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Tent stakes are rarely the first thing you think about as far as camping gear is concerned. Despite being just a footnote in your camping gear checklist, tent stakes make all the difference when it comes to securing your tent to the ground independent of its type. Top-rated tent stakes are a pinch hitter and when you use them in the right way, they’ll keep you safe in all types of weather. With that being said, we have prepared a buying guide to answer all your questions before you purchase your next tent stake.

How To Choose Tent Stakes – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_Tent_Stakes

When you are deciding which are the best tent stakes to buy, it is important to consider a few key features. You will have to decide which stake design best suits your needs, how stakes are used, and where they can be used. There are elements to each design that can enhance your safety and security while delivering easy use.

Type

The type of stake that you need depends on the activity in which you are planning to use it. It is best that you match the design of the stake to the type of terrain where you will be using it to ensure that the stake will work for your specific situation.

Some stake designs are better for anchoring into hard ground. These stakes feature a sharp point, strong top, and are made of galvanized steel. With a hammer, you should be able to drive these stakes into about any surface.

If you are looking to use stakes in a softer surface, such as sand or snow, then there are specially designed stakes that will suit your needs. Some of these have a concave shape, which gives a better grip and features holes in the middle. The holes allow sand and snow to fall through, further anchoring the stake in place.

For backpacking, you would want a stake that is ultra-lightweight. Weight is important when you have to carry it on your back and a material that is lightweight will be the perfect option for you.

Durability

One of the most important features of a tent stake is its durability. Unreliable stakes could leave you in a dangerous situation. Stakes need to be strong and durable in order to have the ability to withstand harsh conditions. The most durable stake would be one made of metal as they are less likely to break or deteriorate.  A plastic stake may be just fine to anchor what you need, but if you want a more durable option, then metal is the way to go.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, it is important to find a stake that has a sharp and pointed end. The point will make driving your stake into terrain easier while a stake with a wider head allows you to use a mallet with ease, without risking breaking or bending your stake.

Value

The value of a set of stakes goes beyond what you paid for them. To get the best value out of stakes, you should select designs that offer high durability and are made from high-quality materials. You can save yourself time in the long run by investing in a good set of stakes that will last you years of use.  

Design

The vast majority of stake designs will be the same. What does differ between designs is the top of the stake. There are a wide variety of stakes that have a unique design on the top end. Some models are more minimal and feature a single hook, while others come with a plastic piece that has a hook or eyelet to thread rope through. The ability to tie off a rope in a variety of ways adds extra security. Some designs feature elements that cater to making the stake highly-visible, ensuring that it wouldn’t ever get left behind. For any adventurer, it is a personal choice as to which design is wanted.

Material

There are different materials that can be used in tent stake design. Top-rated stakes are always lightweight, durable, and highly visible. Here are some of the materials used in the design of stakes: 

Metal Alloy: This material is most commonly used in stakes that are provided with the tent as it is one of the cheapest materials available.  These stakes can be easily upgraded with a stronger material.

Steel: This material is heavier, but usually very strong. To extend durability and reliability, it is best to get galvanized steel, which can help the stakes be anti-corrosive and anti-rust.

Aluminum: For a strong but inexpensive stake, the best option is aluminum. Aluminum is widely available and delivers on lightweight strength.

Titanium: Titanium tent stakes have the strength of steel, but in weight, it is equivalent to aluminum. Titanium products normally are a bit pricier, but they would deliver on durability and give you years of reliable use.

Plastic: The upsides to plastic is that it is lightweight and can easily be colored to give a high visibility design. The downside is that plastic is less durable and more prone to breaking.

Carbon: Carbon is a great choice if you want to invest in a stake for backpacking. Most carbon stakes are encased in aluminum, which increases their strength and makes them lightweight.

Visibility

Top-rated stakes are designed to be less prone to damage. The high visibility feature is a visual reminder to take them with you at the end of your trip.

Size and Length

The size and length of a stake can give you the ability to drive the stake further into the ground and give you a larger anchor point.  Larger stakes take up more space. It is up to you and your needs to decide what size stake you need.

Type of Ground

The type of ground will also be an important consideration for which tent stake design you will use. There are different features of a stake that cater to different terrains. Some designs are stronger and are better for using in the hard-packed ground. Others have a design that will allow a strong grip in loose terrains, such as snow stakes. It is recommended to match your stake design to the type of ground it will be used in. This will ensure that their design is matched to suit perfectly to your needs on any adventure.

Intended Use

It’s always important to consider what you need to use your stakes for  Some stakes can be used for tents, canopies, or landscaping materials. Others are best suited for specific elements, such as sand or snow stakes. Remember that not all stakes with their intended uses will suit your needs.

FAQs

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Q: How do you get tent stakes into the hard ground?

A: 

The process of getting your stake into hard ground involves four simple steps:

  • Pretreating the soil
  • Using the right tools
  • Creating a starter hole
  • Being willing to compromise

The process requires patience, and if done with caution, the tent will remain steadfast. Another common way of getting your stakes into the hard ground is to pound it in at an angle perpendicular to the ground. A good tip to keep in mind while pounding your stake in the ground is to listen for a change in sound.  If you hear a sharp noise, it means you’ve hit a solid rock and it’s time to reposition the stake.

Q: How many tent stakes do I need?

A: 

Usually you would only need 1 stake per tent corner. Thus, an average of 4 stakes would get the job done. If the weather is good, then setting up a tent without the stakes would not be a problem. It is always recommended to bring twice the number of stakes than necessary. The reason why you should usually bring along twice the number of stakes is that with the help of guy lines, you can tie down two tent stakes per spot. Bringing extra stakes helps, especially if you are not familiar with the spot you’ll be camping at and aren’t aware of the type of soil.

Q: What can I use instead of tent stakes?

A: 

Instead of tent pegs, you could use a number of everyday household materials. If you’re at home, you could use wood from a broomstick, or any kind of bamboo lying around. Multiple other utensils in the common household make for a good stake, for example, a wooden spoon, a spatula, old silverware, even a thick enough pencil will get the job done. A knife would be essential when carving these items to become stakes.

Another simple alternative to tent stakes is to wrap up 8-inch screws with tape, both of which can be found in any hardware store. Wooden shanks can also be used but steel screws penetrate the ground much better. The biggest advantage of using screws is that they do not bend and go through the hard ground easily.

Just in case you forget to bring stakes or are missing a stake there is an alternative way to keep your shelter stead-fast. Look for a heavy log, or a big rock near your shelter and bring it closer to your shelter. Use your guy lines, and tie them around the rock or the log. Keep the log at an angle where your guy lines can easily go around the log/ rock and not distort the shape of your shelter. During heavy winds, the log might move and you’ll need to find a way to stop that from happening. Look for smaller pieces of woods or stones nearby and lodge them tightly below your rock/ log and on the sides to prevent it from shaking.

Q: What are camping stakes and why do I need them?

A: 

Stakes are an accessory that is specifically designed to help you anchor down a tent, ensuring that it will not blow away in strong winds or float away in heavy rain. Most tents come with a set of stakes included in the purchase However, the stakes that are provided, usually are not durable and break within a few uses. If you want to ensure that your camping gear stays where you want it,  it’s best to ensure that you are prepared. By investing in a durable set of stakes, you can ensure multiple uses throughout the years, which will save you money in the long run.

Q: Can I reuse my stakes?

A: 

Yes. The best tent stake design is ideal for multiple uses. The best tent stakes can be reused for years, as long as they are taken care of. The easiest way to reuse them is by ensuring that they can easily be driven into the terrain in which you will be camping. By matching the terrain to the durability, you are ensuring that the stake can complete a job and do that job again. If your stakes get a little dirty, a quick soak and wash with soap water will ensure they can be dried and stored for use at a later time. As long as you are using the stakes properly you can save yourself money and use one set for years.

Q: Is it better to get plastic or steel stakes?

A: 

Plastic stakes are most commonly provided with a purchased tent. Plastic can be durable in the moment or for one-time use. However, if you are looking for multiple uses throughout the years, plastic is not recommended.  For long-lasting durability, it is better to invest in metal stakes. Metal provides strength and durability and can easily be used, cleaned, and stored.

Globo Surf Overview

When it comes to your outdoor anchoring needs, finding the best tent stakes is important. With a durable and lightweight stake set, you can be prepared for any adventure. You can have peace of mind using the best tent stakes because they will ensure that your experience is positive and stress-free. The best tent stakes withstand any terrain and any weather condition. If you know exactly what you need and what terrain you will be exploring, you can save time and money by investing in the best tent stakes for your needs.

More Camping Reviews:

Do you own one of the stakes that made it onto our list? Let us know how it has worked for your outdoor needs in the comments section below.

Globo Surf
My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!

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