# Backcountry Magazine vs AspectAvy

The clearest difference is rating: Backcountry Magazine at 4.8 against AspectAvy's 3.8. Backcountry Magazine also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.2 vs 16.6). AspectAvy's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 12 months). On price, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backcountry Magazine sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per year. AspectAvy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Backcountry Magazine holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 37 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 27% of Backcountry Magazine's written reviews are positive against 50% of AspectAvy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Backcountry Magazine ships an update every 12 months, AspectAvy every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backcountry Magazine | AspectAvy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backcountry-magazine/id567160109/reviews)** | [3.8 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aspectavy/id1660488296/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **45** | 37 |
| Positive reviews | 26.7% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 72 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.2** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Height of Land Publications](https://appshunter.io/developer/566714958) | [Aspect Avy Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1660487514) |

## What reviewers say

### Backcountry Magazine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backcountry-magazine/id567160109)

Explore the world of backcountry skiing and snowboarding with in-depth articles, stunning photography, and expert gear reviews. Learn essential avalanche safety skills and discover new destinations. This app is your guide to the untracked experience.

**Highlights:** High-definition photography, In-depth stories, Avalanche safety skills, Unbiased gear reviews, Freeskiing and touring coverage, Destination exploration

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Backcountry Magazine | $29.99 | per year |
| September 2013 - 2014 Gear Guide of Backcountry Magazine | Free | one-time |
| September 2012 (id:344069) | $4.99 | one-time |
| October 2012 (id:344068) | $4.99 | one-time |
| September 2014 ... (id:344057) | $4.99 | one-time |
| February/March ... (id:344064) | $5.99 | one-time |
| January 2013 (id:344065) | $5.99 | one-time |
| September 2015 ... (id:348793) | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2018 Gear Guide (id:344039) | $9.99 | one-time |
| September 2016 ... (id:349473) | $9.99 | one-time |


### AspectAvy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aspectavy/id1660488296)

This app provides real-time avalanche safety information and tools for backcountry enthusiasts. It features dynamic slope angle shading, live forecasts, and LiDAR mapping to help users assess risk and make informed decisions in avalanche terrain.

**Highlights:** Dynamic slope angle shading, Live avalanche and weather forecasts, LiDAR mapping, Safety checklists, Built-in slope angle meter, Route tracking and sharing

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backcountry Magazine free?

Backcountry Magazine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is AspectAvy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Backcountry Magazine or AspectAvy?

Backcountry Magazine is rated higher. Backcountry Magazine averages 4.8 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while AspectAvy averages 3.8 from 37 ratings.

### Do Backcountry Magazine or AspectAvy have ads?

Neither Backcountry Magazine nor AspectAvy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backcountry Magazine or AspectAvy?

Backcountry Magazine ships an update every 12 months, and AspectAvy every 2 months. Most recently, Backcountry Magazine was updated on November 1, 2026 and AspectAvy on November 3, 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.*