# PackLight for Backpacking vs Packstack

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Packstack at none against PackLight for Backpacking's 1. Packstack also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). PackLight for Backpacking's advantage is ratings volume (991 vs 4). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PackLight for Backpacking sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Packstack asks for nothing beyond the download.

Packstack 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 4, 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 Packstack's.

PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, Packstack every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PackLight for Backpacking | Packstack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (991 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packlight-for-backpacking/id1054845207/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packstack-backpacking-gear/id6760873801/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **991** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 95.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#193** |
| Size | 4 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mark Oliveira](https://appshunter.io/developer/1054845206) | [Jerad Maplethorpe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886603203) |

## 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


### Packstack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packstack-backpacking-gear/id6760873801)

**Currently charting:** #193 Top Grossing · Travel (US App Store)

This app helps backpackers and hikers meticulously track gear, organize packing lists, and calculate essential trip details like base weight and calorie needs. It offers a comprehensive gear inventory, reusable kits, and detailed trip planning features. Syncs across devices and allows sharing of setups.

**Highlights:** Gear inventory management, Trip-specific packing lists, Reusable gear kits, Base weight and calorie calculation, Hiker profile creation, Trip planning tools, Gear catalog search

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PackLight for Backpacking free?

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

### Is Packstack free?

Packstack is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PackLight for Backpacking or Packstack?

Packstack is rated higher. PackLight for Backpacking averages 4.8 out of 5 from 991 ratings, while Packstack averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do PackLight for Backpacking or Packstack have ads?

Neither PackLight for Backpacking nor Packstack shows ads.

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

PackLight for Backpacking ships an update every 2 months, and Packstack every 10 days. Most recently, PackLight for Backpacking was updated on September 22, 2026 and Packstack on September 14, 2026.

---

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