Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 5, 2026

The short version: Backpackers Friend runs entirely on your device. There are no user accounts, no analytics, no advertising, and no servers that store your trips. Your trips, routes, gear lists, and location history stay on your phone. We can't see them, and we never sell or share your data.

This Privacy Policy explains how Backpackers Friend ("the app", "we", "us") handles information when you use the iOS application and the website at backpackersfriend.app. The app is published by Gabriel Mullen, an individual developer ("the Developer").

1. Information we do not collect

We have designed Backpackers Friend to be private by default. We do not:

Require you to create an account, sign in, or provide your name or email to use the app.
Operate a backend server or cloud database that stores your trips or personal content.
Use third-party analytics, advertising, marketing, or behavioral-tracking SDKs.
Sell, rent, or share your personal information with data brokers or advertisers.

2. Information stored on your device

Everything you create in the app is stored locally on your device (in an on-device database) and is not transmitted to us. This includes:

Trips, waypoints, routes, trip dates, and notes you enter.
Gear lists, gear bundles, and related details.
Recorded activities and GPS track logs from your hikes.
App settings and preferences (such as units, theme, and tracking mode).

Because this data lives only on your device, it is removed when you delete the app, and it is included in your encrypted device backups only if you have enabled them through Apple.

3. Location information

Backpackers Friend uses your device's location to show your position on the map, record a track of your hike, and alert you if you drift off your planned route. Important points:

Location is accessed only during an activity-tracking session that you start (by tapping GO / START). It is not collected at other times.
"Always"/background location permission, if granted, is used solely to keep recording your track and to fire off-trail alerts while your screen is locked or your phone is in your pocket during an active session.
Your location data is processed on your device and stored locally. It is not sent to the Developer or to any server.
You can stop tracking at any time and can change or revoke location permission in your iOS Settings.

4. Third-party services

The app and website make a limited number of external network requests. When they do, the relevant provider may receive your device's IP address and standard request information, as is normal for any internet connection. We do not control these providers' practices; their own privacy policies apply.

Map tiles — OpenStreetMap & USGS

To display maps, the app downloads map tiles from OpenStreetMap and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These requests include your IP address and the map area being viewed. No account or personal identifier is sent.

Purchases — Apple & RevenueCat

Subscriptions and other purchases are processed by Apple through the App Store. We do not receive or store your payment card details. We use RevenueCat to validate purchase receipts and manage subscription status; RevenueCat processes purchase and device-level identifiers for this purpose. See Apple's Privacy Policy and RevenueCat's privacy policy for details.

Website hosting — Cloudflare

The website is served by Cloudflare. Cloudflare may process standard server-log information (such as IP address and browser type) to deliver and secure the site. The website does not use cookies or analytics, and "share" links are decoded in your browser — their contents are not sent to or stored by us.

5. Children's privacy

Backpackers Friend is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will address it.

6. Your privacy rights

Because we do not collect or store your personal information on our servers, there is generally no personal data held by us to access, correct, or delete. You remain in control of the data on your device, which you can delete at any time by removing the app or clearing its data. Depending on where you live (for example, under the GDPR or the California Consumer Privacy Act), you may have additional rights regarding personal information; you can exercise any such rights, or ask questions, by contacting us at the address below. We do not sell or share personal information.

7. Data security

Your in-app data is stored on your device and protected by your device's own security (such as your passcode and Apple's data protection). No method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure, but keeping your data on-device by design substantially reduces exposure.

8. Data retention

We do not retain your content because we never receive it. Data you create remains on your device until you delete it or uninstall the app.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above and post the new version on this page. Material changes will be reflected here; your continued use of the app after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or your data? Email backcountrydata@gmail.com.