process.
I’ll be posting more prototype updates, material testing, design breakdowns, and field-use photos over the coming weeks as things evolve.
If you’re into ultralight hiking, MYOG culture, long-distance trails, or handmade gear built in small batches, keep an eye on the next updates. follow on instagram and subscribe for notifications.
The first Ghost 30 release is getting closer.
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