The original Jetboil Flash was released in 2004, and it's fair to say that at the time it was absolutely revolutionary.  Its design was efficient not just in terms of the way in which it all fitted together, but also for the thermal efficiency, its resistance to wind, and its neoprene housing. Over 20 years later it's still a benchmark by which other stove systems are judged. However, the drawback to its design it's that there is only so much you can actually cook on it, partly due to its size and partly thanks to its lack of simmer. And that's where the Genesis Base Camp System comes in. This takes a lot of the original Jetboil DNA, but does it on a much larger scale, giving you a really high performing, high output stove for car and valley camping, but crucially one with the ability to control the flame to low levels too.

What is it?

The Genesis is a two-ring gas burner, but that's where the resemblance to a conventional campsite stove ends, because thanks to its power, efficiency and neat folding design this basecamp beast has a much more performance-oriented feel.

In the set you get the Genesis Stove, a 10" Fry Pan, a 5L Cook Pot, a carry bag, a windscreen, a fuel regulator, and a folding base for the gas canister. Much like the original Jetboil, it's all designed to fit neatly together, so the pans act as housing for the stove. Understandably, this is more complex with the Genesis due to its extra size and weight - which at over 4kg for the set is very considerable. Whilst I would hesitate to use the word 'compact' - because it's far from small - for a double ring burner it's definitely quite economic as far as space is concerned, partly because the hinge allows you to fold it in half. It also seems significantly more bombproof than any other two ring burner I've used, which is a massive benefit (given the price tag), as it feels like it's something that's going to last.

Jetboil have branded this a 'basecamp system', which suggests they've got their eye on expeditions. Whilst it would be extremely effective within that environment, it beggars the question - who's going to carry it?! It's not something you're going to use whilst trekking (because it's massive) and if you are on an organised expedition the chances are that it's not going to be you who's cooking. As a result, expedition usage seems somewhat niche, and I suspect the majority of people - including us - will be using the Genesis for car camping. This is what we'll focus on throughout this review.

In Use

In terms of output the Genesis is comparable with most of its competitors, kicking out 3000W; however, there's a lot more nuance to its performance than the top line of its output. Unlike the original Jetboil which feels like it's either on or off, the Genesis has great adaptability, with a lot of variation between low and high output. When you need it to boil it can crank out the full 3000W, but when you need it to simmer it can. This allows for the full range of camp cookery, not just fast water boiling as per the original tower stove system.

The other aspect is that the larger of the pans provided (the 5L FluxPot) features a heat diffuser on its base, which has a marked effect on the stove's efficiency. The Genesis also comes with a wind shield, which further adds to the effectiveness of the system overall. It certainly seems a step up from any other two ring burner that I've used. Most tend to have much more of a lifestyle feel, whereas the Genesis feels like it's been made with bad conditions in mind (i.e. any British camping holiday).

The 5L FluxPot provided is absolutely massive - capable of cooking up a LOT of carbs. If you're cooking for a big group of people it's the perfect size and even if you aren't (we weren't) then you still benefit from the efficiency of the pan - although it does feel very big. It includes a lid, which further adds to the efficiency, and the lid features sieve holes, meaning you've got one less thing to pack.

The frying pan that comes provided in the set features a ceramic-coated non-stick surface, which helps to prevent burning, and it does an effective job (I can say this for sure, having tried my best to burn all of our evening dinners on it during a recent camping trip to Font).

Ultimately, one of the most attractive features of the Genesis is that it includes everything you need. You don't need to remember lighters, pans or lids, because that's all included within the set.

The verdict?

The Genesis feels like a significant step up from its campsite-oriented competitors, both in terms of how bombproof it is and for the efficiency if its output. It's also nice having everything within a single place, not least because it means you're a lot less likely to forget something when you're heading away. Were there to be a catch it would simply be its price, because at £399 it's a significant step up from most of its competitors. That said, it does something a little different from any alternative two-ring burners out there, so it's hard to compare like-for-like. One thing is for sure: it's extremely well made, and will likely last you a lifetime if you do decide that it's for you.