RidgePacker app assistance.
Hey r/Backpacking,
I built an iPhone and iPad app called RidgePacker for hikers who actually plan what goes in their pack.
I'm not a developer Im an elevator mechanic. Ive been using AI for everything. It’s been a super fun project. RidgePacker is one of those. I'd like an honest read from this sub on whether I’ve missed something or if there was a feature that I should add.
What it does:
- Master gear catalog. Every piece of gear with a photo, brand and model, weight, sack or pocket location, and notes. Link out to the product page so re-orders are one tap.
- Per-trip packing lists built from the catalog. Pick items, check them off as you pack. The header runs packed weight vs total weight live, so you know what you're actually carrying before you leave.
- Day-pack sublists. Nest a child list under any trip — Day Pack under Machu Picchu, for example. Items in the sublist also count toward the parent trip so nothing gets double-booked or forgotten.
- Everyday Carry tab. Permanent list for the gear you carry every day (wallet, knife, flashlight, phone). Separate from trip lists. Hide it from Settings if you don't want it.
- Cover photos for trips so the list feels like more than a spreadsheet.
- PDF export of any trip — clean printable packing list with brand, weight, notes. JSON export for full backup with photos embedded. Daily auto-backups for two weeks inside the app.
- Everything stays on your device. No account, no cloud sync, no analytics, no tracking.
Landing page with screenshots and the full feature breakdown: RidgePacker
For r/Backpacking specifically — here's an offer code for a free month of Pro, redeem straight from the App Store:
Free Month
What I'd value the most feedback on:
- The day-pack sublist concept — useful, or a solution to a problem nobody has?
- Categories — I let you make your own (Core Gear, Clothing, Food and Water, etc). Is freeform right, or should there be a default set?
- What's the smallest missing feature that would make it better?
I'll be in the thread for the next few hours. Pile on, tell me where it falls short.