I lived in Alaska for 30 years and owned 2 of these stoves (still have both). By far and away the best pack stove ever used. I carried one of these stoves (123 version) in every type of terrain, attitude and weather condition and it worked without fail every time. In my later years in Alaska I actually did most of my camping in the winter and this stove really proved to be the best of all. I carried a tube of fire-starter paste and squeezed some around the base of the nozzle and started with one match - wait about a half-minute and BAM had a great running camp stove. The stove fits perfectly inside a 1 pound coffee can (I put a small pad on the bottom of coffee can to help protect from movement) and I carried a stainless steel camper/teapot (REI) to heat water. In the winter I used freeze-dried meals and could have a piping hot meal in minutes, plus just enough for a small cup of coffee. My camping temps went to -30 degrees below zero and the stove just "rocked", never worried about it functioning properly. Just a tip - using the 1 pound coffee can as a stove base by turning upside down and pushing into the snow - the stove sits perfectly on the bottom of the can sticking out of the snow. Carrying the fire-starter paste also allows for and emergency campfire starter if needed - better than tying to pour gasoline on twigs. Semper Fi

weakness - none strength - always worked and could be operated with gloves on - no small parts to fall off in the snow

The only reason, and I mean the only reason, I rated a 4 was just the weight issue. As I'm getting older (53 now) I'm resenting like hell each and every additional ounce. And a brass/copper stove is not the lightest thing around.

However, I have easily fed 4 people in the face of a 25/mph wind on the shore of Lake Superior in under 20 minutes. You can't kill this SOB. And even though I have a lighter stove why is it I keep grabbing the Svea when heading out the door? Dependable, idiot-proof and quick working. Like the earlier post said when that blow torch gets going there's nothing like it.

The Svea 123 can easily be brought to life by trickling some fuel from your fuel bottle, onto the burner and down into the recess. Light the gas with the fuel vavle closed and the key off the stem. Let the pressure build until the flame is almost out and then insert key and open fuel valve. You can light the stove with one match. If on an ultralight trip without additional fuel, hold a match or lighter under the stove with the fuel valve cracked. When some fuel has come out and trickled down into recess, close valve and let burn till pressure builds. Light as flame dwindles. Great stove, had it since 1970. Glad they still make it as you can still get Coleman fuel most anywhere.

Is this stove amazing or what? It's design is over 100 years old and it still holds it's own today. I got my first one in the mid 70's and finally retired that one with honors and purchased a new one in 2005. This stove has served me well from sea level to the Bolivian Andes. It took a few years but i finall got the optional Midi pump that allows you to pressurize the stove and makes priming easier. I strongly recommend this pump and you can buy it from Brunton in the USA. This is just such a simple and easy stove to use and you never have to worry about crimping fuel lines. It is a little touchy but I have always been able to coax a decent simmer out of the SVEA, but it does work best as a water boiler. I think that this stoves days might be numbered though, so if you want to pick up a great stove that has 100 years of reliability behind it, get it now before you can only find it used on Ebay.

Customer Service

Never had issues but the folks at Brunton are very helpful and prompt.

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MSR Dragonfly and Optimus Nova

I bought this stove in 1972 and it is still going strong with no repairs. I think I have run more than a few gallons of fuel through it by now. Dribble a little gas into the primer cup, touch a match and away you go. No pumping, no moving parts to wear out. Only drawback is that you have essentially one flame setting that being "blowtorch". It roars loud enough to wake the dead on an early morning but that is character where the 123 is concerned. This thing is worth it's weight in reliability and simplicity. I love this stove. Tell the wife she can have the car but never the 123.

Customer Service

Wouldn't have a clue. I've never had to use customer service

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Primus multi-fuel pack stove

After having read all these reviews, I had to have one. So I registered myself with EBay, and got one. It was a "well" used one, with dings and a flat side on the tank, missing the cup. It fired right up, though I had to learn to prime it correctly and efficiently. The problem was the previous owner did not know how to set the spindle that controls the flame, or the built-in cleaning needle. The fuel will not shut off completely. The fuel shutoff works the same way as 8R. First, loosen the spindle locking nut and screw the spindle all the way in, as far as it will go. Tighten the lock nut (it takes 10mm wrench). Then place the cleaning needle rod in the hole, with the gear side facing the tank. Turn the spindle counter-clock wise, raising the needle, all the while maintaining a light pressure on the needle, so that you can feel the clicks. Count 4 clicks. Now turn the spindle clockwise, sinking the needle into the hole. Install the jet. If done correctly, fuel will shut off when the spindle is turned all the way to the right. The middle position is full flame, and all the way to the left cleans the jet. It is quite possible to control the flame to simmer. You just need to be sensitive to turning the key, and once you tuned the spindle as described above, there is not problem. You do not need a pump with this stove. It will heat up and maintain pressure, producing impressive heat that would bring a smile. You will need gloves to handle it, or piece of cloth to hold on to it. It gets hot. A tankful of white gas burns for about 45 minutes max. Boils a liter of water in 7-9 minutes, depending on the shape of pots and weather. I have not tried at high altitudes, but I like its simple function and aesthetic design. I suspect this stove would be absolutely reliable, just about anywhere. So I had to have a few more of a good thing, when I spotted one. Three still seems not enough number to have. Every one of them were bought used and looked like dogs when arrived, but cleaned up nicely with Brasso, and works as good as new. No self-respecting hiker should be without one. Love that roaring blue flames!

Customer Service

I doubt I would need any services, given the simple design and ruggedness. A&H guys sell parts and services (714)258-2525.

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Optimus 99, 8R, Primus Omni, Coleman 400 Peak 1.

My Svea was the next piece of gear I bought after pack, sleeping bag and boots around 1969. I worked for a couple of years before 'varsity, so was the wealthy one among my mates. Until I got my little gem we'd cooked on open fires in huts or in creek beds, or beside a bivvy. My Svea earned the name "Merlin" after one hunting trip in which it rained and then snowed and then rained and blew, and we shivered in wet sleeping bags under a rock overhang. Who else but the wizard Merlin could conjour up a hot meal in those conditions and keep four guys supplied with hot drinks throughout the night? The name stuck and over the years Merlin has produced everything from porridge to loaves of camp bread, and been a constant companion. He has NEVER refused to light and NEVER given a problem of any sort. A little methylated spirit in the cup and away he goes, every time. Noisy? Some people say so, but not me; I love that roar which tells me warmth and comfort are heading my way. This stove is still in frequent use and is always in the back of my 4X4, ready for action. No titanium and plastic wonder stoves for me,thanks, I'll stick with Merlin, he's a true friend indeed.

Customer Service

Replaced the filler cap about fifteen years ago when the valve began to leak. No problem getting the part at that time.

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couldn't ask for a better piece of gear... mine is 30 years old, and still works perfectly. i just recently ordered a rebuild kit, and it's working even better. it works fine at altitude, but does take a few min. to prime if it's cold. i hear you can pick up a pump for it though. fuel consumption isn't bad, a little more than a new stove though. oh well though, it'll boil water in no time. i figure it's worth it. all in all a great stove that will last you for the rest of your life.

Similar Products Used:

peak 1, optimus, msr, primus, you name it, probably used it

Always wanted one..finally splashed out and got one....works just like you all said...great! Found priming to be easy using denatured alcohol but with a twist, make a 1.5 in. wick out of fiberglass rope(stove gasket) whip the ends with wire, sit in priming depression & saturate. No spill on uneven ground, no mess on the tank, & you can leave it in place for the next time.

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30 yr. old Primus butane & Peak 1 dual fuel

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I wanted to know where to buy spare parts for the stove....if anyone knows please email me.....but the stove is excellent.....I love how it just keeps on truckin....I inherited it from my Dad and have never bought any other.

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