Which tent stake for which ground?
There is no stake that works everywhere. The shape decides where it holds best.
- Nail and hook stakes, like the Vargo Titanium Nail Stake, the TOAKS Hook Peg and the Vesuv titanium hook pegs: thin and strong, for hard and rocky ground. You can knock them in with a stone.
- V- and Y-shaped stakes, like the TOAKS V-shape stake and the Moss Gear aluminium star stake: more surface area, so they hold in soft ground, sand and forest soil.
- Carbon stakes from Zpacks and @Stakes: the lightest option, for normal ground. Push them in by hand or with your foot, they are not made for hammering on rock.
How many stakes do you need?
Count the stake points of your tent including the guy lines, then add one or two spares. For mixed ground a combination works well: a few V-stakes for the corners that take the most load and light nail or carbon stakes for the rest.
Tips for pitching
- Put stakes in at an angle of about 45 degrees, with the top pointing away from the tent.
- In sand or snow, bury a stake horizontally with the guy line tied around the middle.
- A stake sack like the Hilltop Packs Tent Stake Stuff Sack keeps sharp tips away from your tent and dry bags.
Need extra line? Have a look at our guy lines.
Frequently asked questions
Titanium or aluminium tent stakes?
Titanium is stronger and bends less on rocky ground, aluminium is cheaper and in the V-shape just as good in soft ground. Neither of them rusts.
Are carbon tent stakes strong enough?
Yes, for normal ground and when you push them in straight. On stony ground a nail or hook stake is the better choice.