Comparison

PackLight for Backpacking vs Goulight

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PackLight for Backpacking

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
Read full description

Keep your pack weight down and never forget crucial gear with PackLight, the packing list app for backpackers. Get PackLight today and be confident that you have exactly what you need - and only what you need - on your next adventure. CORE FEATURES (100% free / no sign up / no ads) - Organize Your Gear -- Inventory your gear by name, weight, and category. - Build Packing Lists -- Use your gear to build weight-aware packing lists. - Keep Your Backpack Light -- Instantly see how your gear choices impact pack weight. - Packing Checklist -- Check off items as you pack to ensure nothing is forgotten. - Share Packing Lists -- Post your list on packlightapp.com and share a link or send a CSV of your list to anyone. - Visualize Weight Distribution -- Use the bar graph to compare gear categories. - Custom Categories -- Organize items your way with your own categories. - Import From LighterPack -- Don't start from scratch - import your LighterPack lists (unaffiliated). - Offline Access -- Access your data even off the grid. Works without internet. ADVANCED FEATURES (Supporter Edition) Supporter Edition is a one-time purchase that supports ongoing maintenance and improvements to PackLight and grants permanent access to these advanced features: - Kits for Quick Packing -- Create kits to group items that you normally pack together, like a first aid kit or cooking gear, so you can add them all to a list at once. - Unlimited Base Lists -- Create new packing lists based on any combination of your other lists and kits. - Inventory Search -- Quickly find gear in your inventory. ABOUT PACKLIGHT PackLight was originally built for my own use and published free on the App Store to share with other backpackers. All of the core features are still free and always will be and it's been great to see PackLight become a favorite for so many! Thank you! If you think PackLight has earned it, I'd really appreciate your honest rating and review. They help a lot and I read every last one. Got an idea for improvement? Email me any time with feedback or feature requests at packlightapp@gmail.com.

About

Goulight

Features
Read full description

Goulight is the packing list app for hikers and backpackers who care about weight. Get full control over base weight, worn weight, and consumables in a clean, modern interface—no spreadsheets, no broken formulas. WHAT YOU GET • Smart weight breakdown — Base, worn, and consumable weights calculated automatically • One-tap Lighterpack import — Paste your link and your list is ready in seconds • Visual organization — Drag and drop items; see your pack before you pack it • Gear library — Reuse the same gear across lists; add photos and notes • Share lists — Public read-only links for trip planning or gear checks • Dark mode — Easy on the eyes in the tent or at home Built for hikers who count grams, by hikers who count grams. Start optimizing your next adventure. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

PackLight for Backpacking4 screens
Goulight4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Goulight at every 10 days against PackLight for Backpacking's every 2 months. PackLight for Backpacking's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PackLight for Backpacking sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Goulight sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, Goulight every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
PackLight for Backpacking versus Goulight: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPackLight for BackpackingGoulight
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (991 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews95.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings991 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMark OliveiraAlexander Ross

Bugs and requests

PackLight for Backpacking

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

Goulight

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

PackLight for Backpacking

One-time1
  • Supporter Edition$19.99
2 purchases

Goulight

Subscriptions2
  • Goulight Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Goulight Pro Yearly$12.991 Year

Questions

Is PackLight for Backpacking free?
PackLight for Backpacking is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Goulight free?
Goulight is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PackLight for Backpacking or Goulight have ads?
Neither PackLight for Backpacking nor Goulight shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PackLight for Backpacking or Goulight?
PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, and Goulight every 10 days. Most recently, PackLight for Backpacking was updated on October 14, 2026 and Goulight on October 15, 2026.

Other comparisons