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I been looking one for years. Finally located one in a outdoor shop last month, brand new w/box and took it home. It is more than a stove, it''s a nice little antique. Very well made, simple, solid feel and classic look. Might be a bit heavy as compare to other modern stove. I am still haven''t make up my mind whether I should fire it up for a test run or keep it untouch for the time being as a collection item. That is why I can''t tell you how it works....anyway, if anyone like classic design stuff - get one before it disappear.

Customer Service

From the experience of the very reliable 8R(still have the service kit-unopen). I don''t think it is necessary.

Similar Products Used:

Optimus 8R, MSR Expediton, MSR Dragonfly

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I bought my Svea 123 in 1971 while serving as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps. The stove''s initial purpose was to heat cans of C-rations, and it performed brilliantly. Since those days, I have used my Svea on innumerable camping, backpacking and mountaineering ventures on 3 continents and it has never failed me. Never a breakdown; never a need for the spare parts'' kit that I always travel with. Its simplicity is its beauty. Forget about simmering. The stove knows only 1 speed - all ahead full. It does what its supposed to do boil water as quickly as possible. As far as a rating is concerned, I give the Svea a 5 out of 5.

Customer Service

My Svea has never needed any service and I''ve owned it for the better part of 30 years.

Similar Products Used:

Coleman Peak, MSR dragonfly

I purchased my Svea 123UR in 1987 together with its corresponding stainless steel Sigg Tourist Cook Set ($35.95 for the cook set at the time).

I have looked at many newer stoves over the years (I am a camping gadget junkie), but I have never seen a system that functions both in operation and stability as well as the Svea 123UR combined with its stainless steel Sigg Tourist Cook Set. (For the record the Svea 123UR is the same as the Svea 123R Climber, but without the windscreen, pot and pot lifter, and was sold to be used with the above Sigg cook set.)

The only problem I have encountered was when I used a home made aluminum foil windscreen, causing the stove to over heat and the pressure relief valve to blow, resulting in a perpetual second flame from out of the tank cap and lots of soot.

And I had thought I had such a great idea with my "improved" windscreen. I guess that if Optimus (and Sigg) had thought a wraparound windscreen was a good thing for the Svea 123UR, they would have included one. They certainly got everything else right.

Having used this stove successfully on numerous backpacking and car camping trips since 1987 (and especially after reading the praise for it in these reviews), I realize now what a good thing I've got going and that this system can't be improved on. (From now on, I'll keep a smaller aluminum foil windscreen just for lighting on windy days and remove it after it fires up.)

Fortunately, this excellent stove is still being made, and replacement parts are readily available.

Customer Service

The Brunton Co. distributes the Svea 123R for Optimus in North America. Parts are also available from A&H Enterprises on line,as well as from some retailers such as REI. (Unfortuantely, Sigg stopped making the cook set, but they are occasionally available on e-bay.)

Similar Products Used:

I've used several stoves that belonged to friends including other Optimus models. I didn't like any as well as my Svea, especially when I considered that pots easily slid off theirs instead of being "locked" in place like the Sigg Tourist pots are to mine.

I bought my Svea 123 at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro,Alabama. At first, I did not know exactly what kind of stove this was. I had seen this type once on the trail and paid it no attention until now. This stove is my kind of material. Simple, easy to use, and very well designed. I currently use MSR's Whisperlite Internationale and have used the XGK and the regular Whisperlite in the past. After discovering the Svea 123, I have made the switch. It is so easy to set up and it does not require the elaborate, orchestrated movement it takes to get an MSR going. The Svea 123 is basically ready to be fired up right out of the pack. Sorry MSR, my nine years with you are at an end. Given up for a Svea that possibly could be 30 or more years old.

Customer Service

Does anyone know how to tell how old my Svea 123 could be? It is covered in soot and heavily tarnished. It also has some small dings in it. At first, I wasn't sure if it would even work. I had now problem firing it right up.

Similar Products Used:

Safesport denatured alcohol stove
MSR Whisperlite and Internationale
MSR XGK II
Coleman 442

Bought my Svea 123 in 1968 while in college. Used it a million times without fail. Bought a new MSR Whisperlite for my son a whle back because it was 'cool' and high tech. On our last trip, the Whisperlite exploded when the connection between the fuel bottle and the lunar lander separated. Fortunately, we had the Svea 123 with us as a backup. Fired it up in an instant and continued our cooking...less a little hair and plastic ware consumed by the fireball of the MSR (Mountain Safety Research???) product. We will see if MSR replaces their unit. I think the Svea has returned to the starting lineup!

Similar Products Used:

MSR Whisperlite
Coleman XT
Peak propane
Bleu propane

This is the number 1 all time backpack stove hands down. So simple to operate and durable. This is the grandfather to all other white gas stoves. I also own 15 other stoves ( which I collect ) , but this is my stove of choice on all backpacking trips. The only stove I rate higher than the Optimus 8R. ( It's hotter,lighter and holds a tad more fuel. )Most Svea 123 owners have had their stoves forever. Generation X hikers in their 20's may be alittle afraid about priming. ( It is becoming a lost art ) Priming is really simple plus stove never needs pumping after being started.

Customer Service

All Optimus stoves are of top quality. They have been doing this for over 100 years. ( no plastic, cheapy parts )

Similar Products Used:

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I have had the old Svea 123 since 1970- It has never failed me. I recently bought a Eagle 1000- The new 123R with a larger pot and fuel tank. It works okay but the old 123 is better. I have been priming with a small container of lighter fuel or a small piece of wax fire starter. One small fire starter will start the burner for a week. The lighter fuel doesn't leave a residue.

Customer Service

I ordered the new stove and parts for the old 123 from the USA rep. Had the parts in a matter of 2 or 3 days.

Similar Products Used:

Optimus 111 hiker, whisperlight, coleman stoves and others.

I've had this stove since 1969; have used it everywhere. For higher elevations with cold and wind it can take a LONG TIME to melt snow, etc. A more powerful stove makes more sense in these conditions. In all others, it's still my favorite stove. The old ""123"" model works better than the ""123R"". Takes some getting used to, but that's part of the appeal.

Customer Service

I had to replace the graphite gasket once -- easy. Note to previous poster: it's graphite, NOT rubber! Stove gets too hot for a rubber washer.

Similar Products Used:

Other Optimus/Primus, MSR, Coleman, Trangia, military.

I've had my Svea 123R since the early '80s. It's a super little compact stove. I use the optional priming pump instead of the fire paste. It lights much easier and I don't have to fiddle with paste and lighting it, etc,... something about starting a fire on top of a gas tank?! The stove does heat water in record time, though there seems to be only two settings; ON and OFF. Plus you always know when it's on by the sound. The Svea 123R is super fast stove, it will boil a liter of water in under 6 minutes. The size is perfect for either daytrippers or for the weekend trek. It's all self contained within itself, even comes with it's own pot.

Similar Products Used:

MSR Whisperlite
Coleman Backerpacker

Just got back from an AT hike in NC with my wife and teenage son and daughter. We had not been on the trail in a long time. As we were gearing up for the trip, every one (except me), viewed my old Svea as if it was a relic from Perry's trip to the North Pole (probably was). Well the stove cranked. I purchased it in 1972 and it has never failed.
I found a great set of nesting pots back in the 70's that has a sturdy base that encloses the stove, an intergral windscreen, plus 2 pots and fry pan (dual function as lid) that fit into the windscreen above the burner, with adapatable handle for all. I'm not sure I would be so high on this stove with out these very handy accessories, they make the stove very stable and wind resistant.
I tuned it with a small kit in the 80's. Which was probablly a mistake. The needle sticks out to much and it has a tendancy to spit, to the point of putting itself out. Also, the old needle allowed for more percise temp. control, like simmering. The new needle kit seems to be full on or off. Until I see something else perform better in the field, this will be my stove of choice.
I enjoyed reading everyones preferred method of priming the stove. I use a disposable butane lighter (2 oz.) to heat the bottom of the stove.

Similar Products Used:

I like the coleman single burner, but it is way too heavy for trail use.