New application TripList aims to help consumers create packing lists.
TripList joins a crowded field of packing-management apps, all of which hope to appeal to travelers who are ditching pen and paper for smart phones and tablets.
In this category, the paid-app leader is Packing Pro, but there are also free apps with lesser functionality like Pack the Bag.
All of these apps help users whip up foolproof packing lists by reminding them of commonly forgotten items, such as a night-light or a sun hat.
Once a traveler has a list, he or she can use the app to tick items, or share the list with other family members.
TripList, which comes in an iOS-only version for now, was built by Ryan Hartman of Enabled Apps. In 2010, Hartman created Airport Ace, which Tnooz spotlighted.
A key differentiator in the major packing-management apps is how they allow users to share and back-up information.
TripList is an innovator in being integrated with itinerary-management app TripIt and online storage solution DropBox. In comparison, Packing Pro lacks TripIt integration, meaning you can't automatically pull in trip itinerary details when starting a fresh packing list. But Packing Pro does boast out-of-the-box iCloud sync across devices, which is more straightforward to use than DropBox or e-mail.
TripList can accommodate multiple lists, say for two spouses, without duplication, but an ability -- at least in the iPad version -- to swap lists and cross-check that items aren't accidentally being duplicated.
Starting out of the gate TripList only has about 175 items to auto-suggest, compared with the 800 in Packing Pro, which currently costs the same price ($3).
To lure new customers, TripList is offering a free download to create one list of up to 25 items as a taster.
NB: Family vacation image via Shutterstock.