Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern Review: My Favorite New Camp Light
I don't need another camp light. I just really like having this one.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and Snow Peak
I had been eyeing the Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern for a while.
I didn't need another camp light. I already had lanterns that did everything I needed them to do. They lit up my campsite, hung inside my tent, and helped me cook dinner after dark. So when Snow Peak released the GigaPower Tabletop Lantern, I wasn't looking for another lantern.
Still, I kept coming back to it.
The only thing holding me back was the price. The lantern requires the separate GigaPower Battery, so buying both isn't cheap. To make matters worse, the battery always seemed to be sold out whenever I checked, making it easy to put off the purchase.
Then one day, I finally ordered both.
I'm really glad I did.
The GigaPower Tabletop Lantern isn't the light I rely on to brighten my entire campsite. Instead, it's the light I turn on because it changes the atmosphere. I love the warm glow and the different color options, and I find myself switching it on every evening simply because it makes camp feel more inviting.
When I'm traveling in my van, it comes inside with me. I set it next to my bed and use it as a colorful night light while I wind down before going to sleep. It's become part of my camping routine, both inside the van and around camp.
It doesn't make camping easier. It simply makes camp feel a little better. And for me, that's been reason enough to pack it on every trip.
How I Use the Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern
The Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern displaying one of its customizable ambient color modes.
Around camp, I usually set the GigaPower Tabletop Lantern on one of my Helinox tables next to my chair. It's the light I turn on when I'm relaxing after a hike or bike ride, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet evening outside. It isn't there to light up my entire campsite. Instead, it creates a comfortable space right where I'm sitting.
One of my favorite things about the GigaPower Tabletop Lantern is the color lighting. I tend to go straight to color modes rather than standard white light. I like blending two colors together to create something unique, and it's one of the things that makes this lantern so enjoyable to use. It's hard to explain until you see it in person, but the colors completely change the atmosphere. It makes camp feel a little more relaxing, and that's exactly why I bought it.
When I'm ready to call it a night, the lantern comes inside the van with me. I set it next to my bed and use it as a colorful night light while I wind down before going to sleep. It adds a little personality to the van and makes it feel even cozier at the end of the day.
The GigaPower Battery Is Sold Separately
The Snow Peak GigaPower Battery powers the Tabletop Lantern and doubles as a portable power bank.
One thing to know before buying the GigaPower Tabletop Lantern is that it doesn't include a battery. You'll also need to purchase the GigaPower Battery, which is sold separately.
At first, that was one of the reasons I kept putting off buying it. Buying both together isn't cheap, and for the longest time the battery seemed to be sold out every time I checked.
Once I finally bought both, though, it made sense. The battery is easy to recharge, fits cleanly into the lantern, and I like that I don't have to worry about replacing disposable batteries. It's a well-designed system, even if the upfront cost is higher than most camp lanterns.
The Quality You Expect From Snow Peak
Like most of my Snow Peak gear, the GigaPower Tabletop Lantern feels incredibly well made. The aluminum body has a solid feel, the controls are simple, and everything fits together with the attention to detail I've come to expect from the brand.
What I appreciate most is that it doesn't feel like a novelty. It would have been easy for Snow Peak to add color lighting just for the sake of having another feature, but it feels thoughtfully designed and genuinely enjoyable to use. Whether it's sitting next to me outside or on the shelf beside my bed in the van, it feels like it belongs there.
The GigaPower Tabletop Lantern is definitely an investment, especially when you factor in the separate battery. But after using it on multiple trips, I don't think twice about packing it. It's one of those pieces of gear that simply makes being at camp more enjoyable, and that's exactly why I bought it in the first place.
Is the Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern Worth It?
The GigaPower Tabletop Lantern isn't a piece of gear you need to enjoy camping. I camped for years without it.
But after finally buying one, it's become one of my favorite things to pack.
I love using it while I'm relaxing outside at camp, and every night it comes inside the van with me, where it doubles as a colorful night light before I go to sleep. It's a simple piece of gear, but it adds something I didn't realize I was missing.
If you're looking for the brightest lantern on the market, this probably isn't the one to buy. But if you appreciate thoughtful design and want a lantern that creates a relaxing atmosphere around camp or inside your van, I think you'll enjoy it as much as I do.
I waited a long time before buying the GigaPower Tabletop Lantern because of the price and the separate battery. Looking back, I'm glad I finally decided to get it. It's become one of my favorite pieces of Snow Peak gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern include the battery?
No. The GigaPower Battery is sold separately, so you'll need to purchase both.
Can you change the colors on the lantern?
Yes. You can choose different colors and even blend two colors together, which is my favorite way to use it.
Is it bright enough to light an entire campsite?
I don't use it for that. I use it as ambient lighting around camp and as a colorful night light inside my van.
Is the Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern worth it?
If you're looking for a lantern that creates a relaxing atmosphere, I think it is. It's become one of my favorite pieces of Snow Peak gear.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares the gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to desert rides in the West. She values quality and craftsmanship and believes in buying less, but buying better. The gear she recommends is gear she uses herself.Some links on Overland Girl may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Michele may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.