Backside Line
Probably 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 capable of maintain as much as a number 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 finished, however it’s not the highest-performing of our favourite backpacking stoves. The boil time and gasoline effectivity depart a bit to be desired and the small burner isn’t essentially the most highly effective. The pot sits excessive above the flame, permitting wind to blow via. We put the GigaPower 2.0 via rigorous testing each in a managed setting and on backpacking journeys within the Rocky Mountains, however we suggest it for extra truthful climate purposes.
Fast Specs
Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0
Sturdy Canister Range with a Lot of Handy Options
Rating:
53.3/100
Worth:
$45
Weight:
4.2 oz.
Gasoline Sort:
Isobutane/propane canister
Boil Time:
8m 35s
Burn Time (8 oz. gasoline):
30m
Execs
- Light-weight
- Environment friendly
- Simmer management
- Sturdy
- Steady pot help
Cons
- Barely bulkier than some
- Not pretty much as good in wind as some
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 house across the burner, the arms don’t get pink sizzling like different stoves, making it a safer choice 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 also be considerably quieter than different stoves, preserving a few of the lovely serenity of being within the backcountry within the first place.
The ignition swap is a handy function as nicely. It may be a lifesaver if you happen to lose your lighter.
Though we love the texture of the rounded building, the arms can are usually slightly slippery. There are grooves notched in, however we might like to see slightly extra friction added to the pot floor.
Weight & Packability
The GigaPower 2.0’s further arm doesn’t get in the way in which 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 dimension. At 4.2 ounces, the range stays moderately light-weight regardless of its further heft.
The GigaPower 2.0 comes with a handy storage field, which doesn’t add a lot weight however it does simply barely improve 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 quite a lot of harsh edges. The mushy, rounded building means it’s much less prone to scratch your pot, so packing it with out its field must be no downside.
Energy & Effectivity
Though it has loads of juice to cook dinner backcountry meals, the GigaPower 2.0 shouldn’t be 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 possible because of the important distance between the flame and pot, and the truth that the burner options aspect holes as a substitute of prime holes. The flame should exit the burner from the aspect and make a flip upwards, dropping some strain within the course of. With the GigaPower 2.0, chances are you’ll simply have to take a seat again and benefit from the surroundings a bit longer whereas ready in 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 kind of a bit beneath common. Granted, gasoline effectivity might be the least vital spec for many backpacking makes use of. Nonetheless, it might make a major distinction for some people. In case your range will get a ton of use all through the day, for instance, cooking for each meal, making sizzling espresso within the morning and sizzling tea at evening, you’ll possible burn via gasoline rapidly. Or, if you’re sharing range utilization with one other individual, you may 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 think about.
Precision
The GigaPower 2.0 is finest suited to boiling water or reheating. It doesn’t have as a lot simmer management as some others, however it 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 possibly can nonetheless in all probability reheat meals with out burning them, however we wouldn’t suggest the GigaPower to a backcountry culinary knowledgeable.
Ought to You Purchase the Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0?
The GigaPower 2.0 is finest suited to customers who’re new to backpacking and desire a range that’s straightforward to make use of, or for people who find themselves laborious on gear and wish 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 further floor space to take a seat 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’d not suggest the GigaPower 2.0 for ultralight backpackers or backpackers who prioritize boil time and gasoline effectivity. There are many different stoves available on the market which might be lighter and extra compact. Whereas the boil time isn’t horrible, the GigaPower 2.0 is healthier suited to truthful climate (low wind) environments and quick journeys.
What Different Backpacking Stoves Ought to You Think about?
MSR PocketRocket 2 Overview: The PocketRocket 2 is considered one of our most favourite stoves as a result of it’s light-weight, straightforward to make use of, and highly effective for its dimension. It has higher simmer management and energy.
Primus Important Path Overview: The Primus Important Path is corresponding to the GigaPower 2.0 in stability and sturdiness however with considerably larger efficiency and effectivity whereas sacrificing packability.
SOTO WindMaster Overview: Though not as durable-feeling because the GigaPower 2.0, the WindMaster equally options 4 foldable arms. The WindMaster is likely one of the strongest and environment friendly stoves we examined, and excels in windy situations.
Snow Peak LiteMax Overview: The LiteMax is the extra ultralight brother of the GigaPower 2.0. What you lose from comfort and stability, you’ll acquire in weight financial savings and packability. As a bonus, the LiteMax has higher simmer management.
