I've been using LighterPack since 2021. It was simple, free, and everyone in the community used it. Why would I switch?
Then I tried MyPacks, and I can't go back.
What LighterPack Got Right
Let me be fair. LighterPack served me well for years:
- Quick to add gear
- Easy weight calculations
- Simple sharing via URL
- Good category organization
- Pie charts showing weight distribution
For basic gear list management, it works.
What Finally Made Me Switch
The Compartment System
This was the killer feature. LighterPack organizes by category: shelter, sleep, cooking, etc. That's logical, but it's not how I pack.
MyPacks organizes by where things go:
- What's in my main compartment?
- What's in my hip belt pockets?
- What's strapped to the outside?
- What am I wearing?
The first time I built a list in MyPacks, I realized I was actually packing in my head. I could visualize exactly where everything would go. Game changer.
Finding Community Inspiration
On LighterPack, I'd occasionally see someone's list on Reddit. But there was no way to discover new setups within the platform.
MyPacks has a full community tab. I can:
- Browse public gear lists
- See what people carry on specific trails
- Follow hikers with similar styles
- Save lists to reference later
I've discovered so much new gear just by browsing what others carry. It's like Reddit's gear lists, but built in.
Connecting Gear to Trips
My LighterPack lists existed in a vacuum. I'd create a list, go on a trip, and... that was it. No record of how the gear performed.
MyPacks lets me log trips and attach my packing list. Now I have a history:
- "This sleeping pad was too thin for October temps"
- "Didn't need the extra layer on this trip"
- "This cook kit was perfect for two people"
Over time, I'm building a personal database of what works.
Actually Enjoying the Interface
LighterPack looks like it was built in 2015 (because it was). Functional, but dated. No images, basic mobile experience, minimal visual design.
MyPacks feels modern. Images of my gear make the list visual. The mobile experience is smooth. It's just nicer to use.
Making the Switch
Switching was easier than expected:
- Exported my LighterPack list
- Added items to MyPacks (took maybe 20 minutes)
- Organized by compartment (the fun part)
- Started exploring community lists
The hardest part was breaking the habit of typing "lighterpack.com" when I wanted to check my list.
What I Miss About LighterPack
Being honest: almost nothing. The only thing LighterPack has that MyPacks doesn't is the pie chart weight distribution visualization. But MyPacks shows weight by compartment, which I find more useful anyway.
Should You Switch?
If you're happy with basic list management and never share your lists, LighterPack is fine.
But if you want:
- Better organization with compartments
- Community features to discover and learn
- Trip integration to track what works
- A modern experience that's enjoyable to use
MyPacks is the upgrade you didn't know you needed.