Optimus Climber SVEA 123R

Optimus Climber SVEA 123R

Average Rating: rated 5.00 of 5 stars
Reviewed by 16 Trailspace users

Description

The Climber SVEA 123R is a liquid fuel stove made by Optimus. It has an average rating of 5 stars (out of 5), based on 16 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Campmor:
"The Svea 123R Brass Backpacking Stove is a classic stove and a conversation piece. Long used by both mountaineers and backpackers it is renowned for its reliability and durability. It is compact and lightweight. It is easy to light and adjust. It is solid and sturdy. It is made of very shiny brass. This classic stove has a built in cleaning needle to keep your stove running at optimum efficiency. The fuel/flame adjustment key is attached so it can't get lost (you've got to really work at it to lose it). And the adjustment/maintenance wrenches are built into the multifunctional adjustment key. See why this workhorse of a stove has been around for generations and will be for generations to come. Brass construction is solid, durable and reliable. Built in cleaning needle works automatically. No priming required for cold weather. Control valve key doubles as a mini tool box. Wrenches required for field maintenance have been stamped into the key. Brass windscreen has built in pot supports which fold in for compact storage. Aluminum lid also serves as a small pot to cook in; detachable handle. Rating: 4,700 BTU. Burn time:Up to 75 min. on one filling at maximum output. Boil time: 34 fl oz.(1 L of water) in 7 minutes depending on climate, altitudes etc. Fuel: Unleaded gas, White gas, Coleman fuel. Size: 5 in. x 4.5 in. (folded). Weight: 18 oz."

From Backcountry.com:
"Thanks to its compact construction and reliable performance at altitude, The Optimus Svea Stove has been an integral part of the light-and-fast climber's kit for decades. With few working parts, an integrated cleaning needle, and an attached adjustment key, the Svea keeps things simple and gets the job done in any weather conditions. The lightweight lid doubles as a small cooking pot, and the compact brass construction is ideal for ultralight backpacking, high-altitude climbs, and limited-space outings."

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. Optimus Svea Stove (Fall 2009) Optimus Svea Stove by Katadyn Features: Fuel: White Gasoline Weight: 550 g (19 oz) Measurement folded: 100x130 mm (3.9x5.1 in) Rating: 1400 W"

From CampSaver.com:
"The classic Optimus Svea Stove is back.This stove is for those of you that have a strange emotional attachment to the classic stove and cant seem to let go. It has been around for a century and still sets the standard for compact outdoor cooking equipm"

User Reviews

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Woody, Nov 06, 2009

"I used to use this stove all the time. Loved it when in full time use. I put it a way for about fifteen years and only recently brought it back out. Dumped the old fuel out and replaced with new, whamo, fired right up and purred like a kitten. What more can one say about a product this wonderful and reliable?"

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Tom Murphy, Nov 03, 2009

"The recent post inspired me to add my thoughts.

The SVEA 123R is the most reliable piece of hiking gear I own.

I wanted a single stove for year round use. For me, in New England, that means down to -20 deg F.

There are trade-offs:
- it is heavier than most
- it is nosy
- you need to learn how to prime it
- you need to bring an additional fuel bottle
for longer trips
- you need a gentle hand to make it simmer

When you need a warm drink or a hot meal, you know this stove will light."

Read the complete review »

rated 4 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by George Nichols, Nov 02, 2009

"Old School: A classic from a time gone by and the best damn 19oz of compact brass you can pack if you want a hot meal and don't mind a bit of weight (Brass ain't light) or performing the ritual of the manual prime (You gotta spend some quality time)."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Jeff Hall, Oct 26, 2009

"Will depart Springer Mtn. GA late Feb '10 for Mt. Katahdin. I purchased this stove in 1981 as an instructor in the "Wilderness Skills" program Vanderbilt Univ. TN. Thankfully, it has served me faithfully the last 25+ years on many hikes and travels."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by tlanderson44, Sep 14, 2008

"I have another multi fuel stove that is very good and has not failed me. I bought this stove because it looked neat, like something a Sherpa might have in his pack. I sometimes buy things just for the because factor. This was one of those things."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Dennis Albee, Aug 17, 2008

"I've used my svea 123 stove several times a year for 38 years, and it has never failed me. All I do is burn it empty at the end of the season, and it fires up every time, the following year. I've never had to service the valve or anything else. As for as I'm concerned, it's the best stove ever."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Jerry Cox, Jul 09, 2008

"I bought this in 1964 for $9.95 and it was expensive then. It has served me well and I bought several others for use for trips that I have guided.

Problem...I can't find a replacement fuel wick. Any suggestions???"

Read the complete review »

rated 4.5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Erich, May 08, 2008

"I've had my 123R since about 1972. I used it for all my climbing and hiking trips until about 1990, when I stopped camping for few years because of kids. In 1996 I pulled it out again and it fired right up, even with old gas. I did finally replace the cap, just because I thought I should."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Michael Walker, Apr 02, 2008

"I purchased this stove in 1974...for those folks that don't do math, that was 34 years ago. I can't remember how much I paid for it. I used it for 28 years in the Army including Desert Storm. My Svea isn't nearly as shiny as it use to be, but it still works like new and it has never failed me."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Uncle Joe, Oct 01, 2007

"Oh, my. It's simple, beautiful, and utterly reliable. Burns almost anything. When's the last time you could call a stove elegant? It's exciting to overprime when lighting it (if you have one you know what I mean--heh heh) and fun to listen to (has a roarer-type burner, and a distinctive one at that)."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by rfdude, Aug 26, 2007

"I purchased my 1st SVEA 123 in early 80s. Can't remember the price. It is still going strong. After 25 years of use never failed once; Can't say enough about this stove.

Simple design, reliable, easy to light, clean up, maintenance, in any conditions."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Botox, Aug 10, 2006

"This is one of those products that just will not quit. I bought mine in the mid '80s and just returned from a backpacking trip to Mt. Whitney where the stove preformed as well as it did back then. Nothing has ever gone wrong with this stove.

I painted the original pot that was included with bar-b-que paint when I first purchased it and it is still in great shape."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Doug De Jong, Aug 10, 2006

"The best backpacking stove ever made. I have had mine for more than 25 years. It has never failed me. It's been everywhere in all kinds of conditions and I have always had a hot meal. Trouble free, simple, compact and tough.

It is the only backpacking gear that I have never replaced."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by rik_uk3, Apr 12, 2006

"Now a discontinued model (but still available if you shop around), this is perhaps the greatest all round stove ever made. They just keep on working, year after year. Go get one while you can."

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Eric M. Csaba, Apr 06, 2006

"Simple, brilliant, and now very hard to find!!!! I have had my STOVE for 20 years++ and used it more than I thought it would last!! I still have the replacement kit in the plastic. A little bit of cleaning and care when using. Simply the best stove ever made. If you can find one buy it, you'll never regret it... EVER!!!"

Read the complete review »

rated 5 of 5 stars Climber SVEA 123R
Reviewed by Jim Trueworthy, Mar 29, 2006

"Best stove ever made. Period."

Read the complete review »

Have you owned or used an Optimus Climber SVEA 123R? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Climber SVEA 123R at 5 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Campmor
Svea 123R Backpacking Stove$89.97Buy Now

Backcountry.com
Svea Stove$87.96Buy Now

Moosejaw
Svea Stove$109.95Buy Now

CampSaver.com
Optimus Svea Stove$93.46Buy Now

Gear for Adventure
Svea Gas Stove$89.95Buy Now

Similar Stoves

More Buying Choices

Backcountry.com

$87.96 Svea Stove

Moosejaw

$109.95 Svea Stove

CampSaver.com

$93.46 Optimus Svea Stove

Gear for Adventure

$89.95 Svea Gas Stove