PackLight for Backpacking vs trailscale
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
trailscale
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trailscale: The Technical Gear Manager Stop guessing why your pack is so heavy and start optimizing it. trailscale is a data-driven gear manager designed for hikers, travelers, and minimalists who care about every gram. Whether you’re dialing in an ultralight base weight or managing international carry-on limits, trailscale gives you the visual tools to pack more efficiently. Core Features: Real-Time Analytics: See your total weight and volume update instantly as you add gear. No more manual math, no more platform locked apps. Use your phone and continue on your laptop or iPad. Visual Capacity Charts: High-level breakdowns of your pack. See exactly which categories (electronics, clothing, sleep system) are weighing you down. Power Imports: Transitioning from spreadsheets? Import your existing gear lists via CSV or LighterPack in seconds. Multi-Pack Management: Create specific lists for different trips—from weekend treks to month-long expeditions. Easy Sharing: Export and share your lists with friends or the community with a single tap.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: trailscale at none against PackLight for Backpacking's 1. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. PackLight for Backpacking sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. trailscale asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | PackLight for Backpacking | trailscale |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (991 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 95.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 991 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 39 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mark Oliveira | Jared Krajewski |
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
trailscale
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
PackLight for Backpacking
- Supporter Edition$19.99
trailscale
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PackLight for Backpacking free?
Is trailscale free?
Do PackLight for Backpacking or trailscale have ads?
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