The tent stake is one of the smallest, but most important items in your outdoor gear. Stakes are essential for securing your tent during high winds and driving rain, so make sure you find a set you can trust. Also, some people prefer to replace the stakes that come with their tents with some that are lighter or stronger. There’s a good chance that you’ll have to replace a few bent or lost ones at some point.
It’s not our intention to brag, but we can set tent stakes on fire. There are more types of tent stakes that we’ve used than any group of outdoor nerds can really justify using. We’ll help you find the best tent stakes for your needs, whether you have a tent that doesn’t include stakes or you need to replace a few bent or broken ones.
1. SE Heavy-Duty Metal Tent Pegs Stake Set
With these heavy-duty metal tent pegs from SE, you can rest assured that your tent will stay firmly in place on any surface. Because they have milled points, these tent pegs glide effortlessly through any kind of dirt.
The PVC heads allow them to be quickly retracted and provide a location for guy lines to be attached. Further, they tend to stay on the ground for a longer period of time, allowing them to remain in place regardless of the weather conditions. Additionally, they are corrosion-resistant thanks to their galvanized steel construction.
2. All one Tech 12 Pack Tent Stakes
The All One Tech stake offers excellent weight, length, and design balance for a powerful hold while remaining manageable in the backcountry. Its tri-beam design and notched guyline placement points allow you to place stakes in multiple directions, and the included stuff sack makes storing stakes simple. Even if the stake was halfway in the ground, it proved durable and secure. At such a low price, you can afford to bend a few stakes but still have plenty to hold the fort.
There are more weight and bulk on the All One Tech. All One Tech stakes can be installed by hand and foot in any type of ground, but are easier to install with a hammer. As a result of the higher height, it is more difficult to place a stabilizing heel on the ground when installing the shoe. Rather than pack a hammer into the backcountry, use a flat rock.
A stake that has been set into firm, hard ground can be difficult to remove even with the cord attached, indicating some serious holding power. As a lightweight backpacking and weekend warrior backpack, the All One Tech stands out as an excellent value.
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3. MSR Groundhog Tent Stake Kit
MSR Groundhog backpacks are a staple among backpackers. Each Groundhog weighs just 0.46 ounces, making it a great backpacking companion as well as a strong backpack. The force it held was in excess of 50 pounds. There were only two stakes more powerful than the Groundhog, but both were twice as heavy (or more).
You can drive them into harder ground if necessary with a hammer, rock, or camping hatchet. It has only ever twisted once despite months of hard use. There is a tendency for groundhogs’ narrow necks to bend or break. Groundhogs have seen a lot of use over the years and have never had an issue like this.
The stakes are a solid investment, especially if you’re backpacking and need a balance between weight and strength, or if you want a single set that you can use anywhere.
4. Coleman Nail Tent Pegs
This Coleman 10-in Steel Tent Stake is perfect for car camping. The Coleman stake averaged just under 90 lbs, making it the strongest stake. Before this stake failed, we actually had to stop and get some 110 lb paracord because 3mm cord broke frequently.
Even though we tried to bend and break the Coleman Tent Stake, we were unable to scratch it. The beast would barely feel the weight of a rock or a hammer if you wailed on it all day. However, the plastic top appears to be quite weak in comparison to the rest of the stake. There were a couple of times when it did slide out of place and down the stake, but it never broke
There were multiple reviews mentioning that the plastic top broke, and it is easy to see how a misplaced blow from a hammer could accomplish that. Obviously, these aren’t lightweight – if you need a set of 8, they’ll weigh over a pound! Coleman’s 10-in Steel Tent Stake is awesome, as long as you don’t have to travel more than 20 feet from the car to the tent.
5. Orange Screw: The Ultimate Ground Large 2 Pack Tent Stakes
A tent does not come with stakes such as the Orange Screw Anchors as a standard feature. Screw-in anchors take a long time to set into compact soil due to their screwed-in nature. Sand or loose soil are the best conditions for using them.
There is no way for hammers or feet to penetrate these because they cannot penetrate the ground. Rather than using the screw itself, use the tube surrounding it. As you screw it into the ground, place it in the top ring, then slide it off.
Even though they are plastic stakes, they are relatively durable as long as you do not place them on hard, rocky ground. Despite their suitability for soils beyond loose sediment, installation of these systems may take more time. Camping with leashed dogs is also possible with these bags. Using a leash collar may not be suitable if your dog runs away or pulls excessively.
6. Vargo Titanium Shepherds Camping Tent Stakes
Vargo Ti Shepherds Hooks are titanium stakes designed with ultralight backpackers in mind. As a result of this natural flex, the stake bends when pulled and almost completely returns to its original shape when released. Despite its narrow profile, the hook design is easily removable even on rocky ground and easily settles in. Backpackers will appreciate how well this model balances their needs.
Getting the stake into hard ground can be a little squirrely when installing by hand and foot. Stakes this lightweight should not be stomped too hard in order to get them properly placed. While testers liked the small sizes, they wished they had a stuff sack to keep them together.
The ultralight backpacker will, however, leave a stuff sack at home anyway to save weight. As well, the tri-beam models proved to be more stable than the smooth cylindrical shaft. The winds would have to be impressive to pull them out, even if they are well placed.
7. TOAKS Titanium Tent Stakes
It’s no surprise that we choose the Toaks Titanium V-Shaped Peg as our best overall tent stake. One of our favorite things about the V-shaped design is that it provides additional holding power. Despite its shorter length of 6.5 inches, it held exceptionally well in most soil conditions.
The stakes weigh just 0.4 ounces each, making them some of the lightest tent stakes. The price difference between them and similar options is about a dollar. A good amount of punishment can be taken by the titanium, and we found it to be durable. However, the V shape isn’t indestructible, so don’t expect them to last forever.
8. Coghlan’s ABS Plastic Tent Pegs
These lightweight tent stakes from Coghlan’s Tent Pegs weight just 0.3oz. This plastic sign is highly visible due to its bright yellow color, and can withstand all types of ground due to its plastic construction. Using a hammer, Coghlan’s Tent Peg can be installed on firm ground, but they are not as secure as other tent stakes.
Using hands and feet makes the installation impossible, and even hammers are difficult to use. Furthermore, the pegs are too narrow and too wide, so they are unsuitable for use on softer grounds. For a fraction of the price, titanium tent stakes are as light as or lighter than most titanium tent stakes, but they don’t provide as much strength and durability.
Despite being made of plastic, this ground cover has a bright yellow color that makes it extremely noticeable. Due to the hard ground, installation with hands and feet is not possible, and hammering is also tricky. These tent stakes are lightweight and cost a fraction of the cost of titanium tent stakes, but they aren’t as durable.
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9. Sea to Summit Ground Camping Tent
Designed by Australian brand Sea to Summit, Ground Control is a well-designed, lightweight, and sturdy all-arounder. They weigh 14 grams and are made from anodized 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. Because of their clever design, they are durable and stable.
Due to its three-sided design, Y-shaped construction gives it good penetration and strong holding power. Three attachment points are included, which are not the deepest but stay in place well and provide good flexibility.
The use of multi-height guy point notches can minimize peg leverage on hard ground where peg penetration might be limited. A luminescent pull cord and storage bag complete the set, and each peg comes with a luminescent pull cord. Alternatively, the Ground Control Light peg can be found if you prefer something lighter. Featuring a premium aluminum alloy 7075-T6, Sea to Summit describes this tent peg as ultralight and super strong.
10. Vargo Titanium Nail Camping Tent Stakes
Stake out your tent with Vargo Titanium Nail Pegs while camping to ensure it is properly staked out. Camping on rocky or thorny ground is something you should not miss out on if you like camping. The slender design of these machines makes them easy to drive into compact soil.
Due to their smaller diameter, they will also be difficult to drive in with your hand or foot, since they are smaller than most tent stakes. The best method for setting up a tent on hard ground is to use the hammer, but if you don’t have one, you can use a rock.
Alternatively, just the pull cord can be driven into the ground and then left exposed, but if some of the peg remains exposed, you’ll be able to remove them much more quickly. Pulling the rope from the ground may be difficult with only the provided pull cord. It may be possible to remove the peg easier if you wiggle the surrounding soil. Solid yet slender Vargo Titanium Nail Pegs can be driven into rugged, compact soil.
11. Sea to Summit Ground Control Ultralight Tent Pegs
Sea to Summit Ground Control tent pegs are similar to MSR groundhog tent pegs, except for one key difference. In order to minimize leverage on the stake, they have guy points of multiple heights. You can do this when it’s not possible to press it down fully into the ground. With this design, along with the long Y stake, they are extremely versatile and will perform well in most types of conditions.
It was nice that the pull loops had a rubberized coating so they were easier to remove. Overall, these stakes perform well in most situations, though we would probably go with the slightly cheaper and higher-performing Toaks Titanium V-Shaped Peg instead.
Buying Guide: Best Tent Stakes
After reading the buying considerations below, check out top picks for the best tent stakes. In addition to some of the most common tent stake designs, taking the time to consider these things before purchasing can make it easier to find long-lasting and functional tent stakes.
Types of Tent Stakes
A basic understanding of tent stake types will help you narrow down your choices. The following are some of the most common types of stakes you may see when shopping:
- Nail Pegs: It is easy to remove these nails because they have a pull cord. Hammered directly into the ground, they are usually drilled directly into the ground.
- Shephard’s Hook: Stock tent stakes are commonly used when buying a camping tent. Designed from a straight metal material with a curved hook at the top, they look like a belt buckle. They may not all perform the same, but provided they are made of solid materials and are of a suitable diameter, they are a good choice.
- J-Stakes: The shape of a j-stake, also known as v-stakes, is similar to that of a y-stake, but instead of a three-edged shape, two edges form the shape of a “v.” This type of stake will not twist or turn when on the ground like a y-stake. However, it is not as strong as a y-stake.
- Snow/Sand Stakes: These stakes are usually flat but often have a slight curve to allow them to sink into loose soil, sand, and snow. Stakes with numerous holes will help the anchor stay on loose ground. In some circumstances, you can use them as an average stake, but you can also bury them horizontally so they create an anchor in the snow.
- Y-Stakes: A y-stake is a triangular stake with three edges on the outside instead of one. The stake gets its name because it resembles the letter “Y” when seen from the top. These stakes have excellent holding power and are commonly made of aluminum.
Besides these, tent stakes can also be found in other varieties. Look for spiral stakes when searching for sand or snow stakes. Some desert tents can be held in place by burying a fabric anchor in snow or sand.
Material
The strongest and lightest stakes are made from titanium. Their strength and weight advantages are at the cost of higher prices. Aluminum tent stakes provide the best cost-weight-durability balance. Tent manufacturers generally prefer them.
Tent stakes made from carbon are very niche and pricey. Not only are they strong, but they are ultralight. The latest tent pegs are generally only available to those requiring the lightest. You can avoid using steel tent stakes in favor of the other materials listed.
Weight
Most tent stakes are lightweight, but if you already have ultralight hiking gear and want to save a few grams here and there, they are still a good choice. If you can only afford to replace them when they break rather than buying new ones and throwing the old ones away, you should do so.
FAQs
What is the purpose of tent stakes?
Based on the ground and manufacturer’s instructions, what type of stake you use will depend on how you will secure the tent. Keeping stakes in place requires that they be driven at an angle. Make sure there are some exposed stakes. Put the tent stake into the ground with your hands or feet if the ground is soft. Stake hammers are not always available, so you might need a rock.
Is there a tent stake that works best for hard ground?
Tent stakes made of titanium are the most robust to-weight ratio available. However, they cost considerably more than other metals. For severe campers or simply for those trying to lighten their gear, Titanium is a good choice. Despite being lightweight and strong, aluminum alloy tent stakes cost less than titanium tent stakes, making them well-suited to lightweight backpacking.
Choose forged or solid steel tent stakes when you need the strongest tent stake available, and don’t mind the weight. Camping hammers work better than feet in hard ground, so it’s always advisable to use them.
How can I stake a tent in the snow?
An anchor made from snow can be used to attach tent cords or guylines. In addition to purchasing snow stakes, you can pile snow yourself to create one. There is no need for a stake in this case, but they are quite effective nonetheless.
