I am old school. The youngsters with me in the outdoors are fascinated with my old but reliable gear. Nothing will ever equal the old Optimus backpacking stoves.
I've had at least one SVEA123/R since the 1970's. My father was a mountain climber, so I inherited one early. To this day its my favorite cold weather and altitude option unless I need multifuel, then XGK/Dragonfly. My original SVEA is so precious to me because of my Dad that it lives in a watertight case gets jewelry polished and now only comes out for special occasions. My pet peeve with iso comes from 3rd world basecamps littered with mounds of empty cannisters...(I refill these for my JetBoil.) And I keep a couple odd Coleman and Primus units for emergency lends to friends.
I got my Svea out for a brew yesterday, I do like this stove and as you say it is a good option for cold weather. Glad you have an original that has sentimental value for you, thats a precious item:)
Yes, the Svea set the benchmark for self priming stoves with a beautiful package and simple maintenance free design. I have a Svea 123 (1971) and still going strong. This will be passed on to my grandchildren in working order...
Great stove...and a piece of art. Spring has really sprung with birds in the background. The clocks go forward this weekend and hopefully this lockdown will end soon. Keep safe.
Thanks for this, the first tribute to the Svea 123 I happen to have found. Bought mine in June 1967 in Littleton, New Hampshire, and have been using it ever since, not only on outings but also when mains power gets cut off at home.
Another great video, i have one of these made in the 70s and has never let me down, very little maintenance required I've only ever had to replace a graphite seal once.
Been using an original svea 123 for years in the Canadian backcountry. Its superb in sub-zero conditions, unlike gas stoves. I love it. Nice clean burn. No soot on your pots. Use the cleanest fuels like Colemans as it can clog up. Hope you enjoy it.
I have a Svea stove and it has served me well since the early 1970's. Many a cup of coffee and soups and stews have been cooked by the little Brass Bandit !
I like that very much! I can also understand those with an urge to collect such things. Another very enjoyable video - thank you, Sandy... and be safe, my friend.
Lol!...it was my very first hiking stove in 1974. It never let me down. I moved to a quieter stove, but I still have the mighty SVEA, and I still use it. They are an "icon" for sure. BTW...one of the things I really like about it, is its ease of priming; all you have to do is hold the stove in your hot little hands, and the resulting heat from your hand going into the brass body of the stove causes a pressure inside the stove. Just open the valve, and more than enough fuel dribbles down the stem to start it up. I only ever burned white gas in it, and it never clogged.
Fabulous ! I've just restored my old Optimus 96 which came everywhere with me as a lad on my Rough Stuff Fellowship cycling days out. There is something about that comforting roar ! Dodgy near a tent though as sometimes the old bugger would flare up. Thanks Sandy.. fond memories.
Love this. There is a real meditative quality to the first part, broken perfectly by the beer can moment. Made me smile. Keep 'em coming, and let's hope you're soon back out in the woods you love so much. Cheers, Sandy!
Thanks for sharing. The Svea is a classic for sure! I absolutely love using it. Gives you a really nostalgic feeling. A bit of a connection to the old mountaineers.
Was nice to see that stove, Sandi. I bought mine in probably 1967. My sons were raised on that stove, at least the backpacking part of their lives. My daughters and I used the newer ones. But those are hard to make simmer. The noise is amazing, especially when you turn it off. Then the silence is profound! But the noise becomes comforting after a few meals. Many happy uses of it to you. These days I use mostly the alcohol stoves, either the Trangia or the fancy feast along with my FireBoxes. Thanks for the video!
I've had my Svea 123 since 1970. Bought new at Kelty's showroom in Glendale, Calif. for $8.95 retail. Since I also got a packframe, tent, down bag and 60/40 parka at the same time, they threw in a full can of Coleman gas [worth a whole Dollar] as a bonus. Still running strong. Camp stoves is an addiction, and I must commiserate. You will find a community of fellow stovepox victims at www.classiccampstoves.com. You read the ad copy from the box and stated the 123 was a Century old. They first were released in 1955, so not quite that old. There were prior designs that were similar: Svea Campus 3 and Primus 71 for example. In its day the Svea 123 was considered lightweight. Only one pound or so, give or take a few ounces for whether it was filled or not. Happy brewing up.
@@Jack-pm1ve I paid almost $15 for a gallon of Coleman at REI, not a year ago. Then I found it at WalMart for $13-and-change. And Crown white gas for $8-something. Also Crown kerosene for the same as Crown white gas for a gallon. Home Depot had Kleen Strip marine alcohol fuel for $16-and-change for a gallon, but they've been out for a few weeks. They have the ''eco-friendly'' Kleen Strip Green for $7.95 a quart. Dunno why it's so much more. Doesn't taste any better.
After watching your fellow youtubers you gave in to some serious stove envy!! I don't blame you Sandy, well deserved and you will get endless pleasure from it's ownership! Thanks for posting.
Enjoy!! I used the Optimus 99 for years and years Fantastic stove that never let me down even in sub zero temps I still starts up when I test it When you learn to use it It is superb for simmering food
Very famous in Egypt and Arabian world, that's why there's an Arabic words on a lot of versions, still some people sell no. 106 in used market, it's a real piece of art 💛 thanks for sharing, sir 👌
Wiltshire Man, Oh dear me! What have you done to me?? I'm now turning into the stovaholic you were just taking about. THAT STOVE I am definitely buying. Thank you so much. Jonathan aka McMillans Bushcraft.
I have always loved that stove too. I got lucky and found one from the 70s unused still in the box at a swap meet 15 years ago. I still haven't lit it. I also have an Optimus 8R that I've had for over 50 years that I do use.
Ive just looked on line and a Canadian said he’s had his for forty years and he stored his in an old coffee in which fitted perfectly,then when it was snowing he would turn the tin upside down and use it as a stand,,..anyway I wasn’t the least bit interested in camping but now I’ve watched most of your vlogs keep them coming .you seem to wake the wildlife up on your. Vids thanks sandy
Your gonna get me shot Sandy! During the lock down I've been making good use of my stoves in the garden and my eagle eyed Mrs has been taking note of how many!
From one stoveaholic to another. What a beautiful stove that you have there!! I really do love playing around with the old camp stoves from yesteryear. I think that they made camping, hiking, (and most other outdoor activities) what they are today. I also love playing around with the old oil, gas, butane, and propane lanterns too. Thank you for the little diversion from fretting over the coronavirus and giving me something much more pleasant to think about. Take care Sandy and you and your family please stay healthy and stay safe. See you on the next one....
That stove and the old Kelty or CampTrails aluminum frame back packs , thick heavy leather hiking boots , Reinhold Messner , using a bed sheet as a ground cloth ... Memories
Reminded me of our Primus stove back in the 60's when I was a youngster....we had a paraffin Tilly lamp too..dad was at the forefront of camping tech!.......Cameron Macneish is a hero to me...
Wonderful video (and just finished watching your C2C vids - excellent). I have had an Optimus 99 for years (still works) but your vid for 123 has convinced me I need another stove! Best wishes, Jon
1st. lighting ? Nice ! Thanks for sharing ! I've lusted after these since first seeing one as a lad in the mid-70's in the window of Harry Robinsons outdoor shop in Lancaster. I too have been successfully fighting the sickness, and have not yet succumbed, there's something about the peacefulness of a meths stove.
A beautiful stove 👍 💜. I have it's First Cousin .. the Optimus 8R Hunter. Same Burner Mechanism but comes in a Metal Box and Lid. Bought new in the '70's and still going strong .. absolutely love it. Wishing you many happy roaring hours with it. Take care .. stay safe ..
Been on the look out for one, plus a petrol stove, they’re silly money. Can’t believe how far advanced your garden is, with trees and bushes out. Our tree 🌳 are still in Bud, no leaves 🍁 yet. Brilliant video 👍🏻
Sandy you are an absolute star your energy and enthusiasm light up my day when i watch your uploads my health isn't great but i believe it's all a test God bless you and your family x
I bought mine in 1976. Still have it. Looks no different than your new made 123r. I guess they perfected it long ago and saw no reason to change it, unlike just about every other gizmo/gadget that passes my way. Enjoyed your video. Thumbs up. Thanks for posting this. Geologyjohn in N. California.
Great to see the little stove. I had one just like that, included the pump for pressurizing the tank. As usual regret selling it a few years ago. We're about shut down here in Texas due to virus, however plenty of time for shop work and radio time.
Once again, another thoroughly enjoyable video. Nice to see the S6 bag being put to good use. Those Scandinavians certainly know how to make all sorts of class bits of kit. Keep safe everyone.
Funny how you mention the petrol stove and fuel pipe, Your video prompted me go service it! My last several outings (not filmed) I have been using a Trangia Triangle. Having rarely used a meth burner until recent, loving how silent it is and although longer to boil, more time to enjoy your surroundings. Can’t wait for the zombie apocalypse to pass so we can get out again 🤨
I too was late to the Svea 123 party. It's a fantastic stove, but has foibles which you get to know over time of use. I personally never use it for walking, but as a rider yourself note it been perfect for motorcycling; I use it solely on the petrol from the bike, therefore a ready supply. Cheers Wayne
I now have an inkling of how you may have looked when you first set eyes on the misses. My pop had a fine love for gadgets. I miss watching him tinker with his beloved collections. The man never suffered a moments boredom his entire life.
Nostalgia - I bought a 123R last year because I got a cracking deal on it. I’ve heated it up a couple times, but my original non-R model from back in the 1960s is still working well. I bought my 123 with the Sigg Tourist cookware set, which has two pots, a skillet, a base and wind shield for the stove. Wish they still made the cook set; there were rumors of a stainless steel version, never saw it. Noisy, but still very reliable, even after 55 years.
My Sigg Tourist kit has a two stainless pots and a stainless lid, but the base and windscreen are aluminum. I found it at a thrift store. No strap or pot lifter were included.
Thanks for that pure escapist and to me retro Video ... especially in the times that we are in … looks a fine piece of kit . I have had a variation … the Optimus 80 since the early 70’s and as I am in isolation tomorrow I shall be going into the back garden to fire it up and wait until it gets to that throaty roar and the spreader plate glows and make a brew . Stay low and take care Sandy .
Wow a far out stove Sandy. I'd be stoked listening to it roar to. Great story as to how you came about it. I've actually got Cameron McNeish up to watch now. Lovely book. Well, thanks for sharing. I to have a vintage stove to spark up. I'll share it over these coming weeks. All the best. Mark
@@WiltshireMan Well, it can Sandy. There is a story behind it. I haven't published the video yet but I found it in an abandoned farmstead, which I filmed. It was getting torn down and built on. They've started the project already and a lot of the stuff was piled to go in the skip. I thought that can't happen. So I found the old model (1970's) and managed to get a canister. Looking forward to sparking this old one up.
I get my first one in 86 for playing in high altitude. I used it often, and at times daily for about 15 years until I got too confident, and careless with starting it, and using unleaded gasoline. It went into self destruct mode. It broke my heart. Fortunately it didn't destroy anything else around it. A few years later I bought another one. I only use white gas in it, and mineral spirits for startup. I also have a couple of the older 123s. They're delightful little gadgets
@@WiltshireMan It didn't actually explode. The pressure relief valve in the cap opened up. But it built enough pressure to pop the bottom out so that it was covexed.
Nice stove, use it well. In the mid 70's I picked up a WW2 Vintage Coleman Company "G-I Pocket Stove" that burned white gas. Back in the day it was hard to get information on repair, so I never did get it working. Last Fall I wanted to make an alcohol stove so I watched several videos about the different brans. I went with the SS Self Reliance Outfitters (SRO)and cobbed together a support from SS silverware rack, Stanley cook set and SRO pots. Overall I like it got it for hikes and travel for when you need a snack or tea. Only used it around the patio a few times.
Ahhhh, memories. I have used mine since '71. Had to change the filler washer after only 43 years of use. Do NOT leave the key attached whilst burning. Best wishes from Canada.😀
Omg! I am so chuffed to have been mentioned on one of your videos Sandy. ....made my millennium. If you have a fraction of the pleasure my svea has brought me then you will be very happy. Cheers.
Wiltshire Man a good choice......mine is a beautiful tool... lifelong item in a discerning collection.......and it’s good fun too!.....all the very best......Chris
Sandy instead of priming it and lighting the primer before replacing the windshield, try leaving the windshield on with the large slot above where the key goes to operate the stove. When you want to use the stove, remove the cup and handle as usual and put the key out through the large slot and in through the smaller slot underneath and into place. Pour a little primer down inbetween the bell and burner plate. It will run down into the priming ring. Light it and away you go. Much safer than trying to replace the windshield over a naked flame. You only need to remove the windshield to fill the stove.
I got one back around 1970. The stove is a bit narrow for a wider pot and prone to tip your dinner over! Also the noise is annoying. That said, it is a classic and works and works and works. I got one of the pressurizing pumps early on, and that made it easier to use. It is still in a drawer somewhere, along with several other backpacking stoves.
I could just sense there was going to be a twist when the water boiled, I was expecting you to say you had forgotten the tea bags but when you opened a beer that really made me laugh. "great stuff".
Well this afternoon I succumbed to buying a Svea123... Then up pops Sandy with a eulogy of his new Svea123 so I know I've made the right choice. I'm hoping that it will tuck nicely in to my Esbit pot & pan. Regards to you.
Hi Paul, I've always wanted one of these. No doubt I'll take it out on some adventures but for convenience the Trangia 26/27 is tops. For fun value then the Svea and perhaps also for cold weather camps too
Hi Sandy, about that folding chair you have: we had two and returned them to the store. There are no real feet to it. One day Daniel was sitting in it on some very soft soil. He leaned to one side to pick something up. The legs on that side suddenly sunk into the soil and poor Daniel toppled out!
What a nice video. And not to forget: what a nice stove. I think my wife will hate you - because now I've ordered one too. ;) just kidding. I always wanted to have this one. Now it was the right time. Looking forward to get it. Stay save my english friend. Cheers from Austria, Helmut
The eucalyptus tree was a strange sight in a British garden, the bark that falls off it makes great kindling. Loved the video kind regards Howie from New Zealand.
@@snowflakemelter1172 While they are not native to New Zealand they are found in many gardens, city parks and are grown commercially for firewood, but I have been to England twice and don't remember seeing any. Stay well
lol that start felt like spike milligan had returned! 😊😆 great vid under this blasted necessary full lockdown! ty sandy 😊 bless your wife 12:38! acchhhooo
Have a Svea 123. Good enough for Colin Fletcher; good enough fo me. Got it in 1975, when I was 16. Still have it, and still works. Completely rebuilt it in 2012. I have an MSR Wisperlite, too, which I picked up in the 90s. I will lend my Wisperlite to my son or to friends. The Svea? No bloody way.
