Keeping a tent stable during windy and stormy weather is challenging without having the best tent stakes that work on most ground types with ease and are also lightweight enough to carry in your bag. However, the challenging part is finding the right tent stakes according to the ground types like soft or hard ground, sandy beach, rocky ground types, etc., as one type of tent pegs doesn’t fit on all ground types and how you carry them.
What is a tent stake?
A tent stake, also called a tent peg, is usually made from composite material, plastic, aluminium, and heavy-duty steel with a hole or hook at the top and a sharp bottom end to push to the ground. You can directly attach them to the tent material using the tent-designated hole for the pole, or you can attach them to the tent using the ropes, depending on the situation where you are camping.
To simplify the process, we have shortlisted the best tent pegs based on our comprehensive research and field testing, including all ground types like hard, soft, sandy, snowy and rocky soil. From the ultralight option for backpacking to more heavy-duty and durable stakes for car camping or campsites, this article will cover each stake in depth with a comprehensive field testing and buying guide.
Best For Backpacking
1. MSR Mini Groundhog Stakes
The MSR Mini Groundhog Stakes is an excellent option from MSR for those looking for lightweight tent pegs for backpacking. The three-sided Y-beam effortlessly penetrates most soil types with just a simple push either by hand, your boots or small rocks from the campsite. Similarly, the pull loop at the top of the stakes makes removing them from the ground easy without putting too much effort.
The stakes are specially designed for backpacking using aircraft-grade 7075 aluminium, which is lightweight, just 0.46 ounces each, and durable if used with some precautions. This shape with a hole on top also makes it easier to pack in your backpack, compared to the hook style.
The ease of penetration and holding the ground in different directions despite their small size make them the best, even if we compare them with the much lengthy and stronger models available in the market. The credit goes to their top-notch design by MSR, which has been there for years and is practical enough for most camping trips.
However, you should also keep a few drawbacks in mind before making a purchase. The material is not very heavy, so you need to be very careful while using them as they might bend if you hit them with rocks or use other hard materials to push them inside. Secondly, they are a bit hard to remove from the hard soil, but this is true in general for most of the tent stakes we use.
Having said that, these are the best in the market that you get for your ultralight backpacking trips. They are reasonably priced and have excellent overall durability, considering their weight.
Best For Camping
2. Eurmax Galvanized Stakes
If you are looking for heavy-duty tent stakes for extra durability and stability for even large tents, look for Eurmax Galvanized. They are made of heavy-duty galvanized steel, which makes them incredibly sturdy and can hold well even if you put them under a lot of pressure. Unlike many other quality pegs, these won’t bend or break even if you use them in the toughest soil, like rocky and rugged.
In addition, they are very easy to insert into hard and soft soil due to their sharpened points and stay stable during the strongest winds and thunderstorms. Also, they come with tough PVC stoppers to keep the stakes in place and prevent them from being pulled out by accident.
These 10pc-pack galvanized pegs are also resistant to rust and corrosion even if you use them in moister for an extended period. Unlike the MSR Mini groundhog, the size of Eurmax Galvanized is long, and they insert pretty deep to provide the tent stability even in highly windy conditions.
If we look at their drawbacks, one obvious drawback is their heavy weight, which is not suitable for backpacking. However, backpacking is not their intended use as they are mainly targeted toward front country camping or campsites where you don’t move and it is easy to transport them. Overall, they are excellent value for the money, which makes them one of the most durable pegs, even suitable for heavy tents for camping.
Best All Around Option
3. Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook
If you are looking for all-around tent stakes that offer excellent stability for almost all ground types while still being ultralight, Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook is a great option. Each stake weighs just .3 ounces and packs pretty compact in the backpack to save space.
The design is simple, classic Shepherds Hook, and durable due to quality titanium material. They are flexible enough to be suitable for many different soil types and penetrate easily on the hard ground, too, with a small force. The hook design makes them easy to pull even from the hard ground as compared to the straight design with the hole. They are suitable for the rocky soil due to the design of the tips, which easily adjust into the rocks without bending.
Unfortunately, these great stakes don’t come with the stuff sack, so you have to use an alternative to pack them safely in the bag. Also, you cannot play freely with them like Eurmax Galvanized, as they will bend if you put too much force or pressure in the wrong direction. Installation is a bit tricky, especially if you use your foot as it moves under it due to a slippery hook, especially if the soil is hard.
The orange coating does not seem to hold well if you use rock or hard things to install them, as the coating could be of better quality. All in all, Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook is an ultralight stake that is designed to meet the needs of lightweight backpackers while considering the budget-friendly option.
4. All one tech 12 Pack
All One Tech 12-pack pegs are another lightweight option for backpackers with a three-sided design that packs compacts in a backpack while occupying minimum space. The unique “Y” design provides a wide range of soils with minimal effort.
The pegs are seven inches long and have a comfortable grip that makes them easy to hold onto while driving into the ground or pulling up. All one tech 12 Pack comes with 12pcs ground stakes, a pull cord and a carrying bag. They grip well and are inexpensive, so they are better suited if you want to keep your gear budget less while still getting great value.
However, they are a bit weaker for rocky and gravel grounds. The cord pulls are convenient but can be challenging to use in rocky or gravel terrain. The aluminum construction makes them light and strong. They come with various features that are perfect for winter and summer camping. For example, the stakes are visible at night, so you don’t have to worry about tripping over them in the dark.
Even though they are lightweight, they are still heavier for ultralight backpackers as they will prefer MSR Mini Groundhog over these stakes. The better way to insert them into the soil is by using a hammer or a rock to put pressure on them. Pulling out might take a bit of effort in case of hard soil. Overall, these stakes provide excellent value for backpackers in terms of lightweight and budget-friendly options.
Best For Rocky And Hard Surface
5. Beefoor 12-Inch Tent Stakes
It’s tough to pitch a tent in rocky or hard-packed soil as the stakes either bend or break due to low quality, and the tent ends up being unstable and unsafe. Beefoor 12-inch stakes are designed to solve this problem; they are unbreakable and inflexible and made of heavy-duty steel. As a result, they can handle even the hardest soils, including rocky and rugged terrains.
Additionally, they have large heads and very sharp tails, making them easy to insert into any surface. As a result, they provide a firm anchor for your tent, keeping you safe and comfortable all night long.
The stakes are made of durable steel with a sharp point that penetrates easily into the ground. Additionally, the hook saves the tent from getting too deep into the soil; this can happen especially on muddy and soft surfaces. You can easily pull them using the tent hammer as they can be a bit tough using your hands due to their low design head. Make sure to apply some lubricant after use; they will be with you for years.
Beefoor 12-Inch Tent Stakes are the perfect choice for camping on various surfaces, from deserts to mountains to sand and gravel. They’re very well-designed and easy to use, so you can stake your tent down quickly and securely.
The tough aluminum construction can withstand high winds and heavy rains. With their stronghold and impressive durability, Beefoor 12-inch Tent Stakes are excellent heavy-duty tent pegs made from durable steel.
Best Heavy Duty Stakes
6. Sahara Sailor Tent Stakes
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tent stake that can handle any terrain, the Sahara Sailor Tent Stake is a great option. Made of iron, these stakes are unbreakable and can withstand even the hardest soil. Each stake weighs just 0.35 ounces, so it won’t add too much weight to your backpack. But keep in mind that they are not suitable for the ultralight backpackers.
Additionally, this comes with a storage bag and a mallet hammer. So, you get everything which you need to set up your tent. If you even hammer them with the stone on hard soil, they won’t deform.
The Sahara Sailor Tent Stakes are an excellent choice for high-quality, durable tent stakes. Made from heavy-duty materials, they are designed to withstand the rigours of camping on hard, rocky, or gravel surfaces. They are suitable for regular campers as they are well-made and built to last. Additionally, they feature a rust-resistant finish that helps to keep them looking new year after year.
In addition to this, the hammer which comes with it is of very high quality. It does not break while hitting the stakes on rocky soils. Also, the length of these stakes is good, and they go much deeper in the ground. Therefore, they can easily stand for the high winds. Moreover, since they are a bit longer, they can be suitable even for soft and muddy soils.
How To Choose Tent Stakes: Buying Guide
Weight and Packability
Weight and packability are important performance criteria when choosing a tent peg, especially if you want to take on your backpacking trip. The lighter and compact stakes are easy to pack and carry while saving space during backpacking.
On the other hand, weight and packability do not matter much for typical campers, who camp especially in the front country or not far from the car parking. They can even opt for more heavy-duty models for more extended durability and more stability that they can provide even during stormy weather.
We also included heavy-duty tent pegs such as Sahara Sailor and Eurmax Galvanized Stakes, which are suitable for car or front country camping. Generally, there are two types of tent pegs: heavy-duty and lightweight. Heavy-duty pegs are typically made of steel or other durable materials and are ideal for car camping to pitch your tent on harder surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
On the other hand, lightweight pegs are usually made of aluminum or lighter materials and are better suited for backpacking or carrying your tent over long distances.
For most people, a mix of both heavy-duty and lightweight pegs is ideal. That way, you’ll have the durability and stability of heavy-duty pegs for car camping trips and the lightweight and easy portability of lightweight pegs.
MSR Mini Groundhog and Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook are better suited for the ultralight backpacker. Shape and size also determine how compact it will pack in the backpack; for example, MSR Mini Groundhog packs are very small. Most pegs come with the included stuff sacks, and you can store the stacks without damaging your gears.
Ease of Use
After a long and tiring hike, you want your tent to be set up quickly and easily. So, consider the stakes that are lightweight and easy to use. For example, consider how easy it is to install the pegs into the ground and how easy it is to remove them from the group.
Some stakes come with a pull cord or hook design like Vargo Ti Shepherds Hook, which makes them easy to remove even from hard surfaces, while others, such as MSR Mini Groundhog, can be difficult to remove.
Another thing to remember is how to insert the stakes in the ground. The best option is to have stakes that you can insert, even using your hands or feet, without carrying a spare hammer. For heavy-duty stakes like Eurmax Galvanized, you should take a hammer to install them easily on hard ground.
Type Of Ground
Another factor we considered while shortlisting the tent stakes was the type of ground. We selected pegs that can be used on hard ground, sands, ice, soft ground, beaches, and some all-around stakes. The materials used to make the pegs also vary according to the type of ground. Metals are mainly used for hard grounds, while plastics are used for sands and beaches. Beach stakes are often made from soft materials.
Ice stakes are typically longer and sharper than other tent stakes, making them ideal for penetrating frozen ground. All-around stakes are durable and have a good length for use on all grounds. But we mostly use them on soft grounds.
Durability
Durability is another critical factor while looking at the material carefully to shortlist the top tent pegs. The most apparent yet crucial factor in determining durability is the material used. For instance, metals are sturdier than plastics. Also, some materials can withstand different weather conditions better than others. For example, the aluminum alloy does not rust and is ideal for use near the sea or in humid areas.
In contrast, stainless steel is not as strong as aluminum alloy but is still durable and corrosion-resistant. We also considered the thickness of the stakes material. As you know, thick material is more durable than thinner material. However, they may also be heavier and more difficult to transport.
Summary
The best tent stakes help to provide the much-needed stability and support to the tent while providing quality services for years of outdoor use. You should buy tent stakes based on the type of activity, like backpacking or camping, and how you will carry them on the campsite. We reviewed all kinds of top tent peg options, from ultralight for backpackers to heavy-duty options for the campsites, so that you can choose as per your needs.
Related: