Customer Reviews (500)

TPI Professional • 2025-01-18T08:36:44-07:00

I have used this app for several years and several overseas trips. I have found it very useful for all the tasks required to ensure my family and I were prepared to travel. It is reassuring to have all the tasks in one place. The flexibility of the tool has helped to make it more useful for creating categories of tasks (work versus home) required for completion before I leave to enjoy our vacation. Highly recommend!

Wendy Robin • 2024-12-30T17:00:22-07:00

I have used this app for more than 60 trips since 2010. I have a template for domestic trips and one for international ones. It’s so easy to create a new trip from one of the templates and then remove items not needed for that trip. Thank you, Quinn!

WPFASL • 2024-12-22T08:08:14-07:00

We have been using this app for a very long time. 10+ years? We have a checklist we use for our trailer when we go camping, another list for when we go on work trips, we use one for ski trips, it makes it super easy to remember everything you need and reuse your list. I have one for a shopping list for spring gardening. It is especially good for repetitive activities!!! You can fine tune it as you need. I also can send a copy to my nephew when he gets to go with us.

Packing Pro App Review Analysis

1. Summary of Key Insights

Packing Pro is a well-established and generally highly-regarded app for creating and managing packing lists. The app's key strengths lie in its customizability, comprehensive features, and the ability to create and reuse templates. Users appreciate its ability to help them stay organized and avoid forgetting items when traveling. However, the app's dated user interface, occasional iCloud syncing issues, and a perceived learning curve are recurring pain points. There's also a strong desire for real-time collaboration features for families or groups traveling together. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many users reporting years of consistent use and reliance on the app.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (estimated): 4.6/5 (calculated from score distribution)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 78.4% (392/500)
    • 4-star: 7.6% (38/500)
    • 3-star: 3.2% (16/500)
    • 2-star: 3% (15/500)
    • 1-star: 7.8% (39/500)

2. Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a long period, with some dating back to 2013 and earlier, while others are as recent as 2024.
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis involved a manual review of each user review, categorizing comments based on sentiment, identified pain points, requested features, and positive aspects. Keyword extraction was used to identify recurring themes. Sentiment was inferred from the star rating and the text of the review.

3. Key User Pain Points

  • Dated User Interface (UI): Many users describe the UI as "clunky," "outdated," "ugly," and in need of "UX love." This affects the perceived ease of use and overall aesthetic appeal.
  • iCloud Syncing Issues: Several users report problems with iCloud syncing, including inconsistencies between devices, data loss, and difficulty syncing with family members who have separate Apple IDs.
  • Learning Curve: Some users find the app complex and not intuitive, particularly when customizing lists or using advanced features. Terminology and the abundance of options can be overwhelming.
  • Lack of Real-Time Collaboration: A frequently mentioned limitation is the inability for multiple users (e.g., family members) to simultaneously edit and check off items on the same list in real-time. Sharing is limited to sending copies of lists.
  • Crashes and Bugs: A small number of users reported crashes, particularly after updates, and occasional problems with specific features like importing lists.
  • Printing Issues: One user had issues printing from the app.
  • Difficulty Deleting Items: Some users found it difficult to delete items.

4. Frequently Requested Features

  • Real-Time Collaboration/Sharing: The most requested feature is the ability for multiple users to simultaneously edit and check off items on a shared list (iCloud or other account-based sharing).
  • Modernized UI/UX: A redesign of the user interface to make it more visually appealing and intuitive is a common request.
  • Improved iCloud Syncing: More reliable and seamless syncing across devices, especially for users with separate Apple IDs.
  • Weight Totals per Bag: Users want the app to automatically calculate the total weight of items in each bag to avoid exceeding airline limits.
  • Keyboard Controls for iPad: Enhanced iPad functionality with keyboard controls.
  • Weather Integration: Integration with weather forecasts to suggest appropriate clothing.
  • Ability to Designate "Need to Wash": A flag to indicate items that need to be washed before a trip.
  • Alpha Sort of Items: An option to sort items alphabetically.
  • Mac App Version: A desktop version of the app that syncs with iOS devices.
  • Alexa Integration: Integration with Amazon Alexa for voice control.
  • Ability to Tier Packing Lists: A feature to allow packing lists to be tiered (e.g. check off items packed in a bag, which then adds it to a truck packing list).

5. Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Customizability: Users highly value the app's ability to be customized to their specific needs, including adding custom categories, items, and notes.
  • Comprehensive Features: The app offers a wide range of features, including a master catalog, pre-departure checklists, the ability to assign items to people and bags, and various sorting and filtering options.
  • Template Creation and Reusability: Users appreciate the ability to create and reuse templates for different types of trips, saving time and effort.
  • Organizational Benefits: The app helps users stay organized, avoid forgetting items, and reduce pre-trip stress.
  • Reliability and Stability: Many users have been using the app for years and report that it is generally reliable and stable.
  • Responsive Developer: Several users commend the developer for being responsive to questions and suggestions.
  • No Subscription Model: Users appreciate that the app is a one-time purchase rather than a subscription.

6. Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighDated User Interface (UI)Invest in a UI/UX redesign to modernize the app's appearance and improve usability. Focus on simplifying navigation and making key features more accessible.
HighiCloud Syncing IssuesAddress iCloud syncing problems to ensure data consistency across devices. Investigate and resolve reported bugs, and explore options for better family sharing or collaboration.
MediumLack of Real-Time CollaborationImplement a real-time collaboration feature that allows multiple users to edit and check off items on a shared list. Consider using a shared login or family sharing integration.
MediumLearning CurveProvide more intuitive onboarding and tutorials to help new users quickly learn the app's features. Consider offering simplified list creation options.
LowWeight Totals per BagAdd a feature to automatically calculate the total weight of items in each bag.
LowPrinting IssuesInvestigate and fix printing issues.
LowAdd "Need to Wash" FlagImplement a "need to wash" flag to help users identify items that need to be laundered before a trip.
LowDifficulty Deleting ItemsStreamline the process of deleting items.

7. Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Packing Assistant: Develop an app that uses AI to automatically generate packing lists based on the user's destination, travel dates, activities, and personal preferences.
  • Collaborative Packing Platform: Create a platform specifically designed for collaborative packing, with features such as real-time editing, task assignment, and shared inventory management.
  • Travel Gear Marketplace Integration: Integrate a packing list app with a marketplace for travel gear, allowing users to easily purchase items they need directly from their packing lists.
  • Sustainable Packing App: Design an app that helps users pack more sustainably by providing tips on reducing waste, choosing eco-friendly products, and packing efficiently.

8. Trends and Observations

  • Long-Term User Loyalty: Many users have been using Packing Pro for several years, indicating strong loyalty and satisfaction with the app's core functionality.
  • Evolving User Needs: As user reviews span several years, there is a trend towards users expecting more modern UI/UX design and collaborative features.
  • Feature Creep Concerns: Some users express concern that the app is becoming bloated with unnecessary features, potentially making it more complex to use.
  • Positive Developer Engagement: The developer's responsiveness to user feedback is consistently praised, which is a significant strength.

9. Conclusion

Packing Pro is a powerful and versatile app that has consistently helped users stay organized and avoid forgetting items when traveling. While its core functionality remains highly valued, the app needs to address its dated UI, iCloud syncing issues, and lack of real-time collaboration features to remain competitive and meet evolving user expectations. By prioritizing these improvements, the developer can solidify Packing Pro's position as a leading packing list app.

10. Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/packing-pro/id312266675?uo=2