Best Tent Stakes For Camping
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BEST FOR BEACH Orange Screw: The Ultimate Ground Anchor
BEST FOR BUDGET All one tech Pack of 12
BEST FOR RELIABILITY MSR Groundhog Tent Stake Kit
BEST FOR ALL ROUND Eurmax 10” Galvanized Non-Rust
Are you looking for better quality tent stakes to replace the stakes that you broke? A set of reliable tent stakes is definitely an essential that you must have in your camping gear.
If you are going to camp at the beach, Orange Screw, The Ultimate Ground Anchor is going to be the answer for you. It is a screw type of stake which will hold very well in sand.
If you are a beginner camper, you may like something affordable and yet be able to perform well without the frills. You will find All one tech Pack of 12 is one of the best tent stakes in the beginners category. These tent stakes provide great grip strength needed to tie your tents down, especially in bad weather.
If you are looking for heavy duty tent stakes and budget is not an issue, then you cannot go wrong with MSR Groundhog Tent Stake Kit. These tent anchors are constructed with high quality steel. It is found to be very reliable and is quite a popular choice among the camping community.
Eurmax 10” Galvanized Non-Rust seems to be a great deal, if you are looking for a set of tent pegs which are durable and affordable. At the same time, it comes with add ons of nylon ropes and an extra stake head if you lose one.
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Why Trust Us
We are Jules and Ken. We are outdoor lovers, travellers and writers all rolled into one. You have seen our posts here reviewing lots of different types of outdoor gear, camping equipment, kayaking to cycling. Our reviews are guided by our years of experience being outdoors. We are happy to share our knowledge with you so that you can make a better choice for the best tent stakes for camping anywhere.
We can confidently say that you are definitely at the right place. We have reviewed various types of tent spikes from Y shape hooks, V shape hooks to screw stakes, so you can save the trouble of reviewing it yourself. In this guide, we have listed down 5 picks for Best Tent Stakes.
5 Best Tent Stakes
These are phenomenal stakes. It comes 6 in a pack. And when driving the stake into the ground, you will find these stakes do not get bent or break like the standard stakes which come with your tent. They grab and hold your shelter very well even in high winds. Just run the tarp line through the stake loop to tension the line and knot it.
MSR Groundhog stakes are constructed with 7000 series aluminium, You will find it compact and much lighter than your regular metal stakes. Each stake weighs 0.45 ounces and measures 7.5 inches long. Its Y design shape provides greater strength, allowing it to stay on the ground more securely. You will feel like your tent was made out of concrete, your stakes will not get ripped off in vicious weather.
When breaking down your camp, just grab the reflective cord out and they will slide out. Whatmore, the bright color also makes it easy to find on the ground. Remember not to hammer them in, use your boot or mallet to press them in. These stakes are well recommended among many bushcrafters, campers. You will definitely want this for your next camping trip.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Y-beam pegs
- Great holding power
- Made of aluminium
- Reflective pull loop
Cons
- Less affordable
PROS
CONS
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Y-beam pegs
- Great holding power
- Made of aluminium
- Reflective pull loop
- Less affordable
These are thick galvanized steel providing durability you need for against the unforgiving outdoor conditions. They are not considered super heavy duty stakes. But they do the job, yet not break the bank. They are 10 inches long, long enough to stick through the ground easily.It works well especially in tough, rocky ground. However, due to the design of this stake, it will not work well in sand.
These stakes come in a pack of 4. It includes a fairly durable polypropylene top for you to use your mallet on. You will notice the top has a hook to allow your guylines to run to tie down your tents.
You will need to use a mallet to drill the stakes in. Because they are made of steel, they are strong and heavy. But always remember, regardless how strong your stakes are, never pound your stakes. You have to take good care of it, the way you do with your tent. With reliable tent stakes like these, your tent will not move a muscle even when storms are blowing in, keeping you warm and dry inside.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made of durable steel
- Hook at the top for guylines
- Long at 10 inches
- Great for tough rocky ground
Cons
- No reflective pull loop
- Heavy
- Not for the beach
PROS
CONS
- Affordable
- Made of durable steel
- Hook at the top for guylines
- Long at 10 inches
- Great for tough rocky ground
- No reflective pull loop
- Heavy
- Not for the beach
These stakes are made of galvanized steel, which will not corrode against water and sun.
Because they are made of steel, you will find the stakes will hold up incredibly in the ground. These are great replacement stakes for those flimsy ones that come with standard tents. They are 10 inches long, the perfect length to go in deep without getting stuck.
You will notice this stake is built with a large head for mallet driving. It makes it easy to hammer down and pull it out from the ground. This removes the worry that the stake might snap. Angling them in the right way makes it easy to insert into the soil. The tips are sharp. You will find it easier to drive into the ground since they do not bend easily.
As it is made of steel, it can be rather heavy. Thus, you may want to use it only for car camping. It comes with four 10 feet strong nylon rope, which will come in handy as a backup tie down. There is also an extra stake head, in case you break one. It comes in as a pack of 10 stakes, which is sufficient for pitching a small up to a medium sized 8 person tent.
Similar to the Colman 10-inche Steel, Eurmax is slightly heavier. But with all the add ons provided, it seemed to be a better deal. These stakes will hold everything in place, giving you the assurance that your camping needs are covered.
Pros
- Extra stake head
- Four 10 feet nylon ropes for tie downs
- 10 inches long
- Made of steel, will not rust
Cons
- Heavy
PROS
CONS
- Extra stake head
- Four 10 feet nylon ropes for tie downs
- 10 inches long
- Made of steel, will not rust
- Heavy
These are great options if you plan to camp at the beach. It is a screw type of stake which will hold very well in sand. The installation is so simple, just twist it in. There is no need for a mallet. There is a built-in handle to further tighten them to the ground. It is very easy to remove them as well.
There are 2 color options. It is easier to spot the bright orange stake, preventing any tripping over. It is super lightweight at 1.8oz, which is great if you plan to carry it for backpacking. They are 9.5 inches in length, which is considered longer than the average stakes. They are fully manufactured in the USA with 100% recycled materials. And whatmore, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is not available with most other stakes.
Especially on the beach, where strong winds are common, you would want to have stakes that can perform. A sudden gust of wind would have ripped out your tent from the sand or you may lose your canopy completely. You will be impressed that a small tool like this can have such a great grip strength. Rest assured, even in windy areas, your tent will remain nice and taut.
However, these stakes will not work so efficiently on regular ground, as it may break easily.
Pros
- Great for the beach
- Great grip strength
- Lightweight
- Bright color, easy to spot
- Lifetime guarantee
- Does not require a mallet
Cons
- Less efficient on regular ground
PROS
CONS
- Great for the beach
- Great grip strength
- Lightweight
- Bright color, easy to spot
- Lifetime guarantee
- Does not require a mallet
- Less efficient on regular ground
These are ultralight aluminium stakes, which are well constructed using 7075 aluminium. Because they are so light at 0.45 ounce per stake, they are great choices for backpacking. It is designed in a Y shape that creates high strength, making it as strong as steel.
These ultralight tent stakes comes in a pack of 12, which is very sufficient to put up a small to medium tent. There is a little bag provided for you to store the stakes. Lengthwise it is 7 inches long, which is shorter than the other stakes we have reviewed. Because they are shorter, it is less suitable for large tents, as they need greater holding power.
Nevertheless, it is able to perform well and fulfill the basic functions of providing great grip strength. It comes in at an affordable price, which is a great choice for a beginner camper. Besides, it comes in multiple colors for you to choose from.
There is a paracord loop at the top, which is reflective for great visibility. This helps prevent tripping over the stakes at night. At the same time, the cords are useful, when you want to remove the stubborn pegs.
Pros
- Reflective Paracord loop
- Lightweight
- Y shape
- Multiple colors
- Comes with a storage bag
Cons
- Shorter in length
- Aluminium, less strong than Steel
PROS
CONS
- Reflective Paracord loop
- Lightweight
- Y shape
- Multiple colors
- Comes with a storage bag
- Shorter in length
- Aluminium, less strong than Steel
Do You Really Need Tent Stakes?
Tent stakes are required for non-freestanding tents or if you plan to set up a tarp. Carrying extra stakes with you are necessary in case your existing stakes break during your trip. Stakes help keep your tent secure even in hazardous conditions.
Imagine if your tent was blown 100 yards away, in a sudden wind storm. Your tent may be damaged, or lost, creating additional costs for you to buy another replacement tent. In the long run, it is more cost saving to invest in good quality and reliable stakes.
Types of Tent Stakes
Screw Shape Stakes
These stakes are great for loose soil, snow or sand. There are also stakes designed to screw into the ice. The twist of the screw creates more holding power. So you just need to screw the stakes into the ground instead of hammering it in. You will find it easier to pull out too, making it a great choice for places like the beach.
V Shape Stakes
V stakes are slightly weaker than Y stakes, but they have the advantage of being much lighter. They have a larger surface area and are sturdy in packed soil or soft soil.
They do bend in hard use conditions and can break as well. In high wind conditions, it may come out as well. However, they are often constructed with perforations to increase the holding power.
Y Shape Stakes
They are strong and generally can handle being pounded into the hard soil with a rock. It has extra holding power and stays anchored in high winds. It has 3 sides and it is extremely rigid. Once it is in the ground, it stays in the ground.
Shepherd’s Hook
Shaped like a shepherd’s hook, they are also known as J hooks. It is one of the most commonly used stakes. They hook to the tent’s guy line and the stick is driven into the ground. They work well on firm soil, but they do not hold so well in soft or sandy ground. They are usually really light and more affordable.
You might find the peg is less reliable, if the tent structure is challenged by the weather. For example, it may not be effective for hammock camping. If you lay out a tarp, it creates a lot of tension on the stakes. If you experience high winds, it will usually come out.
Perforated Stakes
They have great holding power in soft ground, being in the snow or sand. You will notice these stakes have holes that can fill with snow, allowing the stakes to freeze on the spot once staked down.
You can utilize its full potential by setting up a “dead man”. Pass the line through two holes and tie up a bowline hitch. Bury it in the sand and leave a stick on the line.
Pegs
Pegs look very similar to nails and are usually driven into the ground using a mallet. They are great for hard ground. One of the drawbacks is it offers less friction.
Types Material
Aluminium
It is heavier than titanium, it is extremely rigid. You usually will find this comes together with a standard tent. It is best used for hard soil or fine soil. However, it is known to break in frozen or hard soil.
Titanium
Titanium is nearly unbreakable, it just bends when it hits hard surfaces. Between Titanium, Aluminium and Steel, Titanium tent stakes are considered the premium option. They are very durable and work well with hard or frozen soil.
Steel
Most stakes are made of steel and best used for medium to hard soil. In terms of durability, they are between aluminium and titanium. You will find them much heavier than aluminium. It is best used for medium to hard soil. They are strong and heavy, so they can withstand pounding into the ground.
Plastic
A plastic peg is not going to take the same amount of abuse as a metal peg. But they are much lighter. They are often thicker and have a larger surface with holes at the side for better grip. One flaw is the tips tend to get blunt over time due to high usage, making it less easier to nail it to the ground. It is useful for moderate to soft soil. They can break in frozen or hard soil.
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Buying Guide
Surface Area
Stakes for camping with a larger surface tend to provide better grip. You will find that screw shape stakes have larger surface areas which are great for the beach or snow, as they provide better traction.
Length
The longer the tent hooks are, the more surface area it has. And longer camping stakes can be staked deeper in the ground, providing a higher holding power.
Weight
Lightweight tent stakes are great if you are planning for backpack camping. Heavy duty stakes which may be much heavier are better for long term usage as they are more lasting.
Add On Features
Some stake tents have a glow wire at the end of the stick. It helps you pull the stake out of the ground. The glow helps you locate the stake so you will not step on it. It is also easier to find when it is buried deep in the ground.
Summary
You will not go wrong with any of these top rated tent stakes, as they are one of the best tent stakes compared to other options you see on the market. You will definitely appreciate the durability and holding power to keep your belongings firmly grounded. Work out your personal needs that you must have in a tent stakes, and you will know which calls out for you most.
We find MSR Groundhog Tent Stake Kit stands out as an excellent choice for tent spikes. These tent anchors are found to be very reliable and make great spares. It is not surprising that it is one of the best sellers among the camping community.
What’s next
If you are a first time camper and just want to try out a basic tent, then check out our picks for 4 person tent. Alternatively, if you have a large group of campers to house, you can check out our reviews on the12 person tent.
I hope you enjoyed this review. If you have questions about any of the 5 best tent stakes, or want to leave your own personal review, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
