A Lighter Way Forward
In the hills and mountains of South Africa, where paths wind through fynbos, sandstone, and granite, the weight on your back matters.
For Chris Wise, that simple truth became the starting point for something more. A civil engineer and dedicated hiker, Chris set out to solve a problem he experienced firsthand. His pack was the heaviest item he carried.
What began as a personal exercise to weigh and reduce gear quickly became a deeper pursuit. When he could not find a locally made ultralight pack under a kilogram, and importing one felt both expensive and disconnected from local needs, he decided to build his own.
That decision became Freedom Ultralight.
Built From Experience
Chris developed his packs on trail, testing and refining them in the Drakensberg and Western Cape mountains until they worked in real conditions.
His approach was simple
Remove what is not needed
Refine what remains
Let function guide every decision
Switching to ultralight felt like he had “turbocharged” his hiking.
That experience is reflected in customer feedback, with many commenting
“I cannot believe that I haven’t done this sooner”
Where hiking once revolved around the pack and its weight, it became focused on the walk itself. What a pleasure!
A Family-Driven Craft
Freedom Ultralight is built around family.
This is not mass production. It is a hands-on, South African approach to making gear.
Designed for Serious Hikers
Freedom Ultralight focuses on a niche that larger brands rarely reach. Customisation.
Each pack can be adapted to the individual
Customised torso lengths
Male and female specific fits
Shoulder straps shaped and positioned for comfort
Interchangeable hip belts
Packs designed for younger hikers
Colour and configuration can also be tailored.
The Oryx
At the centre of the range is the Oryx, a multiday ultralight backpack designed to balance carrying capacity and low weight.
Available in 44 litre and 52 litre volumes, it features
A weight between 800 and 900 grams
A removable and adjustable aluminium frame
Functional pocket placement and rolltop closure
Durable, locally sourced materials
Instead of relying on a heavy structure, the Oryx uses intelligent packing and compression to maintain comfort on trail.
Expanding the System
As Freedom Ultralight has grown, so has the range.
Products have evolved based on what hikers actually need
Tyvek groundsheets cut to fit specific tents
Custom stuff sacks for better organisation
Sun hoodies with a soft feel and technical performance
Add-ons such as hip belt pouches and shoulder strap phone holders
Upcoming products continue to explore more specialised use, including lightweight fastpacking systems and a divvy bag designed with a Cederberg mountain guide.
Made for South African Conditions
Freedom Ultralight is built around local understanding.
Materials are sourced in South Africa
Designs are tested in local terrain
Products are shaped by the realities of South African hiking
This includes long days on trail, strong sun exposure, and the need for practical, durable solutions.
As Chris puts it
“We know this is what people are looking for”
A Different Kind of Hiking
Freedom Ultralight represents a shift in mindset.
From carrying more to carrying what matters
From focusing on gear to focusing on experience
From heavy, complex systems to intentional simplicity
Hiking becomes less about the pack and more about the trail.
Available Through Niya Outdoor
Niya Outdoor curates Freedom Ultralight as part of a considered range of performance driven locally made gear.
What was once made only to order is now becoming more accessible, while still retaining the detail, customisation, and philosophy that define the brand.
If you are ready to move lighter, explore the Freedom Ultralight range on Niya Outdoor and experience the difference for yourself.