Reviews & Ratings for Optimus Svea — 50 reviews

(50 reviews)
Optimus Svea
Optimus Svea
$80.00
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Svea Stove Tops

by KarlosJ83, Gear Expert from UT, United States Written on September 10, 2011
The Optimus Svea stove is an essential part of my backpacking gear. I bought one 25 years ago and it worked flawlessly every trip but my friend would not giver it back to me after our trip last year, hence, I bought a bright shinny new one. Should last me till my last day. Not only great for meals but I am a tea fanatic in the morning and during the afternoon break. I tried a propane stove but
Most Helpful Positive Review Memories of dependability
I bought one ofthese stoves when I was 15 years old(I am 58 now) and used it alot for the next 10 years. It was a very reliable stove that seemed to work forever without running out of fuel. The roaring sound it makes when you have it cranked up is soothing on cold,wet mornings in the mountains.
Most Helpful Negative Review More China
I thought was supporting my brothers in Sweden. I found out this more cheap Chinese junk. So sad. Items made in Sweden used to be high quality robust and long lasting. This is cheaper than the original.
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Svea 123R problems

by shadow, from WV, United States Written on March 20, 2024
This is a really solid well built stove but the one I was sent came with some problems. Once lit the stove boils water quickly but when the fuel is turned off the flame does not turn completely off. It continues to burn kind of like a candle until it is blown out. Then, the fuel continues to wick out and evaporate until the tank is empty. I may try a rebuild kit to see if this helps but it is a little discouraging for a new stove to operate this way.
Would recommend: No
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Outstanding Stove!!!

by TK, Verified Owner from WY, United States Written on November 23, 2023
This is my favorite stove hands down. Very simple to operate and light weight.
Best Used for:
  • Camping, Hiking, Backpacking
  • Prepping
Would recommend: Yes
1 of 1 found the following review helpful.
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Still have my dependable 48 yr old SVEA 123 stove

by Walter Bates, from TX, United States Written on September 18, 2023
I would upload photos if permitted. Great stove that takes a beating but ALWAYS WORKS. I just weighed my stove. Empty of fuel it weighs 14.65 oz. Nice thing about this stove is dependability without annual maintenance (at least in my case). Did I mentioned I have had this stove for 48yrs. My first stove.
Pros:
  • Works below freezing, no maintenance, simple to operate.
  • Great for emergencies, works below freezing, simple to operate, compact.
Cons:
  • Considered heavy for UL guys
  • Considered heavy for UL backpackers
  • stove and the fuel it uses considered heavy among UL hikers. Can be messy to add fuel to stove without funnel otherwise awesome
Best Used for:
  • Backpacking with dependable gear you can trust
Would recommend: Yes
3 of 3 found the following review helpful.
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Backpack stove, old school but good school

by Esteban, Verified Owner from MI, United States Written on July 25, 2021
Great camping and hiking stove, super classic set-up and look. Simple to operate, and a great overall cooking device. Of course this classic design has been working hard for decades. I remember using a similar device as a youngster in the late 70s early 80s while camping and backpacking in the blue ridge and rocky mountain ranges. Small enough to fit into a day pack, and light enough to carry for extended travel. Also a great bug-out tool for storing in your vehicle or go-bag. Perfect size to accommodate multiple roles and uses. For longer trips, a back-up fuel source will be needed.
Pros:
  • compact size
  • simplicity
Cons:
  • Prefer steel or anodized pot
Best Used for:
  • Day hiking
  • bug-out
  • truck camping
Would recommend: Yes
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Found it again

by Dan, from FL, United States Written on April 10, 2021
I loved this stove as a kid. I lost it during a move. I’m glad to have it back. Camp Saver was great. Product was delivered on time. This stove looks like the one I had and burns the same. There was a comment, about it being cheaply made in a country other than Sweden, but I find no evidence of such.
Would recommend: Yes
9 of 10 found the following review helpful.
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Missing Information

by Bongdugenz, Verified Owner from TX, United States Written on February 9, 2021
Thank you campsaver I have my order today I’m excited to explore the wilderness with this Optimus Svea 123. My first impressions seems so nice in appearance just little worry about welding quality at the bottom of the tank looks weaker weld can see brazing process leaves a lot of flux all around the joints or connecting lines. The stove leaves me a question about where this stove really manufactured marking shows only Sweden Svea nothing mention either in the box something missing information I guess. For the price the “made in” is something that gives confidence about quality and integrity of the product.
Pros:
  • Solid, handy, suits for backpacking and light, & corrosion resistance.
Cons:
  • Pricey, welding quality
Best Used for:
  • Camping for 2
Would recommend: Yes
2 of 3 found the following review helpful.
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Good Stove

by John, from TN, United States Written on January 15, 2021
I bought an Optimus stove when I was 15 years old back in 1977. It cost $15. It served me well over the years. I lost it in 1987. Just bought a new one and I am very pleased. This stove is a must for primative campers and preppers.
Would recommend: Yes
2 of 4 found the following review helpful.
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OPtimus camp stove

by mark, from MN, United States Written on January 2, 2021
I just received this stove, looked it over, and put it away until my spring camping trip. It looks sturdy, and is very compact, so I an stash it inside my 1.1 liter pot. I used an Optimus 111 B stove for many years, whcih worked fine, although it leaked. Apparently this one has the same issues, since the instructions detail what to do when it leaks. I have not used this stove yet.
Pros:
  • compact
Cons:
  • likely leaks
Best Used for:
  • Camping
Would recommend: Yes
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Iconic and the "Holy Grail" of Backpacking stoves.

by Charlie, from CO, United States Written on November 22, 2020
I received the 2- Svea 123r stoves I ordered in 3 days standard shipping. Great!!! job Camp Saver. I had to get not just 1 but 2 for upcoming backpacking trips. The back story why I bought this stove is that it brought back many great memories of my Uncle Warren who took me backpacking with him over 48 years ago. He has since passed. He was at one time, President of the Sierra Club (local Chapter) and active board member there of. He was very active out doors with nature. To make a long story longer he taught me how to use and light the Svea stove he had one of the originals from the 50's or 60's. I thought it was the coolest little stove ever. I plan to revisit all the great places with my Svea 123r stove that my uncle took me backpacking to. May need a backpacking partner though? that's why I bought 2.
Pros:
  • Works as I remeber it.
Cons:
  • Now made in China
Best Used for:
  • Back packing trips up to 1 week
Would recommend: Yes
6 of 6 found the following review helpful.
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Old school, old reliable

by Peter M, Verified Owner from WA, United States Written on September 17, 2020
I still have the svea 123 my dad bought in the 60s. There's never been a problem with it. Bought a new one to give to my son. Always easy to light, great heat, and generations of solid performance. Highly recommend!
Pros:
  • Lasts virtually forever
Cons:
  • Weight with gas
Best Used for:
  • Short backpacking trips, cold weather
Would recommend: Yes
5 of 5 found the following review helpful.
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