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Monte Dodge | all galleries >> Galleries >> The " 700 Club", ( 700 Or More Hits, Your Favorites) > Optimus 8R Backpacking Stove ( 8th new paint job from hard use!)
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Monte Dodge

Optimus 8R Backpacking Stove ( 8th new paint job from hard use!)

Bought in 1972 from Herters, this stove ( 3,300 btu's) went with me on my PCT from Mexico to Canada 1977 and still going strong


other sizes: small medium original auto
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Monte Dodge12-Jun-2015 20:18
No , it's an old 8r painted silver,,, I also have a 99 with has an aluminum two piece case,
Guest 05-Jun-2015 23:20
The one you are describing is the Optimus 99. I have it too. They are awesome.
David Gullickson 23-Mar-2014 21:14
I have one from about 1979, it has an aluminum housing (lid, not hinged, works as bowl), no paint, but the same (appears identical) brass tank, heat shield, burner, key and support 'rails'. Last used in October 2012 at North rim of Grand Canyon. Send text photos from GC to brothers admiring how stove has never failed on any trip in almost 30 years. No reason to look at new types--they do no better.
Jim Stone01-Jul-2009 16:43
I've managed to keep one of these still with the original blue paint on most of it. Glad to see an appreciation for this old stuff - much of the new stuff is junk, but these things will run forever!
shooter75 27-Jun-2009 12:10
I have a russian replica of 8R. Built in 1978 and widely used in USSR.
It called "Tourist" or "Ogonyok" (A Little light) but russian hikers called it "tourist's death" :)
Here's a topic with pictures.
talks.guns.ru/forummisc/prev/21/379114
george 12-Jan-2009 02:52
what do you need to know? these are straight forward work horses. Built to see the alps.

Fill her up. Open valve till you see the "jet clean needle". Hold your hands on tank to warm it a little toill gas comes out thru jet. Light. Adjust vavlev. Bingo. May sputter a bit till it burns off access. So what. God i love my 8R. Bought mine in mid 70's as a boy scout. (Now Eagle) Cost me all my 42 dollars I had. I've had it 34 years!!!!!!

Go survive!!
Guest 15-May-2007 07:19
Hi Monte; God, I packed one of these many miles. Nice to see an old friend. Lee
sharon 27-Jun-2006 18:28
hello, Ive been looking for a manual for the 8R camp stove and had no luck wondering if you can help me, or any information on the stove operation. I would greatly appreciate it. thank you.