# PackLight for Backpacking vs Packing List

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PackLight for Backpacking at 95% against Packing List's 59%. PackLight for Backpacking also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and ratings volume (991 vs 88). Packing List's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PackLight for Backpacking sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Packing List sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PackLight for Backpacking holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PackLight for Backpacking has 991 ratings behind it against 88, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 95% of PackLight for Backpacking's written reviews are positive against 59% of Packing List's.

PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, Packing List every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PackLight for Backpacking | Packing List |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (991 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packlight-for-backpacking/id1054845207/reviews)** | [4.6 (88 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packing-list-pack-repeat/id6473901846/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **991** | 88 |
| Positive reviews | **95.2% of reviews** | 58.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 4 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mark Oliveira](https://appshunter.io/developer/1054845206) | [Pixby Media AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/440673186) |

## What reviewers say

### PackLight for Backpacking

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packlight-for-backpacking/id1054845207)

This app helps backpackers create lightweight packing lists by organizing gear, tracking weights, and visualizing their impact. It allows users to build custom lists, share them, and even import from other services. An optional supporter edition unlocks advanced features for a one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** Organize gear by name, weight, and category, Build weight-aware packing lists, Visualize pack weight impact, Packing checklist functionality, Share packing lists via link or CSV, Import lists from LighterPack, Offline access to data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Supporter Edition | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Helpful for planning and organizing gear
- 👍 Useful for tracking gear weights
- 👍 Great for creating custom packing lists
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of custom categories
- 🔍 No ability to add notes or details to gear items
- 🔍 No option to track purchase price or date
- 🔍 Inability to easily share lists with others
- 🔍 No cloud sync or backup functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional issues with alphabetical sorting of lists
- Reported bug with displaying the correct list when selected

**Requested features**

- Add ability to track purchase price and date for gear items
- Implement custom category creation
- Include option to add notes and details to gear items
- Implement cloud sync and backup functionality
- Add sharing capabilities to easily collaborate with others


### Packing List

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packing-list-pack-repeat/id6473901846)

Simplify your travel packing with an intelligent checklist and planner. Generate customized lists based on trip type and destination, with smart suggestions to ensure you don't forget anything. Reuse past lists for faster packing on future trips.

**Highlights:** AI-powered packing suggestions, Pre-made templates for trip types, 10-day weather forecast integration, Reusable packing lists, Power outlet adapter information, Trip reminders and widgets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| 12 Months | $19.99 | per year |
| 12 Months | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PackLight for Backpacking free?

PackLight for Backpacking is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Packing List free?

Packing List is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PackLight for Backpacking or Packing List?

PackLight for Backpacking is rated higher. PackLight for Backpacking averages 4.8 out of 5 from 991 ratings, while Packing List averages 4.6 from 88 ratings.

### Do PackLight for Backpacking or Packing List have ads?

Neither PackLight for Backpacking nor Packing List shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PackLight for Backpacking or Packing List?

PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, and Packing List every 5 days. Most recently, PackLight for Backpacking was updated on September 22, 2026 and Packing List on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*