We tested Captain Stag's "CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV" and the Corona Collaboration kerosene stoves "SL-51CSA" and "SZ-32CS" in Hokkaido in the middle of winter!
Written by Saito Titoce
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It goes without saying that the winters in Hokkaido where I live are extremely cold. If you sleep in a tent, you will surely freeze to death
It would be nice to be able to use a stove inside a tent, but most tents strictly prohibit the use of stoves. However, Captain Stag's "CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV" and "400UV" are compatible with kerosene stoves, a collaboration between the company and the famous heating appliance manufacturer Corona. We tested this capability in Hokkaido over Christmas
table of contents
- What are Captain Stag's "CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV" and "400UV" and the Corona collaboration kerosene stoves "SL-51CSA" and "SZ-32CS"?
- Detailed Review
- We actually tested how warm it gets inside a tent in sub-zero temperatures in Hokkaido!
- Testing with the "SL-51CSA" - The temperature inside the tent dropped to about 15°C in about 30 minutes when the outside temperature was -1°C
- Testing with the "SZ-32CS" - Raising the temperature inside the tent from about 2.5 degrees to about 8.5 degrees..
- Summary: It is very convenient to have a tent that allows you to use a kerosene stove with peace of mind
- Details and purchase information for the "Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SL-51CSA (Dark Green)" and "Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SZ-32CS (Dark Green)"
What are Captain Stag's "CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV" and "400UV" and the Corona collaboration kerosene stoves "SL-51CSA" and "SZ-32CS"?
On the left in the photo is the Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SZ-32CS (Dark Green), and on the right is the Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SL-51CSA (Dark Green)
Using a stove inside a tent is extremely dangerous
First of all, let me warn you that using a stove inside a tent is extremely dangerous. There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire, so using a stove inside a tent in unsafe conditions, no matter how cold it is, can be life-threatening
Generally, the manuals for tents commonly sold in Japan should clearly state that open flames are strictly prohibited. Naturally, almost no tents state that it's okay to use a stove inside the tent. However, Captain Stag's "CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV" and "CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 400UV" (hereinafter referred to as "400UV") clearly state that they can be used with the "Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SL-51CSA (Dark Green)" (hereinafter referred to as "SL-51CSA") and "Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SZ-32CS (Dark Green)" (hereinafter referred to as "SZ-32CS"), which are collaboration models between Captain Stag and popular heating appliance manufacturer Corona
This is one of the few kerosene stove and tent combinations officially approved for use by the manufacturer. This time, we tested its heating effect in combination with the CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV (hereinafter referred to as 460UV). The 460UV was previously covered in detail in our previous article , "Can we avoid dangerous heat? We tested how comfortable summer camping can be with Captain Stag's spacious and comfortable CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV and a spot cooler [QOCL Improvement Committee #003] ," so this article will focus on the SL-51CSA and SZ-32CS kerosene stoves. The SL-51CSA retails for around ¥34,800, while the SZ-32CS retails for around ¥35,800.
Recommended points
- Captain Stag x Corona exclusive dark green color (both models)
- Can be used with one-pole tents 460UV and 400UV (both models)
- Both models have a continuous burn time of approximately 12 hours, allowing for long periods of continuous use
- Heating output of 5.14kW (SL-51CSA) capable of heating a living room of approximately 15 tatami mats
- Heating output of 3.19kW (SZ-32CS) capable of heating a bedroom of approximately 10 tatami mats
- Oil stoves (both models) that are easy to obtain fuel for and are easy to set up and clean up
- Easy ignition with battery-powered ignition switch (SL-51CSA)
Points of interest
- Requires removal of floor sheet and opening of bottom vent (both models)
- There is no ignition device, so you will need a lighter to ignite it (SZ-32CS)
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | Captain Stag x Corona SL-51CSA Oil Stove (Dark Green) | Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SZ-32CS (Dark Green) |
|---|---|---|
| External dimensions | Height 553mm, width 460mm, depth 460mm (including stand) | Height 475mm, width 355mm, depth 355mm (including stand) |
| mass | Approximately 9.9 kg | Approximately 6.3kg |
| Oil Tank Capacity | Approximately 6.0L | Approximately 3.8L |
| Model | SL-51CSA (basic model SL-5123) | SZ-32CS (basic model SZ-32) |
| kinds | Wick type/natural convection type | Wick type/natural convection type |
| Ignition method | Battery ignition, single type/2 batteries used | Ignition lighter |
| Fuel used | Kerosene (JIS No. 1 kerosene) | Kerosene (JIS No. 1 kerosene) |
| fuel consumption | 5.14kW (0.500L/h) | 3.19kW (0.310L/h) |
| Heating Output | 5.14kW | 3.19kW |
| Burning duration | Approximately 12.0 hours | Approximately 12.3 hours |
| Heating guideline | Wooden construction: up to 21.5m² (13 tatami mats), concrete construction: up to 29.5m² (18 tatami mats) | Wooden construction: up to 15.0m² (9 tatami mats), concrete construction: up to 20.0m² (12 tatami mats) |
| Core/Type | Standard cylindrical core, nominal dimensions: inner diameter 105 mm, thickness 3.5 mm | Standard cylindrical core, nominal dimensions: inner diameter 75 mm, thickness 2.8 mm |
| safety equipment | Earthquake-resistant automatic fire extinguishing device | Earthquake-resistant automatic fire extinguishing device |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | ||
| Heating Output | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| design | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Burn time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cost performance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed Review
We actually tested how warm it gets inside a tent in sub-zero temperatures in Hokkaido!
Testing of the SL-51CSA and SZ-32CS was conducted at Forever Camping Paradise, located right next to New Chitose Airport
Both the "SL-51CSA" and "SZ-32CS" are collaboration models between the renowned heater manufacturer Corona and Captain Stag. The "SL-51CSA" is based on the "SL-5123" model, while the "SZ-32CS" is based on the "SZ-32" model. Both are Corona's renowned kerosene stoves, and both use JIS No. 1 kerosene, commonly sold at gas stations and fuel stores, making them easy to obtain and cost-effective. Both models feature a dark green color scheme that perfectly complements outdoor activities like camping, but this color is exclusive to the Captain Stag x Corona collaboration model. Both stoves use a natural convection system, which causes heated air to rise and create convection, warming the entire room
The main differences between the two collaboration kerosene stoves are size, weight, heating output, and ignition method. The SL-51CSA measures 553mm high, 460mm wide, and 460mm deep (including the stand), weighs approximately 9.9kg, and has a heating output of 5.14kW, while the SZ-32CS measures 475mm high, 355mm wide, and 355mm deep (including the stand), weighs approximately 6.3kg, and has a heating output of 3.19kW. The SL-51CSA uses two D-size batteries (sold separately), while the SZ-32CS requires a commercially available lighter, which must be purchased separately. In terms of convenience, the SL-51CSA is superior, while the SZ-32CS excels in terms of aesthetic appeal. Personally, I also prefer the design of the SZ-32CS
The "SL-51CSA" has a switch labeled "Ignition" on the bottom of the unit; press this to ignite the lighter
The fuel tanks for the "SL-51CSA" are 6.0L and those for the "SZ-32CS" are 3.8L, but both have a continuous burn time of approximately 12 hours. Both models can burn for about half a day on a single fill-up, so there's no need to refill with kerosene frequently. As these are collaboration models with a long-established heating manufacturer, both are very stable and easy-to-use kerosene stoves
Before this test, the most important thing to remember was to carefully read the "Captain Stag Limited Edition Tents (UA-47 and UA-46) and Compatible Tents Instruction Manual (Cautions)" included with the SL-51CSA and SZ-32CS. The instruction manual contains detailed instructions and precautions for using the SL-51CSA and SZ-32CS in the UA-47 (CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV) and UA-46 (CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 400UV). Be sure to read it carefully. There are four key points to remember: do not use a floor sheet; do not install an inner tent; open the two air vents at the top and bottom of the tent; and place the stove on a level surface at least 100cm away from the tent
Testing with the "SL-51CSA" - The temperature inside the tent dropped to about 15°C in about 30 minutes when the outside temperature was -1°C
The SL-51CSA is placed in the center of the 460UV. You can see how spacious the inside of the 460UV is
While following the precautions, we placed the SL-51CSA inside the 460UV, lit a fire, and measured the temperature inside the tent every 15 minutes. At this time, the temperature outside the tent was approximately -1.2°C. Although it was daytime, the test was conducted in sub-zero temperatures, and the results are shown below
■Temperature change inside the tent with "460UV" and "SL-51CSA"
| Hours (minutes) | Temperature (℃) |
|---|---|
| 0 | Approximately 9.5 |
| 15 | Approximately 11.5 |
| 30 | Approximately 15.0 |
| 45 | Approximately 15.0 |
| 60 | Approximately 15.0 |
| 75 | Approximately 15.5 |
The temperature outside the tent was below freezing, but the weather was good, and with the help of sunlight, the temperature inside the tent was about 9.5°C, much better than outside. I set up the SL-51CSA and lit a fire, and the temperature inside the tent rose steadily, reaching 11.5°C in 15 minutes and about 15°C in 30 minutes. However, because the 460UV's top and bottom vents were fully open for ventilation, perhaps the lost warmth and newly generated warmth balanced out, as the temperature inside the tent remained at about 15°C after 45 and 60 minutes, and about 15.5°C after 75 minutes, but this is probably within the margin of error
The inside of the 460UV heated by the SL-51CSA reached a maximum temperature of 15.5°C, or even 16°C, as shown in the photo. Since it's about -1°C outside, it feels very warm
However, compared to the sub-zero temperature outside the tent, it's extremely comfortable inside the 460UV heated by the SL-51CSA. Since 15 degrees is a slightly cold indoor temperature, you can comfortably stay warm in light winter clothing suitable for outdoor activities. I was inside the tent for the experiment, but it was so comfortable I didn't want to go outside. I asked a friend to join me in the experiment, and once I sat in the 460UV heated by the SL-51CSA, I didn't want to move. The SL-51CSA is designed to allow cooking on top of it, so boiling water to make hot drinks and meals there will likely increase my happiness even more
Testing with the "SZ-32CS" - Raising the temperature inside the tent from about 2.5 degrees to about 8.5 degrees..
The SZ-32CS is placed in the center of the 460UV. It is slightly smaller than the SL-51CSA, making it easier to handle inside the tent
I thought it would be quite difficult to heat the inside of the 460UV tent, which measures 460cm x 460cm x 300cm high, using the SZ-32CS, which only has 3.19kW, or about 60%, of the 5.14kW heating output of the SL-51CSA. After testing the SL-51CSA, we tested the SZ-32CS. The test started around 3:00 PM, and since the air warmed in the previous test had been replaced, the temperature inside the tent was about 2.5°C at the start. Please also keep in mind that this was a time when temperatures were dropping as the sun was about to set at 4:04 PM. The test results for the SZ-32CS are shown below
■Temperature change inside the tent with "460UV" and "SL-51CSA"
| Hours (minutes) | Temperature (℃) |
|---|---|
| 0 | Approximately 2.5 |
| 15 | Approximately 6.5 |
| 30 | Approximately 8.5 |
| 45 | Approximately 6.0 |
| 60 | Approximately 5.0 |
| 75 | Approximately 5.0 |
With the SZ-32CS, the temperature inside the tent rose steadily for about 30 minutes after the test started, but after 45 minutes, the temperature began to drop, even though the stove was on. The outside temperature was -1°C when the test started, but actually dropped further to -3°C around 4:04pm, when the sun was setting, creating a beautiful twilight, as can be seen in the photo below. This was probably because the sun's rays were not helping the temperature drop
The temperature inside the tent rose to about 8.5 or 9 degrees. After this, the outside temperature dropped and as the sun set, the temperature inside the tent also dropped
Also, if you're using the SZ-32CS, it seems like the 400UV tent, measuring 400 x 400 x 250cm high, would be better suited to areas that aren't extremely cold, like Hokkaido, and is smaller than the 460UV. If you prioritize heating output, the SL-51CSA would be the better choice
By the way, even though this combination is considered safe, I used a kerosene heater inside the tent, so I installed a carbon monoxide detector, but the air inside the tent was kept safe at a level that didn't even go off the 0.02% warning, the minimum level at which you would get a mild headache in the front of your head within 2-3 hours. This is another example of the effectiveness of having two vents, one on the top and one on the bottom, fully open
This is the view outside during the latter half of the test. The temperature had dropped to minus 3 degrees, which was a disadvantage for the SZ-32CS
Summary: It is very convenient to have a tent that allows you to use a kerosene stove with peace of mind
I was impressed that it was warmer than expected even with the ventilation turned on full blast
You can see that there are two fairly large vents at the top of the 460UV and at the bottom right of the screen. There are also two on the other side, so you need to open a total of four vents
To sum up, the results of the heating test of the 460UV, SL-51CSA, and SZ-32CS exceeded my expectations. Even before actually using the tent, I knew I would have to fully open the two ventilation vents at the top and bottom, so I was actually quite worried about how warm I would be able to stay in Hokkaido, where temperatures are below freezing
In testing the 460UV and SL-51CSA, sunlight was also available, but the temperature inside the tent rose to around 15°C when the outside temperature was around -1°C. If we consider room temperatures, below freezing and 15°C will require completely different winter clothing, as well as sleeping bags and other items. However, since you'll need to put out the fire before going to sleep, you may need to consider rotating people around the fire. Also, while we used the larger 460UV this time, combining it with the smaller 400UV will likely raise the temperature inside the tent even further
The test of the SZ-32CS and 460UV combination was quite harsh, with the temperature in Hokkaido at -3°C in the evening, but the temperature inside the tent still reached about 5°C, a difference of 8°C from the outside temperature. It will be effective enough as long as the outside temperature does not drop below freezing. Furthermore, the SZ-32CS seemed to be more practical when combined with the slightly smaller 400UV
Kerosene stoves are incredibly convenient: they eliminate the hassle of setup and cleanup compared to wood stoves, don't have the short burn time of portable gas stoves, and don't require frequent refueling or replacement, even overnight. What's more, knowing they're manufacturer-approved for use inside tents offers even greater peace of mind. In winter, just having a fire inside a tent can feel warmer than the actual temperature difference suggests. There's nothing quite like spending relaxing time with friends and family, pitching a tent in the snow and enjoying the warmth of the heater. If you're worried about using a stove inside a tent, why not consider purchasing a combination with Captain Stag's 460UV or 400UV tents and the SL-51CSA or SZ-32CS kerosene stoves? Living in Hokkaido, I found the warmer 400UV and SL-51CSA to be the best options
Details and purchase information for the "Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SL-51CSA (Dark Green)" and "Captain Stag x Corona Kerosene Stove SZ-32CS (Dark Green)"
For more product details, please visit the Captain Stag official website
Filming cooperation
Just a short walk from New Chitose Airport! " Forever Camping Paradise "
Chitose Saito
A former editor of a monthly camera magazine, he became immersed in the outdoor lifestyle of campervans and car camping while pursuing Hokkaido's spectacular scenery and wildlife. He is currently a photographer and writer who travels all over Hokkaido with his wife and two-year-old son, capturing and writing about everything he experiences, from cameras and lenses to outdoor activities, camping, child-rearing, PC gadgets, cooking, and even dieting. For OUTDOOR GEARZINE, he plans to write a variety of articles, primarily for the "QOCL (Quality of camping life) Improvement Committee," which aims to improve the quality of life while camping and in a campervan
Can we avoid dangerous heat? We tested Captain Stag's spacious and comfortable "CS Classics One-Pole Tent DX Octagon 460UV" with a spot cooler to see how comfortable our summer camping trip was. [QOCL Improvement Committee #003]