Snow Peak  GigaPower 2.0 Stove

I've used a GigaPower for 10 y of backpacking with minimal complaints and problems. I often use a canister stove with fuel containing a mixture of isobutane-propane in conditions no lower than 25F. All canister fuel mixture ratios change when used at cold temps. The 2.0 version is a tad lighter in weight, boils water more quickly and is more fuel efficient than the original model. Heat Reflector & Windscreen [photos]: Before bringing the original stove on a trip, I fabricated and tested these items. The common recommendations and warnings are to avoid them. A temperature probe and scientific thermometer placed under the heat reflector while boiling a 2 L pot of water for 20 min (using a windscreen) never rose above 90F. The benefits of using these include reduced boiling/cooking times and thus, fuel efficiency. My first windscreen was a combination of another screen & flexible aluminum cooking platter. My current one uses cut, crimped grocery store aluminum platters. The GigaPower performs admirably whether at full bore or the lowest simmer with this system. I always use these regardless of the season and conditions. Backpackers should consider the +/- of screen-reflector weight vs. fuel vs. cooking needs vs. weather. Stability: With careful canister placement, I've used up to a 3 L pot of food on the stove. Admittedly, 2+ L pots can be iffy at times. The stove’s relatively short height contributes to its stability, but use a pot gripper to hold a pot when stirring. I’ve also cooked with 8” and 10” (rim-to-rim diameter) fry pans. The stout, four pot supports haven't shown any fatigue with more than 600 uses. Igniter & Valve Wand: The piezo auto igniter is still working. Because I now dehydrate meals rather than eat freeze-dried or a lot of boiled-water meals, oftentimes I bring reconstituting food to a boil and then turn off the stove; boil again-turn off, etc. The igniter can be too hot to handle w/o sufficient cool-down time. Have matches and/or lighter. Similarly, the wand that adjusts fuel flow will becomes very hot in a heat reflector-windscreen set up. Grab it w/ a bandana. Boiling/Cooking: If you need to simmer, this stove will satisfy your needs equally as well as a home gas stove. The learning curve for finessing the valve and resulting flame is small. There are canister stoves that will boil water faster and more efficiently than the GigaPower. Assess your needs. Cold Weather Suggestions: Use a heat reflector and windscreen. Place the stove and fuel canister in the sleeping bag at night. Warm a canister next to your body before evening use. Cut a disc from a closed cell sleeping pad for placement under the canister & a closed cell pad wrapping w/ glued-on hook-and-loop closure that goes around the canister. Use a heat exchanger (if compatible) around the cooking pot. Final Comments: Easy to use. Reasonable price. Stably supports large pots. Rather than storing the stove in its plastic container on trips, secure the valve wand to the stove with a rubber band and place it in the cook kit; it will occupy less space. Remember to twist the valve to the closed position before screwing the stove onto a fuel canister. [You will only make this mistake once or twice allowing fuel to escape.] I give the stove's O-ring a bit of wiped spittle before screwing it on a fuel canister and don’t detach it overnight. Keep the O-ring clean. Some users give it an occasional shot of silicone spray. Keep the stove threads clean! Read multiple stove reviews and if possible, field test them. Would I have taken this on my 1982 PCT thru-hike, no. The 1988 CDT thru-hike, no. The 1995 AT thru-hike, yes. Trips now...yes, but not in winter.

I appreciate how light and compact this stove is as well as how quickly it boils water and it's simmering abilities. The part that concerns me is the igniter failed on my first time using it, and as I'm traveling overseas I can't deal with getting it fixed for a few months. I checked the snow Peak website and thier replacement igniters are on backorder, Which may indicate this is a defect in the design. TAKE A BACKUP LIGHTER OR MATCHES with you if you have this stove.