Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 Backpacking Range Overview

Backside Line

Essentially the most outstanding function of the GigaPower 2.0 is the quantity of stability and sturdiness it has packed right into a small, foldable backpacking range. We’re hesitant to say ‘indestructible,’ however no different foldable canister range feels fairly this stable. The GigaPower collapses down sufficiently small to nestle right into a medium-sized pot with a gasoline canister. The arms have minimal shifting components, so it’s in a position to maintain as much as a lot of use. The additional fourth arm, not typical on foldable stoves, makes it extra steady than three-arm fashions.

The GigaPower 2.0 will definitely get the job completed, but it surely’s not the highest-performing of our favourite backpacking stoves. The boil time and gasoline effectivity go away a bit to be desired and the small burner isn’t probably the most highly effective. The pot sits excessive above the flame, permitting wind to blow by means of. We put the GigaPower 2.0 by means of rigorous testing each in a managed setting and on backpacking journeys within the Rocky Mountains, however we advocate it for extra truthful climate functions.

Comfort

The sturdiness, stability, and options of the GigaPower 2.0 make it a chunk of cake to make use of. The 4 foldable arms really feel noticeably extra sturdy and safe than others.

Due to the additional area across the burner, the arms don’t get pink scorching like different stoves, making it a safer possibility to make use of. You don’t have to attend lengthy for the range arms to chill down after cooking to deal with it and pack it away. So whereas the cooking time is elevated, dealing with time is decreased. The GigaPower 2.0 can be considerably quieter than different stoves, preserving a few of the lovely serenity of being within the backcountry within the first place.

The ignition change is a handy function as effectively. It may be a lifesaver should you lose your lighter.

Though we love the texture of the rounded building, the arms can are usually a bit of slippery. There are grooves notched in, however we’d like to see a bit of extra friction added to the pot floor.

Weight & Packability

The GigaPower 2.0’s additional arm doesn’t get in the best way of packability. The 4 arms really feel noticeably extra sturdy than different stoves which have flimsy arms and a number of shifting components, whereas nonetheless folding up right into a compact measurement. At 4.2 ounces, the range stays fairly light-weight regardless of its additional heft.

The GigaPower 2.0 comes with a handy storage field, which doesn’t add a lot weight but it surely does simply barely enhance the range’s packing quantity. In contrast to different backpacking stoves, the pot stand arms are made with a spherical inventory. Even the burner is fairly rounded with out a number of harsh edges. The mushy, rounded building means it’s much less more likely to scratch your pot, so packing it with out its field ought to be no drawback.

Energy & Effectivity

Though it has loads of juice to cook dinner backcountry meals, the GigaPower 2.0 isn’t a powerhouse on this division. In our testing, we discovered that it took about twice as lengthy to boil water than extra environment friendly stoves, and was notably impacted by wind. That is principally doubtless as a result of important distance between the flame and pot, and the truth that the burner options facet holes as a substitute of high holes. The flame should exit the burner from the facet and make a flip upwards, dropping some stress within the course of. With the GigaPower 2.0,  you could simply have to sit down again and benefit from the surroundings a bit longer whereas ready on your water to boil.

If gasoline effectivity is a precedence for you, the GigaPower 2.0 won’t be the most suitable choice. It used about 0.6 ounces of gasoline to boil one liter, which is sort of a bit under common. Granted, gasoline effectivity might be the least necessary spec for many backpacking makes use of. Nevertheless, it might make a major distinction for some of us. In case your range will get a ton of use all through the day, for instance, cooking for each meal, making scorching espresso within the morning and scorching tea at night time, you’ll doubtless burn by means of gasoline rapidly. Or, in case you are sharing range utilization with one other particular person, you would possibly take into account carrying a bigger canister. We don’t take into account the gasoline effectivity to be a deal breaker, however it’s one thing to contemplate.

Precision

The GigaPower 2.0 is finest fitted to boiling water or reheating. It doesn’t have as a lot simmer management as some others, but it surely has greater than zero. Though there’s no gasoline regulator to help a variety of flame variability, the much less intense burner on the GigaPower naturally lends itself to gentler cooking within the first place. You could possibly nonetheless most likely reheat meals with out burning them, however we wouldn’t advocate the GigaPower to a backcountry culinary professional. 

Ought to You Purchase the Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0?

The GigaPower 2.0 is finest fitted to customers who’re new to backpacking and desire a range that’s simple to make use of, or for people who find themselves onerous on gear and want one thing to face as much as fixed abuse whereas nonetheless being small and light-weight.

The 4, rounded arms are extra sturdy than most and provides your pot additional floor space to sit down on. The general rounded and spacious building makes for straightforward and secure dealing with. The quiet burner is a welcome change from the loud, obnoxious jet engine sound of different stoves.

We might not advocate the GigaPower 2.0 for ultralight backpackers or backpackers who prioritize boil time and gasoline effectivity. There are many different stoves in the marketplace which are lighter and extra compact. Whereas the boil time isn’t horrible, the GigaPower 2.0 is healthier fitted to truthful climate (low wind) environments and quick journeys.

What Different Backpacking Stoves Ought to You Contemplate?

MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Overview: The PocketRocket Deluxe is a well-liked range that’s totally featured and straightforward to make use of. It consists of related options like an igniter change whereas having higher simmer management and energy.

Primus Important Path Overview: The Primus Important Path is similar to the GigaPower 2.0 in stability and sturdiness however with considerably greater efficiency and effectivity whereas sacrificing packability.