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Reviews > Cook and Food Storage Gear > Stoves > Snow Peak GigaPower GS-100 > Owner Review by Lori PontiousSnow Peak GigaPower Stainless Steel Stove - Manual
Tester Information
I've backpacked, camped and fished all over the lower 48 states with my family as a kid, and then life happened. I've restarted these activities about four years ago - I dayhike or backpack 2-6 times a month. I am between light and ultralight. I have a hammock system and own a Tarptent. My base weight depends upon season and where I go. Product Information
Product Description The Snow Peak GigaPower Manual Stove (hereafter "the stove" or "the Giga") mounts on top of an isobutane/propane gas canister; it requires a canister fitted with a Lindal self-sealing valve. The stove has four pot supports that provide support for the pot. The pot supports have notches to reduce slippage. It does not have an automatic lighter and must be lit with a match or lighter.  The stove is solidly made out of brass, stainless steel and aluminum. A rubber gasket around the valve ensures a tight seal when the stove is tightened down on the canister. The valve is opened and closed with a large stiff wire; turning left increases fuel flow, turning right closes the valve. The stove folds up neatly. However, to fold the valve handle I have to open the valve slightly before folding. The burner is about an inch in diameter. The pot supports provide a base approximately 4.2 inches (11 centimeters) across on which to place a pot. There is an optional windscreen that can be purchased; this is made of stainless steel and must be put over the pot supports prior to extending them fully. The windscreen fits snugly around the burner. The stove comes packaged in a white plastic box. Field UseThe GigaPower has been my frequent companion on backpacking trips of 2 - 4 days in duration, and also goes with me on searches when I am volunteering for county Search and Rescue. I have owned the GigaPower for about three years now. I have used it at elevations from sea level to 11,000 feet (3,353 meters). Temperatures while the stove was in use have ranged from 30 to 75 F (-1 to 24 C). Typically my backpacking trips are in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, or in the mountains along the California central coast. I estimate I have had the stove out for approximately 20 nights while backpacking. I usually use it with a 0.9 liter titanium pot to boil water, but have also used it with a small frypan and a 16 ounce (0.4 liter) minimalist pot. ReviewThe Giga has performed well for me. I light it with a match or a lighter. I find that it boils water quickly and efficiently. I've used it with various brands of fuel without noticing a difference in performance. Setting it up is easy. I ensure the valve is closed, screw the stove on top of the canister, open the valve slightly, apply flame near the burner, and adjust the gas flow then put the pot of water on the pot supports. I try to find a flat spot to put the stove and canister, usually a granite rock or bare dirt. I confess that I have long since misplaced the plastic box it came in. I always pack the stove folded and nestled in the pot I'm using along with the fuel canister, whether taking the wide titanium .9 liter pot, the tea kettle, or a narrow solo pot. The stove works well with different sizes of cooking vessel, and with the frypan I have used while on a fishing trip. The narrow flame pattern is best for boiling water, however. This suits me since the majority of my use is just that; my meals are usually dehydrated or something like couscous that requires addition of hot water, rather than actual cooking on the trail. I enjoy using the Giga because it is simple to use, relatively maintenance free, and light. It takes up hardly any space and the pot supports are still stable despite being used many times. There is a maintenance kit for the stove; it has a replacement gasket and valve handle. But I have not yet seen a reason to purchase it. The Giga is still in good shape and performs efficiently as it always has. The pot supports are slightly discolored, as is the burner. The gasket still provides a tight seal on the canister. The Giga is a well made functional backpacking stove that lacks the gadgetry of heavier models, but makes up for it with reliable performance and being light, compact and stable. Read more reviews of Snow Peak gear Read more gear reviews by Lori Pontious Reviews > Cook and Food Storage Gear > Stoves > Snow Peak GigaPower GS-100 > Owner Review by Lori Pontious | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
