Still have my dependable 48 yr old svea 123 stove - Optimus Svea

by Walter Bates, from TX, United States Written on September 18, 2023
Review for Optimus Svea
Optimus Svea
Optimus Svea
$144.95
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Walter Bates's Review of Optimus Svea

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
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About Walter Bates from TX, United States

Senior hiker. Retired, kiddos raised, my wife of 46yrs busy enjoying home-life with her aging parents and our grandkids on our property compound. At this time in my life, my mind and love of the outdoors is calling. Before marriage, I hiked for months at a time out west. Grand Canyon, Kings Canyon, Big Sur, Yosemite with an 1gal water jug, AA flashlight, sleeping bag, svea stove, fuel bottle, plastic sheet but no tent. Recently, I have spent some money with Campsaver upgrading my gear and tested it (and myself) hiking several trails within Glacier National Park to see if I still was able and enjoyed the hike. WOW, I do. Met a guy (now friend) at REI and we are planning to SOBO thru-hike the JMT in 2024. Heading off to Big Bend next month for more gear shakeout testing and to enjoy the area in cooler temps. I look forward to our paths crossing on the trail!

Last updated 2025-11-12 UTC.