Snow Peak Starter Stove Kit

   A while back I found my self driving by REI in Norwalk CT.  I have never been in the store, even though, it has been open for over a year.  I slowed down and pulled in the parking lot off Rt. 1.  I was looking for a stove that was light weight, easy to set up, and fast.  The need has arisen from my new love of hiking and camping, although i will use it hunting and ice fishing.  I looked at several different stoves.  Some were made by MSR, Soto, Optimus, and Snow Peak.  These stoves ran on several types of fuel including: Gasoline, kerosene, Propane, diesel(home heating fuel), alchool, and white gas.  One stove caught my eye, The Snow Peak Giga Power Stove.  Well, what really grabbed my eye was the kit.  The Kit Snow Peak offered came with: Snow Peak Giga Power Stove, 700ml titanium pot, titanium spork, and carry bag.  I thought this was what i wanted all in one shot.  I priced the items separately and found i would save like 7 bucks to buy the kit.  So I did.

Giga Power Next to a 3" shot shell

   Upon Getting home I unpacked the stove and was immediately impressed when actually holding the burner in my hand.  First, The Giga Power was really light in  weight.  The stove tipped the scales at 3.7 ounces.  The dimensions of the stove are 3.6x2.0x1.8 inches.  Boil time for the stove is 4 minutes 16 seconds on average and can throw the max flame for 32 minutes.  Boiling 2 cups of water in 4 minutes in no super nova energy release, but its good enough for me.  A big plus is the auto ignite button on the stove.  The Pot in the kit weighs in at 4.5 ounces.  The inside is marked in ounces of water, so you know how much water you are boiling.  The lid has a little drain slit which proves to be useful for cooking and storing the spork.  There is not much to say about the spork, but it is really light.  A full fuel canister is 6.5 ounces, and fits in the pot.  All of the components seem of good quality and are rugged.  Now, i have to put the burner into service.

    After I unpacked the kit and checked it out, I was itching to use it.  It just so happened my wife was at work, and i had to fend for myself.  I thought, " what a great opportunity to try the stove out."  My wife will not approve, but i put 2 cups of water in the pot and prepared to fire up some Ramen Noodles.  Deploying the stove is quick and easy!  First, make sure the gas valve is closed(important).  Second, Screw the stove on to the canister.  Third, spread the pot holding fingers open, fourth, Crack gas valve(you will hear it hiss and smell the fuel).  Fifth, hit the Auto ignite button and FLAME ON!  The whole process took about 1 minute.  I put the pot on the burner and about 4 minutes latter the water came to a roaring boil.  In went the noodles and flavor.  At this point I wanted to see how much i could control the flame.  In the controlled conditions of my kitchen i was able to simmer the noodles; however, i doubt the I will have this ability in the great out doors, due to the great outdoors.  The Ramen came out good.  The folding handles on the pot proved to be good, but were hot after cooking.  The Drain slit in the lid is invaluable.  I had no problem draining liquid out of it. 

    The second test came during my camping trip last month.  When we awoke in the morning coffee was the only thing we wanted.  So i put in 10 cups of water, added the coffee, and on went the Giga Power.  This is a lot more water than this stove was designed to boil; however, after a while the coffee was peculating.  Life was good.  It took a lot longer than 4 minutes, but i was at 49 degrees rather than room temp and there was a breeze. 
    I can safely say i like the Snow Peak Giga Power Stove and kit.  I don't have much experience with the back packing stuff, so please take it for what it is worth.  The stove is a light weight backpacking stove, but i really believe it can fit into a lot of outdoor activities.  I think Brk Trt could find a use for it boiling some hot chocolate on a winter walk along a New England Stream.  Passinthru, could use the stove to head up some soup while waiting for that last mallard to leave the freezing swamp.  I DO NOT think this stove should ever be used on a boat.  It needs a stable position.    Weather hiking, ice fishing, hunting, or camping the Giga Power seems to be a pretty good stove.