User Review: Optimus Svea

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.

My last weeklong hike Mar '09 thru Joyce Kilmer Natl forest (with surprise snowdrifts) proved once again - Considering weight, reliability, functionality and value. The svea 123 is without a doubt the best kitchen tool available on any serious hike. Do not use anything else unless you enjoy eating freeze dried food with cold water on occasion...

Jeff

Update: December 16, 2009

Never have I owned anything that ALWAYS WORKS. This little brass stove has been my best friend for my entire backpacking lifetime. I would never consider anything else as it's so very dependable. Never once has it let me down! It's beautiful, simple, light enough, and is the best all around cookstove you will ever own. It will be with me on my AT thru hike in 2010.

jeff