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 strong. The GigaPower collapses down sufficiently small to nestle right into a medium-sized pot with a gas canister. The arms have minimal shifting components, so it’s capable of maintain as much as plenty 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 carried out, nevertheless it’s not the highest-performing of our favourite backpacking stoves. The boil time and gas 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 by way of. We put the GigaPower 2.0 by way of rigorous testing each in a managed setting and on backpacking journeys within the Rocky Mountains, however we advocate 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 Kind:
Isobutane/propane canister
Boil Time:
8m 35s
Burn Time (8 oz. gas):
30m
Execs
- Light-weight
- Environment friendly
- Simmer management
- Sturdy
- Steady pot assist
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 crimson scorching 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 effectively. It may be a lifesaver for those who lose your lighter.
Though we love the texture of the rounded development, the arms can are typically a bit slippery. There are grooves notched in, however we’d like to see a bit 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 moderately light-weight regardless of its additional heft.
The GigaPower 2.0 comes with a handy storage field, which doesn’t add a lot weight nevertheless it does simply barely enhance the range’s packing quantity. Not like different backpacking stoves, the pot stand arms are made with a spherical inventory. Even the burner is fairly rounded with out a variety of harsh edges. The tender, rounded development 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 prepare dinner backcountry meals, the GigaPower 2.0 is just not 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 vital distance between the flame and pot, and the truth that the burner options aspect holes as a substitute of high 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, you could simply have to sit down again and benefit from the surroundings a bit longer whereas ready in your water to boil.
If gas effectivity is a precedence for you, the GigaPower 2.0 won’t be the best choice. It used about 0.6 ounces of gas to boil one liter, which is sort of a bit beneath common. Granted, gas effectivity might be the least vital spec for many backpacking makes use of. Nevertheless, it may 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 evening, you’ll possible burn by way of gas rapidly. Or, in case you are sharing range utilization with one other individual, you would possibly contemplate carrying a bigger canister. We don’t contemplate the gas effectivity to be a deal breaker, however it’s one thing to contemplate.
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, nevertheless it has greater than zero. Though there’s no gas regulator to assist a variety of flame variability, the much less intense burner on the GigaPower naturally lends itself to gentler cooking within the first place. You may nonetheless most likely reheat meals with out burning them, however we wouldn’t advocate the GigaPower to a backcountry culinary skilled.
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 need a range that’s straightforward to make use of, or for people who find themselves arduous 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 additional floor space to sit down on. The general rounded and spacious development 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 advocate the GigaPower 2.0 for ultralight backpackers or backpackers who prioritize boil time and gas effectivity. There are many different stoves in the marketplace which can 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 brief journeys.
What Different Backpacking Stoves Ought to You Take into account?
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Assessment: The PocketRocket Deluxe is a well-liked range that’s totally featured and straightforward to make use of. It contains related options like an igniter swap whereas having higher simmer management and energy.
Primus Important Path Assessment: The Primus Important Path is corresponding to the GigaPower 2.0 in stability and sturdiness however with considerably increased efficiency and effectivity whereas sacrificing packability.
SOTO WindMaster Assessment: 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 circumstances.
Snow Peak LiteMax Assessment: 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.
