# PackLight for Backpacking vs PackApp USA

The clearest difference is ratings volume: PackLight for Backpacking at 991 against PackApp USA's 6. PackApp USA's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PackLight for Backpacking sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and PackApp USA sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PackApp USA holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PackLight for Backpacking has 991 ratings behind it against 6, 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 100% of PackApp USA's.

PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, PackApp USA every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and July 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PackLight for Backpacking | PackApp USA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (991 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packlight-for-backpacking/id1054845207/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packapp-usa/id6503069317/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **991** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 95.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 4 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mark Oliveira](https://appshunter.io/developer/1054845206) | [Nicholas Dumke](https://appshunter.io/developer/1747923024) |

## 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


### PackApp USA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packapp-usa/id6503069317)

This app helps outdoor enthusiasts plan and organize their gear for hiking, camping, and backpacking trips. It allows users to track pack weight, calorie estimates, and essential details for each item. Premium features offer advanced trip planning with weather forecasts and community-sourced gear.

**Highlights:** Unlimited gear item creation, Pack weight and calorie tracking, Trip planning with weather forecasts, Community pre-made gear items, Imperial or metric unit support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PackLight for Backpacking free?

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

### Is PackApp USA free?

PackApp USA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PackLight for Backpacking or PackApp USA?

PackApp USA is rated higher. PackLight for Backpacking averages 4.8 out of 5 from 991 ratings, while PackApp USA averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do PackLight for Backpacking or PackApp USA have ads?

Neither PackLight for Backpacking nor PackApp USA shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PackLight for Backpacking or PackApp USA?

PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, and PackApp USA every 3 weeks. Most recently, PackLight for Backpacking was updated on September 22, 2026 and PackApp USA on July 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.*