In 2021, Optimus debuted the Gemini stove, a glossy, uniquely formed dual-burner range that cut up the distinction between backpacking and automobile tenting gear. The model instantly took house a number of prestigious awards for its design efforts, together with an ISPO Award in Europe and an Out of doors Retailer Innovation Award within the US. Now it is doubling down on what makes the Gemini range nice, debuting a Gemini II that packs over a 3rd extra energy per burner whereas nonetheless managing to drop a pair ounces.
Based in 1899, Optimus, a Swedish-heritage model now a part of Switzerland’s Katadyn Group, has over a century-long historical past of constructing light-weight stoves for expedition, army and out of doors leisure use. We have lengthy thought of it a specialist in ultralight backpacking stoves and cookware, but it surely turned over a brand new leaf with the Gemini, toeing the road between conventional classes with a range excellent for light-weight automobile, bike and muscle-driven automobile tenting however nonetheless glossy and light-weight sufficient for informal backpacking … at the very least the kind of backpacking that does not contain stripping one’s equipment all the way down to the barest of minimums.
Optimus
Towards that finish, the Gemini collection makes use of a slim pill-shaped chassis with two sunken burners and built-in wind safety. 4 wiry legs fold outward to ship low, steady help, packing proper up in opposition to the primary physique to suit neatly in a backpack compartment, bike pannier or kayak hatch.
Whereas effectively heavier than true backpacking stoves which can be primarily twist-on gas canister caps, the Gemini delivers the burner house, low-set stability and flame safety to prepare dinner full meals, with pots and pans filled with actual components. So, as with the all-new TrailCook series from JetBoil, you are not cornered into consuming rehydrated boiled-bag backpacking fare, meal after meal, day after day. With two burners, you possibly can even prepare dinner an entree and aspect dish on the similar time.
Optimus
The second-gen Gemini improves upon all the pieces that made the primary one nice, most notably boosting output to 4,600 watts per burner, from 3,400 watts on the unique. Every burner contains a spindly fold-out flame management for exact adjustment, whereas an built-in strain management valve retains output regular and reliable by way of altering circumstances. Optimus estimates boil time at 4 minutes for a liter of water.
The Gemini II would not drop an enormous quantity of weight, but it surely loses 2 ounces (57 g) and now weighs in at an estimated 26.8 oz (1.7 lb, 760g). Dimensions stay the identical at 12 x 2.8 x 4.1 in (30.5 x 7 x 10.5 cm).
Optimus
Optimus introduced the Gemini II final month and can promote it by way of choose retailers at a worth of US$199.95. It strikes us as an important range for many who combine vehicle-based actions like overlanding and automobile tenting with bikepacking, canoe tenting, bike tenting, backpacking and associated mild, space-constrained backcountry endeavors. A freshly simmered and sautéed meal actually has potential to supply a much bigger end-of-day enhance than rehydrated non-perishables.
Supply: Katadyn/Optimus
