Bottom Line
The most prominent feature of the GigaPower 2.0 is the amount of stability and durability it has packed into a small, foldable backpacking stove. We’re hesitant to say ‘indestructible,’ but no other foldable canister stove feels quite this solid. The GigaPower collapses down small enough to nestle into a medium-sized pot with a fuel canister. The arms have minimal moving parts, so it’s able to hold up to lots of use. The extra fourth arm, not typical on foldable stoves, makes it more stable than three-arm models.
The GigaPower 2.0 will certainly get the job done, but it’s not the highest-performing of our favorite backpacking stoves. The boil time and fuel efficiency leave a bit to be desired and the small burner isn’t the most powerful. The pot sits high above the flame, allowing wind to blow through. We put the GigaPower 2.0 through rigorous testing both in a controlled setting and on backpacking trips in the Rocky Mountains, but we recommend it for more fair weather applications.
Quick Specs
Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0
Durable Canister Stove with a Lot of Convenient Features
CleverHiker Rating: 53.3/100
Price: $45
Weight: 4.2 oz.
Fuel Type: Isobutane/propane canister
Boil Time: 8m 35s
Burn Time (8 oz. fuel): 30m
Pros
- Lightweight
- Efficient
- Simmer control
- Durable
- Stable pot support
Cons
- Slightly bulkier than some
- Not as good in wind as some
Convenience
The durability, stability, and features of the GigaPower 2.0 make it a piece of cake to use. The four foldable arms feel noticeably more durable and secure than others.
Because of the extra space around the burner, the arms do not get red hot like other stoves, making it a safer option to use. You don’t have to wait long for the stove arms to cool down after cooking to handle it and pack it away. So while the cooking time is increased, handling time is decreased. The GigaPower 2.0 is also significantly quieter than other stoves, preserving some of the beautiful serenity of being in the backcountry in the first place.
The ignition switch is a convenient feature as well. It can be a lifesaver if you lose your lighter.
Although we love the feel of the rounded construction, the arms can tend to be a little slippery. There are grooves notched in, but we would love to see a little more friction added to the pot surface.
Weight & Packability
The GigaPower 2.0’s extra arm doesn’t get in the way of packability. The four arms feel noticeably more durable than other stoves that have flimsy arms and multiple moving parts, while still folding up into a compact size. At 4.2 ounces, the stove remains reasonably lightweight despite its extra heft.
The GigaPower 2.0 comes with a convenient storage box, which doesn’t add much weight but it does just barely increase the stove’s packing volume. Unlike other backpacking stoves, the pot stand arms are made with a round stock. Even the burner is pretty rounded without a lot of harsh edges. The soft, rounded construction means it’s less likely to scratch your pot, so packing it without its box should be no problem.
Power & Efficiency
Although it has plenty of juice to cook backcountry meals, the GigaPower 2.0 is not a powerhouse in this department. In our testing, we found that it took about twice as long to boil water than more efficient stoves, and was notably impacted by wind. This is mostly likely due to the significant distance between the flame and pot, and the fact that the burner features side holes instead of top holes. The flame must exit the burner from the side and make a turn upwards, losing some pressure in the process. With the GigaPower 2.0, you may just have to sit back and enjoy the scenery a bit longer while waiting for your water to boil.
If fuel efficiency is a priority for you, the GigaPower 2.0 might not be the best option. It used about 0.6 ounces of fuel to boil one liter, which is quite a bit below average. Granted, fuel efficiency is probably the least important spec for most backpacking uses. However, it could make a significant difference for some folks. If your stove gets a ton of use throughout the day, for example, cooking for every meal, making hot coffee in the morning and hot tea at night, you’ll likely burn through fuel quickly. Or, if you are sharing stove usage with another person, you might consider carrying a larger canister. We don’t consider the fuel efficiency to be a deal breaker, but it is something to consider.
Precision
The GigaPower 2.0 is best suited for boiling water or reheating. It doesn’t have as much simmer control as some others, but it has more than zero. Although there’s no fuel regulator to support a wide range of flame variability, the less intense burner on the GigaPower naturally lends itself to gentler cooking in the first place. You could still probably reheat meals without burning them, but we wouldn’t recommend the GigaPower to a backcountry culinary expert.
Should You Buy the Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0?
The GigaPower 2.0 is best suited for users who are new to backpacking and want a stove that’s easy to use, or for people who are hard on gear and need something to stand up to constant abuse while still being small and lightweight.
The four, rounded arms are more durable than most and give your pot extra surface area to sit on. The overall rounded and spacious construction makes for easy and safe handling. The quiet burner is a welcome change from the loud, obnoxious jet engine sound of other stoves.
We would not recommend the GigaPower 2.0 for ultralight backpackers or backpackers who prioritize boil time and fuel efficiency. There are plenty of other stoves on the market that are lighter and more compact. While the boil time isn’t terrible, the GigaPower 2.0 is better suited for fair weather (low wind) environments and short trips.
What Other Backpacking Stoves Should You Consider?
MSR PocketRocket 2 Review: The PocketRocket 2 is one of our most favorite stoves because it is lightweight, easy to use, and powerful for its size. It has better simmer control and power.
Primus Essential Trail Review: The Primus Essential Trail is comparable to the GigaPower 2.0 in stability and durability but with significantly higher performance and efficiency while sacrificing packability.
SOTO WindMaster Review: Although not as durable-feeling as the GigaPower 2.0, the WindMaster similarly features four foldable arms. The WindMaster is one of the most powerful and efficient stoves we tested, and excels in windy conditions.
Snow Peak LiteMax Review: The LiteMax is the more ultralight brother of the GigaPower 2.0. What you lose from convenience and stability, you’ll gain in weight savings and packability. As a bonus, the LiteMax has better simmer control.
